118 HR 9901 IH: Child Care for America Act of 2024
U.S. House of Representatives
2024-10-01
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EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
1.Short title; table of contents(a)This Act may be cited as the Child Care for America Act of 2024
.(b)The table of contents of this Act is the following:Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.Title I—Child Care for AmericaSec. 101. Definitions.Sec. 102. Funding.Sec. 103. Child care for America grant program.Title II—Stay-at-Home Parent Child Care Support Program Sec. 201. Definitions.Sec. 202. Establishment of stay-at-home parent support benefit program.Sec. 203. Funding authorization and allocation.Sec. 204. Application process.Sec. 205. Responsibilities of the Secretary of the Treasury.Sec. 206. Responsibilities of the Secretary.Sec. 207. Coordination.Sec. 208. Waste, fraud, and abuse.Sec. 209. Outreach and education.Sec. 210. Evaluation metrics.Sec. 211. Sunset provision/reauthorization requirement.Sec. 212. Interaction with other benefits.Sec. 213. Benefit structure and payment mechanism.Title III—Kin Care: Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Care ProgramSec. 301. Definitions.Sec. 302. Authorization of appropriations.Sec. 303. Parent roles and responsibilities in the FFN Care Program.Sec. 304. FFN provider responsibilities in the Kin Care Program.Sec. 305. Child care practices for family, friend, and neighbor providers.Sec. 306. FFN provider verification procedures and ongoing monitoring.Sec. 307. FFN Provider Payment Process.Sec. 308. Data privacy and security measures.Sec. 309. Transition to licensed family child care.Sec. 310. Supports for serving children with special needs.Sec. 311. Collaboration with other early childhood programs.Sec. 312. Evaluation and research.Sec. 313. Community engagement for the Kin Care Program.<enum>I</enum><header>Child Care for America</header><section id="HBC466028BFDE4DEAAB04C45BFD08B6F4"><enum>101.</enum><header>Definitions</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">For purposes of this Act:</text><paragraph id="H1CBDE2FC4B8948A7B9480010C0FED509"><enum>(1)</enum><header>eligible child</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term<quote>eligible child</quote> means a child who is below the age of 6 and not yet in kindergarten, with no other eligibility conditions unless the context specifies otherwise.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H2B7E51270EA4401BA9DD0A80F81E2AFE"><enum>(2)</enum><header>eligible child care provider</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Unless the context specifies otherwise, the term <quote>eligible child care provider</quote> is any program that provides child care which—</text><subparagraph id="H50B6F29DF2E44CFBA8FA24AE88EF24A8"><enum>(A)</enum><text>is not an individual who is related to all children from whom child care services are provided;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H9B2D9A56FAA54C0EB3ADD3767951D813"><enum>(B)</enum><text>is licensed, regulated or registered under State law; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H1CC028C434CD49989705EA2D756A6C59"><enum>(C)</enum><text> agrees to requirements as laid out in this Act.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H65CD47C3D0C04BE8A1117681052306CA"><enum>(3) </enum><header>Eligible family</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <quote>eligible family</quote> means—</text><subparagraph id="H5FA89809978543019AE85062F4F9FBE2"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a married couple with a combined annual income not exceeding $250,000;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H0926654C2B1549688D80B0898FA9FBA7"><enum>(B)</enum><text>an individual with an annual income not exceeding $125,000; or</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H76776B1633414823BD63618063AAF4BB"><enum>(C)</enum><text>a family under 85 percent State median income.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HACE88FB64BD74865A7B72DAA14CD3ECB"><enum>(4)</enum><header>low-income</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term “low-income” means an eligible child with a family income that is not more than 85 percent of State median income.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H64ABB7A470EC49D7978649EC0F2FE936"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Secretary</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <quote>Secretary</quote> means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H048DE359B0D24192B5AD9AA73687794D"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Tribal organization</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <quote>Tribal organization</quote> means the recognized governing body of any Native tribe, or any legally established organization of Natives, which is controlled, sanctioned or chartered by such governing body or which is democratically elected by the adult members of the Native community to be served by such organization and which includes the maximum participation of Natives in all phases of its activities.</text></paragraph></section><section id="HCF114D1A6383402E9C0A78973C4FE4CC"><enum>102.</enum><header>Funding</header><subsection id="H345B6851ED454FCDB5D3E0A245766E2C"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">To carry out this title, there are authorized to be appropriated—</text><paragraph id="HA4C9F25C80354DE387A5CBA0E48F196B"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">$78,000,000,000 for fiscal years 2024 through 2028, and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H4B8CF137F55D4D0E8D6DAFB57DE5E4C2"><enum>(2)</enum><text>$78,000,000,000 for fiscal years 2029 through 2034.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H836761FCE7A640979B4EF992397F0C9E"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Uses of funds</header><paragraph id="HC85D6FF7D3B74B66B510268FC1341543"><enum>(1)</enum><header>fiscal years 2024 through 2028</header><text>Funds appropriated for fiscal years 2024 through 2028 shall be distributed to States under section 658O(b) of the Child care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 <external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/19/9858m">19 U.S.C. 9858m(b)</external-xref>).</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H3B4742BA655148CE94413F6A1407213B"><enum>(2)</enum><header>requirements</header><subparagraph id="H487C3C07541E4FA3973C99FD9A0287D3"><enum>(A)</enum><header>matching funds</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">To be eligible to received funds under this title—</text><clause id="H576D31E65A514BE0A53F2AC8F80583D5"><enum>(i)</enum><text>in fiscal years 2026 and 2027, a State shall agree to match at least 5 percent of Federal funds; and</text></clause><clause id="H00337B646D5F4F6E8AD3FA6187F23A22"><enum>(ii)</enum><text> in fiscal years 2028 through 2034, a State shall agree to match at least 10 percent.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HC71F2AB08C124B42A53529B6C839EFCB"><enum>(B)</enum><header>maintenance of effort</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">To be eligible to receive funds under this title for a fiscal year a State shall—</text><clause id="H65F9F26C31614E6CB0E3AC38B0754A17"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">agree spend at least as much as the average of its expenditures on child care services. over the previous 3 previous fiscal years; and</text></clause><clause id="H6D61DC16E08B4C85ACCF15D536F9828C"><enum>(ii) </enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">use such funds to supplement not supplant other Federal, State, or local public funds to support child care services;</text></clause><clause id="H29C143AB03B44E87AB936693BDCD40B5"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>continue spending its own funds on child care services, not just Federal funds.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HAFE3BED61D654E1C9F32AC39B7CBE3AA"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Allocation of funds</header><text>To carry out this Act—</text><paragraph id="HA760506F8F274F9F9F3C6410A736CA37"><enum>(1)</enum><text>funds appropriated to carry out the section 4 shall be allocated—</text><subparagraph id="H3851AE9433B9457083C95AAEFB6822C3"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to carry out a child care program for low- and moderate- income parents,</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H404E8AA86605407A9A4DF2D1C87F6850"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to carry out a Parent Fee Reduction Program with $20,000,000,000 annually every fiscal year from fiscal year 2024 through fiscal year 2034; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HC3A93A55708849C9B0EBF238C09F2D7F"><enum>(C)</enum><text>to establish a Worker Wage Ladder; </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H98CDF05E6D88456881246DFB76AD715F"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to implement a Child care Facilities Fund with $250,000,000 annually every fiscal year from fiscal year 2024 through fiscal year 2034;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HD4B8578B072141998D696C83987E3083"><enum>(3)</enum><text>to implement a Homecare Fund with $250,000,000 annually every fiscal year from fiscal year 2024 through fiscal year 2034; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HB7A4A8D2880E4A1980FA8940DBD46D78"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to implement a Child Care Innovation Fund with $250,000,000 annually every fiscal year from fiscal year 2024 through fiscal year 2034.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H00BDBE189DF841A2B48B1771590EA01A"><enum>103.</enum><header>Child care for America grant program</header><subsection id="HDEA7355D361B4579805F749F04AF4445"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment of program</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall establish and carry out a grant program entitled the <quote>Child care for America Grant Program</quote> to make grants to States and Tribal organizations to provide child care services in accordance with this section.</text></subsection><subsection id="HD1983A79343347419893422C7BE05C03"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Allocation of funds</header><text>Of the funds appropriated for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall—</text><paragraph id="H847F52C061194F7690A3BEA1E6B67ED8"><enum>(1) </enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">reserve for Tribal organizations a portion of such funds based on the number of eligible children served by the Tribal organization and the demonstrated need for child care services in the Tribal community, and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H55C2DB1677D94A7BB07DF5A91F62559D"><enum>(2)</enum><text>allocate the remainder of such funds for grants to eligible States to provide child care services.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H0CEBF111F8C14E6AAE8C77AEF3AB9ECF"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Eligibility of States</header><text>To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a State shall submit to the Secretary an application that includes—</text><paragraph id="H612FF722266740E98567811518F57E63"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">identification of the lead agency and key contact information;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H5EBEBC447A154777B1CDC8905ABA5303"><enum>(2)</enum><text>a description of the lead agency's roles, responsibilities, and organizational structure for administering the grant program;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HE7FF9131003648928C26D568140C8F76"><enum>(3)</enum><text>a certification that the State will comply with all requirements of this section and applicable Federal laws and regulations;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H0B81BA924FDF4EBEAE3BFA0F1B82C81E"><enum>(4)</enum><text>an assurance that the State will administer the program in a manner that supports equal access and parental flexibility in child care services pursuant to assurances States are making to receive such funds;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HA98A92E86AAD40C58378B26374E8A2BE"><enum>(5)</enum><text>a detailed plan for conducting meaningful consultation with stakeholders, including parents, child care providers, employers, child care workers, and local government representatives, in the development and implementation of the program; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HFED8B132BEFF42289FED178E869C446D"><enum>(6)</enum><text>a proposed time line for implementing key components of the program, including—</text><subparagraph id="H34783975D3834783BB23BEA17A9C92FC"><enum>(A)</enum><text>providing advance disbursement of parent fees and wage supplements, subgranting with eligible