S. 3845: After Hours Child Care Act

The "After Hours Child Care Act" aims to improve access to child care services for parents who work nontraditional hours, such as evenings, nights, weekends, or shifts that require attendance within seven days of the work schedule. The act intends to address the needs of these working parents with young children, helping them remain employed, pursue career advancements, and save money.

Establishment of a Fund

The bill proposes the creation of a "Child Care and Development Innovation Fund" which will facilitate grants to eligible entities for specific projects aimed at enhancing child care services. The fund's primary focus will be on:

• Expanding existing child care programs serving families with parents working nontraditional hours.
• Creating new enrollment contracts with eligible child care providers or exploring partnerships to better serve these families.
• Planning and assessing child care needs, including outreach to current providers.
• Establishing or expanding onsite child care programs at workplaces.

Grant Details

The Secretary of Health and Human Services will establish a pilot program that provides grants on a competitive basis within 90 days of the law's enactment. Key details include:

• Duration: Grants will be awarded for a maximum duration of five years and cannot be renewed.
• Amount: Grants will range from $25,000 to $500,000 depending on the project.
• Cost Sharing: Grant recipients must provide a non-federal share of 25% of the project's costs.

Eligible Entities

Eligible entities to receive these grants include:

• Individual child care providers.
• Partnerships between child care providers and agencies or organizations that can support child care services.

Application Process

Entities seeking grants must submit an application detailing:

• The activities to be funded.
• The objectives aimed to be achieved through the funding, including intended population served and anticipated improvement in service quality or quantity.

Use of Funds

Funds received through grants may be utilized for various activities, such as:

• Staffing child care programs.
• Improving facilities and equipment.
• Enhancing program curriculum.
• Helping providers meet health and safety standards and achieve proper licensure.
• Purchasing necessary items for operation.
• Training staff on safe child care practices.

Reporting Requirements

The Secretary will be tasked with reporting to Congress every two years on the outcomes of the funded activities, which will include:

• The number of children served and their parents' employment status.
• Overall impacts on child care availability.
• Progress towards objectives set in grant applications.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes $10 million to be appropriated over the fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support the initiatives outlined in this act.

Relevant Companies

None found