Funder Huddle on Proposed Changes to Child Care & Supporting Stakeholder Comment

The federal Administration for Children and Families has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) which proposes important changes to the Child Care and Development Fund that would help families and providers.

• For families: the NPRM would limit parent copayments to under 7% of family income and allow states to waive copayment for families up to 150% of the federal poverty level (rather than up to 100% of the FPL now).
• For providers: the NPRM would require states to pay for children based on enrollment and prospectively rather than as a reimbursement.

Public comment on the proposed changes is due by August 28, 2023.  These proposals will generate opposition, so it is important for the agency to hear from many stakeholders during the 45 day comment period.  See ECFC’s comments on this important policy input opportunity, and ideas for what funders can do.

ECFC will offered two opportunities for funders (July 27th and August 2nd) to discuss the NPRM and ideas for foundations to encourage and support stakeholders to comment.  Funders who missed these discussions or would like to connect around ways to support stakeholder comment during the comment period can contact ECFC.