providers, and establishing a wage and benefits ladder;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H20F234C78EC74139A06BAACD7DE06B06"><enum>(B)</enum><text>a description of the State's process for determining eligibility and prioritizing eligible child care providers for subgrants and funding;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H89913389010048B38953A6A617EE6171"><enum>(C)</enum><text>the State's proposed formula for allocating subgrant amounts to eligible providers pursuant to section 103(m);</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HFBCCB37C7EA14BFC8664923C416C6467"><enum>(D)</enum><text>an outline of the State's plan for establishing and implementing a wage and benefits ladder for staff of eligible providers receiving assistance;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H4590A8B18E114F9FAA72870ECB3598B0"><enum>(E)</enum><text>a plan for providing wage supplements to staff of eligible providers within 12 months of the program's implementation;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HFE9FA0F95B634EF9884077E8DEFDB647"><enum>(F)</enum><text>a description of the State's strategies for increasing access to high-quality child care services for underserved populations, including low-income families, children with disabilities, and families in need of non-traditional hour care;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HEE535C0468FA445EBF295F7F907975EE"><enum>(G)</enum><text>a plan for conducting data collection and reporting on the use of funds and the effectiveness of the program;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H18B39BCBAF524FF1B2850092C4F4A0E7"><enum>(H)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">any reasonable and relevant information or assurances required by the Secretary of Health and Human Services;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H2D07C4C07FD24273B951045662E0EAD4"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the Secretary will review the applications and provide feedback or requests for additional information as needed;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H2AA5A70FD8CA4E54B6618A6388CC865E"><enum>(J)</enum><text>funds allocated to States and Tribal organizations under this section shall be used in accordance with the requirements and priorities outlined in subsection (f); and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H77050B3BE34A41C6958BEAB98C294243"><enum>(K)</enum><text>applications shall be approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services before the State can receive grant funding.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HA330E76DF4E949DCB83B00D28B3605FD"><enum>(d) </enum><header>Eligibility of lead agency</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">To receive grant funding the lead agency shall agree to the following certifications and assurances—</text><paragraph id="H2559B1BDAADD414CA1B89E8A50F5FA7C"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">all communities in their State or respective territory will be served;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H40C8873016A84E76953D185A36136E23"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline"> establish and administer a system for subgranting with eligible child care providers to cover annual operational expenses pursuant to subsection (i) of this section and subsection (m) of this section;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HA35B21C6F5BC40FCAF27E83BB8640041"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">establish a wage and benefits ladder for staff of eligible child care providers receiving assistance under this grant, including assurances that wage and benefits for such staff, at minimum will meet subsection (p) of this section;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H537A9623400C426397DBF6295331737C"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">within the first 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the State will establish a system for providing wage supplements to all full time and part-time staff members of eligible child care providers pursuant to subsection (p) of this section;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H12FC4AAA3D5E490EBA7E628492E938E0"><enum>(5)</enum><text>within the first 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the State shall provide every eligible child care provider, who is accepted with—</text><subparagraph id="H14A723C7E4B74C5CB90A28704D5EE39A"><enum>(A)</enum><text> 50 percent of their total parent fees charged in the previous fiscal year,</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H67B440845BB34B08AED5C92954288BF2"><enum>(B)</enum><text> advance wage supplement disbursements; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA5F635C0F3EA40F69CE43734E3C435B6"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">an assurance that programs already offering free services shall continue doing so, pursuant to subsection (h) of this section;</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H2CE7010179D948DB8E67F8D866DA446B"><enum>(6)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">will provide necessary accommodations to ensure family child care, faith-based care, care during non-traditional hours, and care for children with disabilities are available, equitable and viable options for families, including but not limited to offering an incentive for providers to expand care offerings during non-traditional hours;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HB9DD5B023EE542D7B3BF1B34C9C31B4F"><enum>(7)</enum><text>reserve no more than 5 percent of grants to administer subgrants, provide technical assistance and support for applicants to apply for and access the grant opportunity and to carry out the activities in this Act;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H0FBAE40E225D4052BB6FC5A4BD2FC6EF"><enum>(8)</enum><text>existing health and safety measures will be continued;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H55E630A6C372446EA4BA43AC42615DD3"><enum>(9)</enum><text>provide explanations to the Secretary as necessary; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HF3010186E9254D44A8641AB045BEFAB4"><enum>(10) </enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">States may reserve up to 5 percent of their total grant allocation each fiscal year for administrative costs associated with implementing this section, including activities such as developing and implementing the State plan, providing technical assistance to child care providers, conducting monitoring and oversight, and compensating parents for providing input to the lead agency. This compensation shall be used to ensure consumers are included in the development of the State plan prior to submission and as an advisory body thereafter.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HAC0E8C03A3254A159B6D71EC76EAAF2D"><enum>(e)</enum><header> Eligibility of Tribal organizations</header><paragraph id="H1429214106D249A3A98FEFDEEEE0BC4B"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Tribal organizations are eligible to apply for and receive funding under this section.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HA2224ADA00FD4B97900C21188E33AB79"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The Secretary shall reserve a portion of the total appropriation for the program each fiscal year to be allocated to Tribal organizations based on the number of eligible children served by the Tribal organization and the demonstrated need for child care services in the Tribal community.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H1E36348597BE4E768AA76F92FB1EACD4"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline"> Tribal organizations that receive funding under this section shall comply with all the requirements outlined in the ‘‘Requirements for States Administering Subgrants to Eligible Child care Providers’’ section except that they may use their own Tribal licensing, regulatory, or monitoring systems in lieu of State systems, provided that such Tribal systems meet minimum Federal standards as established by the Secretary.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HEF2D291AFE394E9AAB6F7758E697EF08"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Tribal organizations that receive funding under the program established in this section are eligible to apply for and receive additional funding under the Low-Moderate Income Fee Reduction Program. Tribal organizations shall comply with all the requirements outlined in subsection (n)(7) of this section, except that they may use their own median income data and eligibility criteria, provided that such criteria align with the overall goals and requirements of the program.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H2DE00A5B1B194E3BBFB2609857F36766"><enum>(5)</enum><text>Tribal organizations that receive funding under this section may reserve up to 15 percent of their total grant allocation each fiscal year for administrative costs, in recognition of the unique challenges and costs associated with administering child care programs in Tribal communities.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HD53E9547616142FF8246FCF4901FCED7"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Use of Funds</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Funds appropriated to carry out the program under this section shall be used to support the provision of high-quality, affordable child care services for eligible, children and families, in accordance with the requirements and priorities established in this section.</text><paragraph id="H1204368CE44C4CA2BABFF7620C19D325"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Particular uses</header><text>State and Tribal organizations shall use the funds to—</text><subparagraph id="HDE18B6F69DC745B49DADCB324D82C590"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">expand access to child care services, especially for low-income families and underserved populations;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H516FF9426BBD48E2952EEFE05A21631D"><enum>(B)</enum><text>improve the quality of child care services through investments in workforce development, facilities and other key areas;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HF221A049586F42838B71CAF6ED2B25F3"><enum>(C)</enum><text>provide financial assistance to eligible families to help them access child care services; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H1530CF3928194538ADC4F4E7C23C185B"><enum>(D)</enum><text>support the implementation and administration of the grant received under this section and related initiatives.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H058F76C1D29A4DBABB0556D02A85A41A"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Specific Allocations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">States and Tribal organizations will allocate funds received under this section in accordance with the following requirements:</text><subparagraph id="H84D421D9485B4E7081B82F52044C6291"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">At least 70 percent of the funds shall be used to provide direct services to eligible children and families, including through grants and subgrants with eligible child care providers and other initiatives designed to expand access and affordability.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H6F33C544CAC24EC9A215B295DD1FA453"><enum>(B) </enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">At least 10 percent of the funds shall be used for quality improvement activities that are defined and co-created with families and the child care workforce.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H577910BF9E644EA6BBDFEE63232836FA"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">No more than 5 percent of the funds may be used for State or Tribal administrative costs, as outlined in subsections (i) and (e) of this section.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H3EB583FD844B4296BC177B1D8853526E"><enum>(D)</enum><text>Remaining funds may be used for other activities that support the goals and requirements of this section, as approved by the Secretary.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HB5F99C7CE656493CA138BDDA43624DDF"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Prohibited uses</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Funds appropriated under this section shall not be used for the following:</text><subparagraph id="H813271D5BAE94C9284A4249DBB244889"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The purchase or improvement of land, or the purchase, construction, or permanent improvement of any building or facility, except as authorized under the Quality Child Care Facilities Grant Program established in subsection (p)(9) of this section.