H.R. 9224: Child Care Modernization Act of 2026

This bill would reauthorize and update federal child care grant programs and add new support aimed at making child care more available, affordable, and higher quality.

Changes to existing child care grants

The bill would modernize the rules for federal child care assistance. It would broaden some definitions, require states to do more planning, and change how payments are set so that rates are more closely tied to the actual cost of providing care. It would also require lower family copayments in some cases, extend how long certain families can keep receiving help after their income rises, and add more emphasis on improving the child care workforce.

New supply and facilities grant program

The bill would create a new grant program to help increase the supply of child care. States, tribes, and territories could use these grants to support:

• starting new child care providers,
• expanding existing providers, and
• improving or repairing child care facilities.

These grants would be aimed at qualified providers, with priority given to areas with child care shortages and to children and families considered more vulnerable.

Reporting and oversight

The bill would require additional reporting on topics such as affordability, access to child care, and progress toward program goals. This is meant to give policymakers more information about how the system is working.

Other provisions

The bill would make some technical corrections and would exempt licensed child care businesses from certain USDA loan restrictions.

Relevant Companies

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