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H5DD6E9D5C3DA40EA9D9B850ADF0D5000"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Any sectarian purpose or activity, including religious worship or instruction.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H00381FF028564753B1EB92C3A28EC445"><enum>(C)</enum><text>Any lobbying or political activity, as defined by the Secretary.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HAE3C90C5BB0241E187DF459747EF2AAB"><enum>(D)</enum><text>Any other purpose or activity that is not consistent with the goals and requirements of this section, as determined by the Secretary.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H2C5C49E1EACC42998640CF7490FC3D23"><enum>(4)</enum><header>reporting and accountability</header><subparagraph id="HEDAC19D6CF3C4D009DF3D46DBD5EDF4C"><enum>(A)</enum><text>States and tribal organizations receiving funds under the child care for America Grant Program shall maintain detailed records on the use of funds and shall submit annual reports to the Secretary on the allocation and impact of these funds.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HD4C8D9CE00F54ADDA5CEB80E48D78AA6"><enum>(B)</enum><text>The Secretary shall establish reporting requirements and performance measures to ensure that funds are being used effectively and in accordance with the requirements of this Act.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H78E86757ED5648FEA814D21E74D60B86"><enum>(C)</enum><text>The Secretary shall have the authority to withhold or recapture funds from States or tribal organizations that fail to comply with the requirements of this Act or that do not demonstrate adequate progress toward meeting the goals and priorities established in their State or tribal plans.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H5C10A81BEB124217A23B20EA2D8BB95A"><enum>(g)</enum><header>preventing waste, fraud and abuse</header><paragraph id="HED93A7AB40C54995A4EC92870384A6E3"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Policy and Practices</header><subparagraph id="H0DA67C71F5764569A202ABBFA7601D82"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">States and tribal organizations receiving funds under this section will have in place policies and practices that reduce the risk of waste, fraud and abuse including:</text><clause id="HF7B8878610904DD194B35CFDF140BE91"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Establish procedures for verifying the accuracy of the reported parent fees. Such procedures should be as streamlined as reasonably possible in order to minimize administrative burden on providers.</text></clause><clause id="HE032D2AD28984A599CC2B128015CCCD9"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Monitoring child care providers to ensure compliance with program requirements, with a focus on supporting providers to meet these requirements rather than punitive measures. This monitoring shall be conducted in a manner that is culturally responsive, minimizes administrative burden, and prioritizes program quality and child well-being over strict procedural compliance.</text></clause><clause id="H79A0FF63CC5B4CFF814169369BB710B0"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>Maintaining records sufficient to document compliance with program requirements through appropriate measures, including investigating and recovering fraudulent payments and imposing sanctions on clients or providers in response to fraud.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H9F9B1BCCAA304E22BA8115FD43041850"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Internal controls and accountability measures</header><clause id="H10CF0E9157954659A54D24FEDD59EDFE"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Internal controls</header><text>States and Tribal organizations receiving funds under this section shall have in place effective internal control procedures to ensure integrity and accountability in the program, including—</text><subclause id="H4E90EDFA844A4BAFB3E0C7CB37D96161" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">fiscal controls and accounting procedures sufficient to permit the tracing of funds to a level of expenditure adequate to establish that these funds have not been used in violation of the provisions of this Act or any other applicable Federal or State law;</text></subclause><subclause id="HC8423B3985CE4955855EAFD580571E48"><enum>(II)</enum><text>record keeping requirements sufficient to ensure that all expenditures and receipts are accounted for and available for audit and examination; and</text></subclause><subclause id="HFDE3939101ED4D5794751B2B01791B9C"><enum>(III)</enum><text>regular monitoring and inspection of child care providers to ensure compliance with health, safety, and quality standards, as well as proper use of grant funds.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="H888BAD7DFE104C0BB8E81AE49EC19EE0"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Guidance</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary will issue guidance and provide technical assistance to States and Tribal organizations on implementing effective internal control procedures and will monitor compliance through regular reporting and oversight.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HF53263F0FD70496891B650BD820489CC"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Eligibility determination and verification</header><subparagraph id="HB9DC360F2F7D4F13AF337EEED8E06CBC"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Verification</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">States and Tribal organizations will have in place procedures for documenting and verifying the eligibility of children and families for assistance under this section, including—</text><clause id="HFD84A1794B92426283AA1FAE02002C86"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">verifying family income through automatic enrollment if already enrolled in another public assistance program or by pay stubs, tax returns or other reliable sources which can be submitted electronically (the State agency should make verification as simple and efficient to reduce the burden on families to prove their eligibility) or other reliable resources;</text></clause><clause id="H81766ECBC462404B82E8D1DAD18BEEC4"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>establishing eligibility redetermination periods of a minimum of 12 months, with provisions for interim reporting of changes in income or employment status; and</text></clause><clause id="H3A544C27956446FCAE78B20E11A39F90"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>safeguarding the confidentiality and security of eligibility information and records, in accordance with applicable Federal and State privacy laws.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H568434692E50480FBD5227DB4A537564"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Guidance</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall provide guidance and technical assistance to States and Tribal organizations on implementing effective eligibility determination and verification procedures, and shall monitor compliance through regular reporting and oversight.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H0470677E8B734E38A776664D2C8F7C50"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Identification of risk</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">States and Tribal organizations will identify areas of risk for waste, fraud and abuse in their program under this sections, including conducting criminal background checks on child care providers, including prospective providers, in accordance with Federal requirements.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HE6BEFB6DD0F346828EF0413C1660E105"><enum>(4)</enum><header>training and technical assistance</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary will provide training and technical assistance to States and Tribal organizations on effective policies and practices for preventing waste, fraud, and abuse, including—</text><subparagraph id="H8F079C1282294048918FE3BEEABD6593"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">conducting periodic training for State and Tribal staff on identifying and preventing fraud,</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H249515D29C564E5DA1BB6728965C3E6B"><enum>(B)</enum><text>providing guidance on implementing risk assessment tools and procedures, and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HDE99436B80CC4C36A2F4A5D25762B554"><enum>(C)</enum><text>developing and disseminating best practices for monitoring child care providers and enforcing program requirements.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H9789ECC8B0C849E3802BB227EE98F8A1"><enum>(5)</enum><header>reporting and investigation</header><subparagraph id="H6AF93C6C106245D68743EBDEE5ED06A8"><enum>(A)</enum><header>procedures</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">States and Tribal organizations will have procedures in place for reporting and investigating suspected cases of waste, fraud and abuse including—</text><clause id="HE7448040717347F7994CB0FBD76BD9A9"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">establishing mechanisms for the public to report suspected fraud, such as hotlines or online reporting systems;</text></clause><clause id="HEB70BD466451405AB1FADEA82CAFE0C1"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>conducting prompt and thorough investigations of suspected fraud, in coordination with law enforcement agencies and as appropriate;</text></clause><clause id="HA15A153029E940779A0AB127F1D89DDE"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>referring substantiated cases of fraud for criminal prosecution and taking steps to recover fraudulent payments; and</text></clause><clause id="H2C89B685DFBF453FB8001A08C1010D0A"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>reporting instances of waste, fraud and abuse to the Secretary, along with any actions taken in response.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H17A97EC38D364B22A164545601BB6BD1"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Transparency and public reporting</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">States and Tribal organization will make available to the public, in a consumer friendly and easily accessible format—</text><clause id="H0E608E90B8C04DBABD66745F16758636"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the results of monitoring and inspection reports for child care providers, including any violation of health, safety or quality standards and any corrective actions taken;</text></clause><clause id="HBD3A89E38D154389A0E29688F23476D6"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>aggregate data on the number of serious injuries, deaths, and substantiated cases of child abuse or neglect occurring in child care settings, by provider type and licensing status; and</text></clause><clause id="H3A74F054E9D2417393A676C4A3ED313B"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">information on the availability and quality of child care services in different geographic areas and for different age groups and populations. At minimum, such information should include gathering data from parents and practitioners in a way that is reasonably representative of the State.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA6DE7A0A060443FD81FA778B428CADDF"><enum>(C) </enum><header>Annual reports</header><text>The Secretary will compile and publish annual reports on the implementation and outcomes of the program established in this section, including data on program enrollment, expenditures and service delivery, as well as any instance of waste, fraud or abuse identified and corrective actions taken.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HED1BFF14B0AB49B99706B35D148803EE"><enum>(6)</enum><header>penalties and sanctions</header><subparagraph id="H009FBD926E6A4773AD84CCD5A300C716"><enum>(A)</enum><header>procedures</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">States and Tribal organizations shall have in place procedures for imposing penalties and sanctions on child care providers or clients who engage in waste, fraud or abuse, including—</text><clause id="HF53C3F9A0DC64EB2870F1EB273CB7686"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">terminating the eligibility of clients who engage in fraud and disqualifying them from future participation in the program;</text></clause><clause id="HADE3971DA0664296A10A1BD7D01D5CE0"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>suspending or terminating the eligibility of providers who engage in fraud and prohibiting them from receiving future payments under the program; and</text></clause><clause id="H7C68D06201B24C90A3DAA4D2CFF98880"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>recovering fraudulent payments from providers or clients through repayment plans or other means. </text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H93AA666CF4DC4A0F86DBE8BAA6376F42"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Fraud detection and repayment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">States and Tribal organizations shall have in place for identifying and investigating possible instances of fraud by child care providers or recipients of assistance under the this section, including—</text><clause id="HA9F150E2FAB941839A35B8A3CBA5C635"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">conducting regular audits and reviews of provider records and claims for reimbursement, using risk-based sampling, and targeting methods;</text></clause><clause id="H1B07F950C3654ADFB667EA472B6E5ABB"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>establishing mechanism for reporting suspected fraud by the public, including anomalously and for protecting whistleblowers from retaliation; and</text></clause><clause id="H4D53A87AE6D847FC9AF02E343E595CA7"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>promptly referring substantiated cases of fraud to law enforcement for criminal investigation and prosecution.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HFD346DC79B0F4A0C8605B425763E5F51"><enum>(C)</enum><header>penalty</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any child care provider or recipient of assistance found to have engaged in fraud shall be subject to repayment of all misused funds, plus interest and penalties, and shall be disqualified from future participation in the program for a period of not less than five years.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H826E64AF0E0443D48E5588A6C3045933"><enum>(D)</enum><header>guidance and technical assistance</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall provide guidance and technical assistance to States and Tribal organizations on implementing effective fraud detection and repayment procedures and shall monitor compliance through regular reporting and oversight.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H7F88DB53AD36449B8A5A0E671630ED92"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Federal oversight</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary will monitor State and Tribal compliance with the requirements of this section through—</text><subparagraph id="H9C69E840FF184A29BC3FA3E8E6D70B27"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">reviewing and approving State and Tribal plans for preventing waste, fraud or abuse;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H1DE7645A19D14AF3AD4EF0A7524502EE"><enum>(B)</enum><text>conducting periodic reviews and audits of State and Tribal programs to identify potential instances of waste, fraud, or abuse; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H604786535078463B8C1E195F28C4EECE"><enum>(C)</enum><text>investigating and taking enforcement action in response to substantiated cases of waste, fraud or abuse, including imposing penalties on States or Tribal organizations that fail to comply with the program requirements.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HCEB57AB87C47466A9ED84897897704E6"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Income eligibility</header><paragraph id="H50BC4DCE81CC49469B65A09F8837CC4D"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Only eligible families, as defined in section 101, may access the $10 per day child care program under this grant.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HD9C00E1D6EF64FA4A94C0D5E6F186D84"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Families with incomes exceeding the thresholds specified in section 101 are not eligible for the $10 per day program but may still access child care services at rates determined by the State, subject to the other provisions of this Act.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HFF823093BA894092906B3A370CF19676"><enum>(3)</enum><text>States shall establish procedures to verify family income annually and to adjust eligibility accordingly.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HF343DBF4B50D4AA9BBC7E65029928216"><enum>(4)</enum><text>The Secretary shall adjust the income thresholds specified in section 101 annually for inflation, using the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI–U) as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H6FD8ABCC3E1249869B1C40A976BCAF24"><enum>(i)</enum><header>initial funding for eligible child care providers</header><paragraph id="H5546F8E55AC0437D96C424B05B446B15"><enum>(1)</enum><header>amount of funds</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Within 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, each State shall provide all eligible child care providers whose applications have been accepted with the sum of the following:</text><subparagraph id="H8BBD9CFD6A6448B4A5BDE95D9EE49FB3"><enum>(A)</enum><text> An amount equal to 50 percent of the total parent fees charged by the provider in the previous fiscal year.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H020832F8382E49A8B473B46486516B36"><enum>(B)</enum><text> Disbursements of wage supplements for the provider's staff, as determined by the State's wage and benefits ladder established under this Act.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H00B268A180F24F529C2358360A641624"><enum>(2)</enum><header>base level of funds</header><text>The amounts provided in this section will serve as the base level of funding for each eligible child care provider on an annual basis until the provider enters a permanent subgrant with the State under this Act.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HECB6310D085543AB8EFCD6387246BAA1"><enum>(3)</enum><header>disbursement of funds</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">States will disburse the funds described in subsection (a) to eligible child care providers within 12 months of the date of enactment of this Act, regardless of whether the provider's application for a permanent subgrant is still pending review or approval amount.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H5AF42984F5764644BF886A8880B1A70B"><enum>(4)</enum><header>amount</header><text>In determining the amount of—</text><subparagraph id="H82040541EFC442D7A8335C7D229B8AB9"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">parent fees charged in the previous fiscal year, the State will—</text><clause id="HBD461171B0B841D88EF279EA9D34C187"><enum>(i)</enum><text>require eligible child care providers to submit documentation or attestation of their total parent fees charged during the applicable fiscal year;</text></clause><clause id="HD39BE99AC6A04545B977E71D3DC9E55A"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>establish procedures for verifying the accuracy of the reported parent fees; and</text></clause><clause id="HD3A5263D04704409B2E1F2B8EDBBEF7F"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>provide guidance to providers on the calculation and reporting of parent fees, including any allowable deductions or adjustments;</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H77BFC90B8EF74CECA00C47247791C167"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in determining the advance disbursements of wage supplements, the State will—</text><clause id="HC8F1EAAB59F344C7822B8CADBF72F3E4"><enum>(i)</enum><text>apply the wage and benefits ladder established in accordance with the requirements of this section;</text></clause><clause id="H83E3030A322D46D8AA3F9E555860AA09"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>require eligible child care providers to submit information on their current staffing levels and compensation rates; and</text></clause><clause id="H9E1B4E60376042EEBCE327588FE76758"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>provide guidance to providers on the calculation and disbursement of wage supplements, including the frequency of payments and any necessary adjustments based on staffing changes or other factors; and</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H682D4896B96D44EF8321B3E670A31A99"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline"> at minimum, States are required to establish procedures for eligible child care providers to appeal or seek reconsideration of the initial funding amounts determined under this section, in cases where the provider believes an error or miscalculation has occurred.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HCF52951DE75542A48884D91667F2711B"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Guidance</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary will issue regulations and guidance as necessary to ensure consistent and equitable implementation of this section by States, including standards for documentation, verification, and calculation of initial funding amounts.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H39D58FB773564724B51420E68AE841C1"><enum>(j)</enum><header>requirements for States administering subgrants to eligible child care providers</header><paragraph id="HACEB8D6213C5485585BBC1D52E8B0F9D"><enum>(1)</enum><header>subgrants</header><text>To receive funds under this subsection, each State will establish a program for subgranting with eligible child care providers within 3 years of enactment of this section.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H4372826908DC492DB6A0AE7FE46D4A63"><enum>(2)</enum><header>purpose</header><text>The purpose of this program is to ensure affordable, accessible, and high-quality child care options for families.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H2470425300604711B95A19731C1046A7"><enum>(3)</enum><header>definition of State</header><text>For the purpose of this subsection the term <quote>State</quote> includes Tribal organizations. Tribal organizations that receive funding under this subsection shall comply with all requirements outlined in this subsection, except that they may use Tribal licensing, regulatory, or monitoring systems in lieu of State systems, provided that such Tribal systems meet minimum Federal standards as established by the Secretary.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H48241183BED94660853E34EB0315357D"><enum>(4)</enum><header>formula</header><text>Within the first 12 months after the enactment of this Act, each State will develop and publish a formula for allocating subgrant amounts to eligible child care providers.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H9EBFEC88914147FE892D083F35249C10"><enum>(5)</enum><header>subgrants program</header><text>To receive funds under this subsection, each State will establish a program for subgrants to eligible child care providers within 3 years of enactment of this Act. The purpose of this program is to ensure affordable, accessible, and high-quality child care options for families.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H11B0393C20844A83A61FA8EE4FC12210"><enum>(6)</enum><header>allocation of subgrants</header><text>Within the first 12 months after the enactment of this Act, each State will develop and publish a formula for allocating subgrant amounts to eligible child care providers. The formula will be used to calculate the operational costs necessary for providers to operate sustainably while maintaining high-quality standards.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H290A37E83B5B4C3F945108C0A7480413"><enum>(7)</enum><header>guidance</header><text>The Secretary will provide guidance and minimum standards for States to follow in developing their subgrant allocation formulas. At a minimum these formulas will consider the following cost components:</text><subparagraph id="HA64A8A6681E4402E93FD9EE2AA95067A"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Personnel costs, including wages, benefits, and professional development.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HEEFF8709CA5742ECB9CEC81B012CA524"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Facility maintenance and improvement costs, including outdoor environments.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H6F18BD3AF322417FA63B95E649897266"><enum>(C)</enum><text>Curricular materials, educational resources and other supplies.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H3E3D7B80675B470AB2CC59C3FDD4339E"><enum>(D)</enum><text>Costs associate with meeting the needs of enrolled children with disabilities or special needs.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H15F5F9B500714557975F6E72256CC906"><enum>(E)</enum><text>Food costs, if applicable.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H864E76DA3A7B485A900753FEF92E9458"><enum>(F)</enum><text>Administrative and operational costs.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H37482ADD403B489FBCF9CAFA79F74952"><enum>(8)</enum><header>submission of subgrant formula</header><text>Each State will submit its proposed subgrant allocation formula to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for review and approval. The Secretary will ensure that formulas comply with the minimum standards and guidance provided.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HD93D394BFF6F46EC9DF0FC1D433DB5B5"><enum>(k)</enum><header>publication of application process for subgrants</header><text>The lead agency in each State will develop and make available on its website an application process for child care providers to apply for and receive subgrants under this program. States will accept, process, and disburse funds for subgrants from eligible child care providers on a rolling and continuous basis pursuant to State Subgrants to Eligible Providers section of this Act. The application shall include at minimum the following:</text><paragraph id="H5FA7BBC30530409BA535EDAD19E34BD0"><enum>(1)</enum><text>The assurances outline in the State Subgrants to Eligible Providers section of this Act.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HF10B4C92DABB46BEB7A009F44FC2D49C"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Process advance disbursement of funds pursuant to the Initial Funding for Child care Providers section of this Act.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H9FB892D330A44337A269BFF8EE88C98E"><enum>(l)</enum><header>priority</header><text>States will establish a process to prioritize the disbursement of funds and the awarding of subgrants to eligible child care providers pursuant to the Low-Moderate Income section of this Act.</text></subsection><subsection id="HDC2CE59B09FD43CEA1077938A1204A3D"><enum>(m)</enum><header>monitoring and compliance</header><text>States will establish a monitoring and oversight system to ensure that subgranted child care providers maintain compliance with the terms of their subgrants, quality standards, and all applicable requirements under this section.</text></subsection><subsection id="HC24560EEDFD44CD38F0BEFF2EB5F889F"><enum>(n)</enum><header>State subgrants to eligible child care providers</header><paragraph id="H4BB12C020ADE4668B23E2364DB653041"><enum>(1)</enum><text>To be eligible to receive a subgrant funded under this section, a child care provider shall—</text><subparagraph id="HCABB54D8522D4212B7E3F4D053CBD984"><enum>(A)</enum><text>be licensed, regulated or registered under State law to provide child care services;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H9958B360AC7E4B949BC21603CFE8248B"><enum>(B)</enum><text>submit an application to the State lead agency and agree to the provider requirements in section c; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H85B20A2359CA440EB47895C23F8D046F"><enum>(C)</enum><text>meet the quality standards established by the State.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HDBA6013F4CCB482ABF40F396A4AC44C3"><enum>(2)</enum><header>child care provider application and selection</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">To receive funds from the State, the child care provider shall do the following:</text><subparagraph id="H95D745393F6D41318684CE59E38D9525"><enum>(A)</enum><text>make the following certifications, assurances:</text><clause id="H8909D989134A4B239CC6A99F18A278BB"><enum>(i)</enum><text>When open and available, to provide child care services, implement policies in line with guidance from their State.</text></clause><clause id="HEC9E333BC5E24C42BDFDC469D3374F70"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>Implement all State health, safety and quality standards and policies.</text></clause><clause id="HD02C56D778D048CFB8B7890DDD148CD5"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>Use subgrant funds solely for allowable expenses outlined in Allowable Use of Subgrant Funds.</text></clause><clause id="H97D60971D80146B58A9A8D3D9C867A44"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>Limit annual increases in parent tuition fees to no more than 3 percent above the prior year.</text></clause><clause id="HFE192C15E19243C6A338BA5544D709F0"><enum>(v)</enum><text>Not charge mandatory parents ancillary fees expect as approved by the lead agency and after written approval from the Secretary.</text></clause><clause id="H3EF27645CBF74C8EB48F0A3B816639E3"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>Cap total executive compensation at no more than 10 times the median employee wage.</text></clause><clause id="H772B4AFB03FA4F4A910C6A65353E5FDA"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>Not use funds for undue profit or to pay interest or dividends to investors.</text></clause><clause id="H03768305881149FEA15AF148D7849CC9"><enum>(viii)</enum><text>Maintain or increase wage and benefits in accordance with Wage Supplement section of this Act.</text></clause><clause id="HE382388B328144F38534536FBEE6BC6A"><enum>(ix)</enum><text>Meet lead teacher qualifications standards pursuant to Lead Teacher Qualifications subsection.</text></clause><clause id="H084B3707EEC240CC853B8A20F256875A"><enum>(x)</enum><text>Prioritize serving low-income populations pursuant to Low-Mod Income. The eligible child care provider will provider relief from co-payments and tuition payments for the families enrolled in the providers program, to the extent possible, with the goal of fees not exceeding $10 a day for full-time care. If available funds do not allow for this goal to be met, providers shall prioritize relief for families struggling to make either type of payment pursuant to Low- to Moderate-Income section.</text></clause><clause id="H84C9B6B0E95B46C2BF640F7B75B2AA47"><enum>(xi)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">not engage in a sale-leaseback transaction that leaves a provider site with more debt than it previously held.</text></clause><clause id="HE09FB8FB595B421F8580EEFC6964C42B"><enum>(xii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">if a child care company or its affiliate brands holds more than 20 licenses across all States, agree to submit detailed annual financial reports to the Department of Health and Human Services, the specifics of which will be determined by the Secretary.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HD0F1D0B0B5A44EA787553F8307AEA80D"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Subgrants will be for every 2 years, and renewable.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H89A3B742A6C448558D0421C1C8D57F39"><enum>(C)</enum><text>Funds provided to eligible child care providers through State subgrants shall be used to support the provision of high-quality child care services and to meet the requirement outlined in the subgrant, such as improving compensation for workers, reducing fees for families and meeting quality standards established by the State.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HF9AB451DFBA148CC90CB71215459CD4B"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Allowable Use of Subgrant Funds</header><subparagraph id="HADE4B557C0D8443AA1815CAF3C1F1A34"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Providers can use funds received under the subgrant, at minimum, for the following allowable operational expenses:</text><clause id="HFF7739A520CE41FD83E3D482BD2E3015"><enum>(i)</enum><text>Personnel costs (wages, benefits, professional development).</text></clause><clause id="H367A8600547242A2A391634EFB4A3369"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>Mortgage, rent, and facility maintenance and improvement.</text></clause><clause id="HFBD7D34380654A83A6C6D7D587CFA938"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>Educational materials, supplies and technology.</text></clause><clause id="HE4C5EE94B4954F42B01CA2715FCF90CA"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>Food service, if applicable.</text></clause><clause id="H0FAF462405DE4856A2D2EADE1B36E5BD"><enum>(v)</enum><text>Administrative and general operating expenses.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE3FD36E31C2D45CBB8291CA8E1E9010F"><enum>(B)</enum><text>The Secretary will establish guidance for State on categories of additional allowable expenses.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HC52418A290B44714BA9BE87265F92EFB"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary will establish procedures for regularly getting feedback from States, parents, and providers and adjust the guidance as needed in response.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HB18A2D805A5348249C6B2DD043FFB9E8"><enum>(4)</enum><header>subgrant amount determination</header><subparagraph id="H63FD3E81605B47978AE13C69FA0B6FA6"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Within 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, each State lead agency will develop a formula to determine annual subgrant amounts for eligible providers.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HCA4030E4C1E246A68EF191689FBCD309"><enum>(B)</enum><text>The subgrant amount formula will consider at minimum:</text><clause id="H76EAD531C3AA429883E725BDE67A0359"><enum>(i)</enum><text> Staffing and personnel costs based on enrollment.</text></clause><clause id="H9F26F2B7FE1E4097A06246BEE663963B"><enum>(ii)</enum><text> Facility, maintenance, and improvement costs.</text></clause><clause id="H76F6F21A2FEF446C92B416DCFFFED190"><enum>(iii)</enum><text> Costs of curricula, materials, and other quality inputs.</text></clause><clause id="HFB289EC267A943498744971A0F2C14A0"><enum>(iv)</enum><text> Administrative and operating expenses.</text></clause><clause id="HD2B40E162ABE4DE7B931BF0B6FED7B7C"><enum>(v)</enum><text>Regional cost of living adjustments.</text></clause><clause id="HDDECE6D52D8C4C8F9262329B99344FA8"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>Other factors identified by the Secretary.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HB6ED6396F3604CC2B9BB89583A341163"><enum>(C)</enum><text> States will submit formulas to the Secretary for approval.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H389153474FD341CFA6556FE61B660D8C"><enum>(D)</enum><text> Subgrant amounts will be adjusted annually based on the State’s formula.</text><clause id="H0BA6FC9BA25849E483E5A587268585CB"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline"> For each employee, the eligible child care provider will not pay less than the full compensation, including any benefits, that was provided to the employee as of the date of their subgrant in the last full year prior to the subgrant application or date of the subgrant application (whichever was higher application submission of the application for the subgrant and will not take any action that reduces the weekly amount of the employee’s compensation, or that reduces the employee’s rate of full compensation, or that reduces the employee’s rate of full compensation in compliance with subsection (p) of this section.</text></clause><clause id="H8E2C46968DF8457895756047B05C006B"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The eligible child care provider will provider relief from co-payments and tuition payments for the families enrolled in the providers program, to the extent possible, with the goal of fees not exceeding $10 a day for full-time care. If available funds do not allow for this goal to be met, providers shall prioritize relief for families struggling to make either type of payment pursuant to subsection (n)(7) of this section.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H28AB0DD679B14307AA4A7E210C4202C6"><enum>(E)</enum><text>The amount awarded in a subgrant to the eligible child care provider will be based on the providers current operating expenses for fiscal year 2024. This includes the costs associated with providing or preparing to provide child care services and to the extent practicable, cover sufficient operating expenses to ensure continuous operations for the intended part of the subgrant so that parent fees are significantly reduced overtime.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H13DBF24914CE46678FEB745DEFB11329"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Monitoring, Enforcement and Appeals</header><subparagraph id="H25FE60E0170A465C8A2F2007111AA588"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The Secretary will establish monitoring requirements for State lead agencies to ensure provider compliance.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H7A98DD8A424349C5A522B9C4DE649616"><enum>(B)</enum><text>States shall implement enforcement mechanisms, including subgrant termination and funds recoupment for non-compliance.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H85F351334A634456B96BDFEA71C4B13B"><enum>(C)</enum><text>States will provide an appeals process for providers to dispute subgrant amounts, termination or other adverse actions.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HF0B46941846C4DC98F83BBFE3B4AD2CD"><enum>(o)</enum><header>Parent fee reduction program</header><paragraph id="HD676885FF7AB48F88CD149C22474CA85"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Establishment and Appropriations</header><subparagraph id="H514EEA46A43C4AA0B8226719E96F097E"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall establish the parent fee reduction program as a mandatory component of the program under this section to assist States in reducing parent fees for child care services.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H2E21BA43D07845DA9A5C7F4D710FBA3D"><enum>(B)</enum><text>The parent fee reduction program will be funded through the appropriations authorized for the program under this section, as outlined in section 102 of this Act.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HB07107777FC94D29A4368E5D5C43F256"><enum>(C)</enum><text>From the total appropriations to carry out this section, the Secretary will allocate sufficient funds each fiscal year to enable States to provide the initial 50 percent fee reduction to all eligible child care providers and to support ongoing fee reductions as needed.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H7F269358C80A4C92AD3D6520A7FE1152"><enum>(D)</enum><text>The Secretary will work with States to determine the amount of funding needed for the parent fee reduction program based on the number of eligible child care providers, the total amount of parent fees collected by these providers, and other relevant factors.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H06D8E6E3612D4500AF611EA735E947BA"><enum>(E)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If the appropriations authorized for the program under this section are insufficient to fully fund the parent fee reduction program, the Secretary will prioritize funding for this program, after the Low-Moderate Income Program.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HF94C4602E8C24D78BCAF1CCD62E5E1E8"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Eligibility</header><subparagraph id="H8E06DF6705B844B6956B5489AE89DDD3"><enum>(A) </enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Eligible Child care providers that meet the requirements for participation in the program under this section, as outlined in the State Subgrants to Eligible Child care Providers section, shall be eligible to receive funding through the 50 percent fee reduction program.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE1413D4E8B0A402589F863775415BDF6"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Eligible Child care Providers shall serve eligible children and shall agree to reduce fees by at least 50 percent for all families enrolled in their programs (since they would be receiving at least 50 percent of these parents fees through the program under this section to subsidize parent fees).</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HCD242A07AB2747D99EEE76423902ED5E"><enum>(C)</enum><text>Eligible Child care Providers shall comply with all State and Federal health, safety and quality standards as established in these sections within this Act, as well as any additional requirements established by the State for participation in the parent fee reduction program.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H977D87A31B6C4358A45940AF29210741"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Use of Funds</header><subparagraph id="H307560D7D7554CE1B95E4B5F67111634"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Funds provided to eligible child care providers through the parent fee reduction program established in this section will be used solely for the purpose of reducing parent fees.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HC2B33FDC8D974B36984541C164127F4B"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Eligible child care providers are not allowed to use these funds to supplant other funding sources or to cover expenses not directly related to reducing parent fees.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H0AC529ABB20D48D3ADFA8AFEACDC8EA0"><enum>(C)</enum><text>Eligible child care provide shall maintain detailed records documenting the use of funds received through the 50 percent fee reduction program and shall make these records available to the State and the Secretary upon request.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HDAFFBA32481C48D8852C5495628F3F8F"><enum>(D)</enum><text>Any funds not used for the purpose of reducing parent fees will be returned. The Secretary will establish guidance on how returning excess funds will work.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H7C9AEFC604CF41B3BD30E7B6F922A461"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Secretary Requirements</header><subparagraph id="H9867168402B246D8A8B05BE6BD8C4CEE"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline"> The Secretary will provide guidance and technical assistance to States implementing the parent fee reduction program, including establishing guidelines for determining the amount of initial funding on ongoing support needed by eligible child care providers.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HBD079C8086394E838FF2672BE8FEA0E4"><enum>(B)</enum><text> The Secretary will review and approve State plans that include States plans to administer the 50 percent fee reduction program, ensuring that they comply with the requirement.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H01D486DA4620407896A147876999491F"><enum>(5)</enum><header>State Requirements</header><subparagraph id="H1B790B85F29749639EC001960C822571"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">States will be responsible for administering the 50 percent fee reduction program and disbursing funds to eligible child care providers in accordance with the requirements of this section. </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HB3AC6D4511394A3EA7DB2887CD3AF7F9"><enum>(B)</enum><text> Within their State plan, lead agencies will codify a process for implementing the parent fee reduction program and disbursing funds to eligible child care providers in accordance with the requirements of this section.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H88D2FDD992D544EE8139C63D753E203E"><enum>(C)</enum><text>States will require eligible child care providers to submit documentation verifying the total amount of parent fees collected in the previous fiscal year and will establish a process for reviewing and verifying this documentation.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H9613357E9E2C4B6BB5DF8A31758CE455"><enum>(D)</enum><text>States will disburse the initial funding for the parent fee reduction program to eligible child care providers within 3 months of receiving the necessary documentation and will establish a process for transferring these funds.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H6BAE63AE7C114593BB29A65777B5481A"><enum>(E)</enum><text>States will establish a process for determining the amount of ongoing funding needed by each eligible child care providers to maintain reduced parent fees and will disburse this funding on a quarterly basis.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H04B75A478E684196B1DF19745A0CB10F"><enum>(F)</enum><text>States will require eligible child care providers to submit quarterly reports documenting the amount of parent fees collected, the number of families served, and the use of funds received for fee reductions, and will review these reports and conduct periodic audits to ensure compliance with program requirements.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HC0AEF8F5034B4EA09C72E8448CF5CD58"><enum>(G)</enum><text>States will submit annual reports to the Secretary detailing the implementation and impact of the parent fee reduction program, including the total amount of funds disbursed, the number of families benefitting from reduced fees and challenges, successes encountered.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HDA3BC888B6E74898A80B3FB473EF1685"><enum>(H)</enum><text>States will prioritize fee reductions and waivers for families enrolled in the Low- to Moderate-Income Fee Reduction Program.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HC02D7CA58A9743888E97497C25E0198B"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Provider Requirements</header><subparagraph id="H7241A4AD077C4C1795D5662AD948C944"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Eligible child care providers will submit documentation to the State verifying the total amount of parent fees collected in the previous fiscal year and shall cooperate with the State in reviewing and verifying this documentation.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA08E68EA3C744AFCA1C69A54FE0E9230"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Eligible child care providers will work to use the funds received through the parent fee reduction program solely for the purpose of reducing parent fees and shall maintain records documenting the use of these funds.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H8649C4C68B684412A9F4A2D5E7F23F17"><enum>(C)</enum><text>Eligible child care providers will cooperate will submit quarterly reports to the State documenting the amount of parent fees collected, the number of families served and the use of funds received pursuant to this section.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H5CF22C018038440F9F27DF68FF191E6D"><enum>(D)</enum><text>Eligible child care providers will cooperate with the State in any audits or reviews conducted to ensure compliance with the requirement of the parent fee reduction program.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H737DD8707D7647229D49635BC8B23EE3"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Low-moderate Income fee reduction program</header><subparagraph id="H1E98EB3B4293407CB4166D8C746BEB9D"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Establishment and Appropriations</header><clause id="H2284F83C8D2F40AB8C7AFB58DE4DF76A"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall establish the Low-Moderate Income Fee Reduction Program as a mandatory component of the program under this section to assist States in reducing child care fees for families with low to moderate incomes.</text></clause><clause id="HBA4D8D8E97BB4C6C8AF2BFB3F7E34B25"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>For purposes of section, the term family with low to moderate income means a family with an income that is not more than 85 percent of State median income.</text></clause><clause id="H7850354E55B2473EB272CF4EE2294E16" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>Carve out $6 Billion annually from FY 2024 through FY 2026, $7 Billion from FY 2027 through FY 2029 and $8 Billion annually from FY 2030 through FY 2034 from the total new appropriations funding established for the entire grant program in Funding for Entire Bill section of this Act.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H65D7D88C5A77474BA8FCB2CE1CF57EC0"><enum>(B)</enum><header>State Eligibility and Requirements</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">States applying for the program under this section shall substantially agree to—</text><clause id="HF9306A13D27F447B818402661A23A590"><enum>(i) </enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">use the funding carve out in this section exclusively to cover 100 percent of parent fees for families making less than 85 percent State median income;</text></clause><clause id="HA9EF3C241FEF4754A35E61BD2BC44D43"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>use the funds exclusively to cover all child care fees for families with—</text><subclause id="HB63938DEADB24BCAAC02ECEB73562D9B"><enum>(I)</enum><text>incomes at or below 85 percent of the State median income; and</text></subclause><subclause id="H3710EA8924DD4C11A0278328E9B6778E"><enum>(II)</enum><text>children enrolled in licensed, registered, or regulated child care programs;</text></subclause></clause><clause id="H23D15BB200D64BC7990A41263E3C3F25"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>prioritize funding for eligible families with incomes at or below 50 percent of the State median income if funding is limited;</text></clause><clause id="H044308F5794F43D48B7ED1D7134B3F5D"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>collect and report annual data on the use of funds to the Secretary, as a mandatory condition for receiving future funds;</text></clause><clause id="H2E8F5A4F83E3451B83DA74C2900BB486"><enum>(v)</enum><text>promote policy changes that maximize the availability of funds and streamline determination procedures to improve the customer experience;</text></clause><clause id="H2A6E116FFDEA4BD5BEF05BD86DDBFDE9"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>provide explanations to the Secretary as needed;</text></clause><clause id="H16C8002EC79444B6A7BE7A1D84DC33DD"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>establish a process to prioritize disbursing funds to eligible child care providers serving underserved populations, as defined in this section and concurrently abiding by the requisites in section103(m) of this Act;</text></clause><clause id="H4BB7E9D27E6244E79202DE99034452E8"><enum>(viii)</enum><text>include their plan for implementing this section in their grant application;</text></clause><clause id="H38180AD2D3B74B8A9B40EC632297A7C3"><enum>(ix)</enum><text>be responsible for determining family eligibility for the Low-Moderate Income Fee Reduction Program based on income and other criteria established by the State in accordance with Federal guidelines;</text></clause><clause id="H9E7C363378664D569C938229FBAB55B2"><enum>(x)</enum><text>develop and implement a streamlined application and eligibility determination process for the Low-Moderate Income Fee Reduction Program that minimizes the burden on families and providers;</text></clause><clause id="H36A309A13A6C4E61B7412E6E7FF9B474"><enum>(xi)</enum><text>automatically deem families eligible for the Low-Moderate Income Fee Reduction Program if they are currently enrolled in other means-tested programs, such as WIC, SNAP, TANF, Section 8 housing assistance, or Medicaid; No additional income verification is required for these families;</text></clause><clause id="H7CFC89C5B8D844408B358241560A5873"><enum>(xii)</enum><text>for families not enrolled in means-tested programs, States shall use existing data sources, such as State income records or eligibility determinations for other programs, to verify income whenever possible (when such data is not available States may use a simplified income verification process, such as self-attestation of income, with a random sample of applications selected for more rigorous verification);</text></clause><clause id="HCB0AD09CEA2349DCABB282A25977CCE1"><enum>(xiii)</enum><text>States shall provide clear and timely communication to families and providers regarding eligibility determinations and any required documentation or verification; and</text></clause><clause id="H794A818C652B4B1CAB1A3C31B8896FCD"><enum>(xiv)</enum><text>States will work with providers to establish a system to recertify parents every 12 months.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H647F7C2E45414C0B8DFB97525F9BB722"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Provider Requirements</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Eligible child care providers receiving funds through the program under this section shall—</text><clause id="H6F47E3F567B94BC7A3290AA4BB472E32"><enum>(i) </enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">provide relief from co-payments and tuition for enrolled families pursuant to the parent fee reduction section;</text></clause><clause id="H1C47BF84D3F0401EB3F01E53CB977D1F"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>prioritize fee relief for low-moderate income families;</text></clause><clause id="H8D91B128E51246FF92F63E779A6B0D97"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">assist families “or work with relevant partner agencies and organizations to assist families,” in completing the application for the Low-Moderate Income Fee Reduction Program and will provide any necessary documentation to the State to support eligibility determinations, as appropriate;</text></clause><clause id="HA2E6ECB29FF6465DB4FD2C0862EF9557"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>providers will not be responsible for determining family eligibility for the Low-Moderate Income Fee Reduction Program but shall relay on eligibility determinations made by the State;</text></clause><clause id="H8BC6C691A769441C9178D272B95E84EE"><enum>(v)</enum><text>comply with State reporting requirements and provide necessary documentation to verify the use of funds;</text></clause><clause id="H5DDD543B9092458DBA38680AF34D8847"><enum>(vi)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline"> can provide parents with continuous eligibility for 12 months following the determination, and at the conclusion of the 12 months, be responsible for working with lead agencies to re-certify parents to ensure the provider is meeting their responsibility to uphold the mandatory prioritization of low-moderate income providers subsection and to be eligible for continued grant funding;</text></clause><clause id="H09032DBD736144AFBCD4CAC11136D91F"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>collect and report annual data on the use of funds to the State, as a mandatory condition for receiving future funds; and</text></clause><clause id="H1569DDDAA0114DFEA513C7FE0D76662C"><enum>(viii)</enum><text>provide explanations to the State as needed.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HAD070E39B0224FD38AA31A49C05C1526"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Secretarial Requirements</header><clause id="H84C1161718EE4A65B20ADAAB3FC43C11"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary will review State plans for implementing, and approve or deny funding based on compliance with the requirements I outlined in this section.</text></clause><clause id="H251148FA22724C13BB50CBAE0F313CB9"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>The Secretary will provide guidance and technical assistance to States in developing and implementing their Low-Moderate Income Fee Reduction Programs.</text></clause><clause id="H16FDD529A55648DBA22C68A6184B5A51"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>The Secretary will compile and report to Congress annually on the outcomes and effectiveness of this section, including State-level data on the use of funds and the impact on families' access to affordable child care.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H7B20445F011A44C4BEE16B86C18A3547"><enum>(E)</enum><header>Mandatory Prioritization of Low-Moderate Income Providers</header><clause id="HE0A5ADFF674940ACA5EEF64370963024"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">States will prioritize awarding subgrants funded by program under this section to providers serving families based on clause (ii).</text></clause><clause id="H05B429DABCAD4B17A27F40F1233F2B50"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>In each fiscal year, States will allocate all funds appropriate for the program under this section to eligible child care providers based on the following priority order:</text><subclause id="H3F7338D21D99464FB2DDE40BA9110E9F"><enum>(I)</enum><text>Providers serving high proportions of families with incomes at or below 50 percent of the State median income then.</text></subclause><subclause id="H848AB6EA3CD6440696FDE819EF0FF1A7"><enum>(II)</enum><text>Providers serving families with incomes between 51 percent and 85 percent of the State median income then.</text></subclause><subclause id="H89738B1433DE4488A6B62574211BF309"><enum>(III)</enum><text>Providers serving families with incomes above 85 percent of the State median income, up to a maximum of 250 percent of the State median income (approximately $125,000 for single parents and $250,000 for married parents).</text></subclause><subclause id="H1F34154D7DA94822B02CF8F1BF8B8347"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>All the funds carved out in this section, specifically, shall be given to families with low to moderate incomes to cover their parent fees and child care costs to ensure they pay $0 for child care.</text></subclause><subclause id="HC40AADA9ED3449D38E3C5CF8E97E92E6"><enum>(V)</enum><text>States will develop a mechanism to ensure that providers serving the neediest populations receive priority funding and that funding progressively expands to serve higher-income families over time.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="H59DCF764610F4736958ABA422E19ECA7"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Priority for Low-Income Families</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">States will prioritize the use of funds allocated through the Low-Moderate Income Fee Reduction Program to reduce and waive fees for families at the lowest income levels first, before expanding.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H6BB05E38D9AA412B8194C8F3B8E70D6A"><enum>(8)</enum><header>Minimum Requirement for lead Teachers</header><subparagraph id="H097E953FEDBA49AC9A23493F2A21636C"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">States retain the authority to set higher qualification standards for lead child care teachers if deemed necessary.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H79DDF399A1FF4D1E906CEADE7F33D4B7"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Lead child care teachers employed by a eligible child care provider, at minimum, hold at least a certificate from an accredited institution related to child development within 3 years of the provider receiving funds. Employees with six years or more of full-time experience with a licensed child care provider this work experience is enough, an alternative to fulfill this requirement.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H3458E9A1AACE4CBDB07197AADCFE064F"><enum>(9)</enum><header>Child care Facilities Grant Program</header><subparagraph id="H3187FCF0ADC54B1F8863D25071107E7F"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Establishment and Purpose</header><clause id="HB628B4D3BFDE42C881023E95A30F2B46"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary will establish the Child care Facilities Grant Program to support the improvement, renovation, and construction of child care facilities.</text></clause><clause id="H30DBB3DE6F1340FCA115160B796A5E3E"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>The purpose of the fund is to address the need for facilities improvements in the child care sector and to expand access to safe, healthy and high-quality learning environments for children. </text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H7E19F76E854F472DBFB5B0DDAD7D12DB"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Funding Allocation and Grant Types</header><clause id="HB09854418222445A870D11CC6A5F9F64"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">$3,000,000,000 will be allocated annually for the Child Care Facilities Grant Program from fiscal year 2024 through fiscal year 2034.</text></clause><clause id="H34D454A002774007960272C159E050C1"><enum>(ii)</enum><text> Funding will be awarded for no longer than 3 years.</text></clause><clause id="HC8F12592B5F1478FAE2F3E4E6FF90D64"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>The funding will be allocated as follows:</text><subclause id="H21B70B1F3BCC491C83EFCE6ED1CD731B"><enum>(I)</enum><text> 50 percent for renovation grants to support the repair, innovation and modernization of existing child care facilities.</text></subclause><subclause id="H63FB6580101E469EB0AEE21BFD42DCDF"><enum>(II)</enum><text>40 percent for construction grants to support the construction of new child care facilities in underserved areas.</text></subclause><subclause id="HC216F7DA5309444BAFF4699D6B7F124D"><enum>(III)</enum><text>10 percent for planning grants to support the planning and re-development activities for child care facility projects.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="H97F5E9AF6574473880DEF025C30DB481"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>The Secretary may adjust these allocations based on the quality and quantity of applications received, as well as the needs and priorities of the child care sector.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H104B7169B505413D96E4820C1E60E132"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Eligibility and Application Process</header><clause id="HB5324A105F284CA3A51F7FA0357B46D5"><enum>(i) </enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The following entities are eligible to apply for grants from the Child Care Facilities Fund: States, Tribes, Territories, local governments and non-profit organizations.</text></clause><clause id="HF4262ED5BC4E4F8E8482C55CE4AEA0DD"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Applicants will submit a detailed application to the Secretary which should at minimum include.</text><subclause id="H45E70C1926714F40ADB72AB89494C4CC"><enum>(I)</enum><text>A comprehensive project plan that describes the proposed facility improvements, including the need for the project, the target population to be served and the expected outcomes.</text></subclause><subclause id="HE97A0BDC695E402D9C46AE87BBD85DF4"><enum>(II)</enum><text>A detailed budget that outlines the costs associated with the proposed project, including any matching funds or other sources of support.</text></subclause><subclause id="H8EE55D96C45E4422A305BB061B28760F"><enum>(III)</enum><text>A time line for completing the proposed project, including key milestones and deliverables. o Documentation of the applicant’s experience and expertise in developing or financing child care facilities.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="HE34B26B88BD442BD815657692248AF3A"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline"> Priority will be give to applications that do the following:</text><subclause id="H3FDABC70591C4D798A1B4A48F9E8160D"><enum>(I)</enum><text>Serve low-income communities or other underserved populations o Address urgent health and safety needs or other critical facility deficiencies. </text></subclause><subclause id="HB4A963DF18E84AF6B529441BA080F25A"><enum>(II)</enum><text>Demonstrate strong partnerships and collaboration with stakeholders, including child care providers, community organizations and families.</text></subclause><subclause id="H86B6829D69E04FBA8E66E161648EC60E"><enum>(III)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Propose projects that will result in a significant expansion of child care capacity or improvement in the quality of child care facilities.</text></subclause><subclause id="H70B35BCD8CF346CEBD1AC9D380647ADA"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>Commit to use at least 30 percent of their funding to improve home-based child care programs.</text></subclause><subclause id="H99D066C9337447AF8B633EC80F02EEF7"><enum>(V) </enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline"> Grant funds may not be used for the following purposes:[(aa) [text is missing.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="H5AC2FBEF8235403882BCC883CF377471"><enum>(iv)</enum><text> Applicants shall make the following assurances to be eligible to receive funding:</text><subclause id="H071B056F0E90436380DC9F5779B55479"><enum>(I)</enum><text>Agree to prioritize child care facilities that primarily service eligible children in.</text></subclause><subclause id="H1D5A14A89DFA4C469217B6370EB7ECC4"><enum>(II)</enum><text> Mainly serve families with low income.</text></subclause><subclause id="HDA324D39769F44FEB204E405BCAD723D"><enum>(III)</enum><text>Take care of children under 6years old.</text></subclause><subclause id="H50439A8C55B64E29B1457B50E227C7FC"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>Made significant changes for health and safety due to COVID–19 Are open during non-standard hours.</text></subclause><subclause id="H7C8E17B7CB5B4F7DB3AAED4CC32B3F37"><enum>(V)</enum><text>Are in rural areas or places that don't have enough child care options.</text></subclause><subclause id="H7751B97820A04C658DD6FEC75A376718"><enum>(VI)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline"> Are not owned by for-profit corporations, or corporate affiliates, with annual operating budgets above $1 million.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H727738A9D0574652B15FA2451219F466"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Use of Funds</header><clause id="H3DAFEBB0355F4C4196B3FE66E9315A4B"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Grant funds may be used for the following purposes:</text><subclause id="HF267475EB8F64B9F81D851957AF6955D"><enum>(I)</enum><text>Renovation grants for repair, renovation, and modernization of existing child care facilities, including upgrades to meet the health and safety standards, improve energy efficiency and enhance learning environments.</text></subclause><subclause id="H355BDD6FC0924C2E9C15B738742A0520"><enum>(II)</enum><text>Construction grant for new construction of child care facilities in underserved areas, including site acquisition, design, engineering, and construction costs.</text></subclause><subclause id="HFFB0D0E9C7C14FA1B67E770486C11F65"><enum>(III)</enum><text>Planning grants for needs assessments to determine the demand for child care facilities in a given area, feasibility studies to assess viability of proposed facilities projects, and pre-development activities such as site selection and preliminary design.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="HB13E5F216F7249D1B87D45FED8DF7E57"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>Grant funds may not be used for the following purposes:</text><subclause id="H1B278BDFC1914B47B423E495B453DFE3"><enum>(I)</enum><text>Purchase of land or buildings, except as necessary for the construction of a new child care facility.</text></subclause><subclause id="HF8E325F9BD8445499AFB7809D30E0B24"><enum>(II)</enum><text>Debt service or retirement of bonds or other financing mechanisms.</text></subclause><subclause id="H6FF70BBD52384493842E1D833E439A30"><enum>(III)</enum><text>Lobbying or political activities.</text></subclause><subclause id="HEDB576CDA6784C86B59D8A198D4CF4C8"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>Supplanting other Federal, State, or local funds.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="HEC45DE1A867F459DBBD073CA48DE6978"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>No more than 10 percent of grant funds may be used for administrative expenses.</text></clause><clause id="H99EC5D55BAAA454DBFE5E5A52947615B"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>The maximum allowable grant amount is $15,000,000.</text></clause><clause id="HC96817A50F804C61922A4454DB350CC0"><enum>(v)</enum><text>Any grant funded under this program shall pay workers at least the prevailing wage in the area, following the Davis-Bacon Act, which ensures fair wages for construction work.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HEBF9C0B549B74034B84BA511D9DDC94A"><enum>(E)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Preference is to be given to those with a proven track record in financing child care, can help States and local governments develop child care places, and propose to focus on facilities for children under 5, homecare-based programs and low-income families.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H42E2DF0447A8495BAE3862C55543DA1B"><enum>(10)</enum><header>Matching Requirements</header><subparagraph id="H849252982EAE4B81B7FA0470652C66F9"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Grantees will provide a match of at least 10 percent of the total project cost, which may include cash or in-kind contributions.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H3CA08FBD146C4AE5AAFEDC8376F2132E"><enum>(B)</enum><text>The Secretary may waive or reduce the matching requirement for applicants that demonstrate significant financial hardship or service high-need communities.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HF1EDCFAEF57541E5917A23B5D1F182AA"><enum>(11)</enum><header>Reporting and Oversight</header><subparagraph id="HD2883E06866B4061B903B64F0CABCF4A"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Grantees will submit quarterly progress reports to the Secretary, including financial Statements, project milestones, and any challenges or delays encountered.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H49DEFC3C6BB74445BD1642528FD3F83F"><enum>(B)</enum><text>The Secretary or his designee may conduct periodic site visits and audits to monitor grantee compliance and project performance.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HC25A715B64C34E8C8FF33F48362AAD07"><enum>(C)</enum><text>The Secretary may withhold or recapture funds from grantees that fail to comply with program requirements or demonstrate progress towards program completion.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HEDEB4D6FAAC3468DA4BCFCD9C01D658E"><enum>(12)</enum><header>Technical Assistance and Dissemination</header><subparagraph id="H84EDCBB7863D40528BFABAFE8E8415F0"><enum>(A) </enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">States shall to tell the Secretary how they plan to use the money, including how they will report on what the funding achieved in the State plan.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H2CA79F02160242DBA6A2E6611F5359BD"><enum>(B)</enum><text> A State may not receive more than $40,000,000 a year from this fund.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H632D86172D844743980ACE191CB6D84D"><enum>(C)</enum><text> The government will prefer States that—</text><clause id="H945F134BE6C34882978346CAE746EA7B"><enum>(i)</enum><text>want to improve both in-home and center-based child care, including programs like Head Start, and</text></clause><clause id="HA34B2670F1724A12979F736A7A886BEA"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">plan to address child care needs in different types of areas (urban, suburban, rural) together with local governments, other State agencies, non-profits, and community organizations.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H8BB7605A393047C08B4E861579EFFAEC"><enum>(p)</enum><header>home-Based child care training and support fund</header><paragraph id="HAAC2BC3452B3448EAE41E16F7A47A792"><enum>(1) </enum><header>Establishment of program</header><subparagraph id="H772F0F0B37314938A4E202D4F800CB55"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The Secretary will establish the Home-Based Child Care Training and Support Fund to address the unique challenges faced by family child care providers and to promote their success and sustainability. </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HF6D34B98993547C08BA75CFFB027D2FB" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Appropriate $750 million annually from FY 2024 through FY 2034.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HDAC6845B51B44EBAB6225C55A97A64C2"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Eligibility and Application Process</header><subparagraph id="H1A6B99DDB757453AAFBC94DFD1198AEE"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The following entities are eligible to apply for subgrants:</text><clause id="HD8EFE70DC9C54B0EA2CBA816EE9F050D"><enum>(i)</enum><text>Institutions of higher education, with priority given to community colleges. </text></clause><clause id="H172B2434317047E6AA196C5DAAB3B732"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>Nonprofit organizations with expertise in supporting and advocating for FCC providers.</text></clause><clause id="H4E5F1C6C13B94CB4B54764EE58F0EA56"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>State and local government agencies responsible for child care licensing and regulation.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HCF6A674B50634EBF8AF5D320ADBCDE09"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Eligible entities will submit an application to the Secretary that includes—</text><clause id="HF0AAC924ED674A38AB5342187CE12150"><enum>(i)</enum><text>a description of the proposed activities to support FCC providers, including but not limited to coaching, mentoring and business training;</text></clause><clause id="HA00F06042F7D43918D853BD2D7C9D859"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a plan for engaging and recruiting FCC providers, particularly those from historically underserved populations;</text></clause><clause id="HABF9F0F4D42244B3BEFF037AC0117A5D"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>partnership with relevant stakeholders (such as local child care resources and referral agencies, business development organization and other regulatory bodies); and</text></clause><clause id="H662114960DCD448DAABE10F3E914AC80"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>a budget and sustainability plan for the subgrant activity.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HED0666ED111E41C285E8582CAB7339FD"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Use of Funds</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Grantees will use the funds to support the success and sustainability of FCC providers through activities like—</text><subparagraph id="H62E82CC692F54A1488B60CC958B57199"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">developing and implementing coaching and mentoring programs that provide individualized guidance and support to FCC providers;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HBA2FA3D3E3124C5F85F6FB690080E929"><enum>(B)</enum><text>offering high-quality certificate and degree programs aimed at enhancing child care educator training and preparation;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HAD0CAF0485A14B63B00233ED31286594"><enum>(C)</enum><text>offering business training and classes on topics such as financial management, marketing and record-keeping;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H0ED717EA8F4449CAB0A23132B031B075"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">providing resources and technical assistance to help FCC providers navigate licensing and regulatory requirements;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H2E9AB4B0497143A2961B21DDA1143BA7"><enum>(E)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">creating online platforms and resource to connect FCC providers with relevant support services;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H8A7FC36183D542D69E29D23FCBF1FD9D"><enum>(F)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">establishing networks or cooperative that offer shared services and benefits to FCC providers (such as retirement plans, insurance, and bulk purchasing); and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H0387DAD2B25048B5B15EBB0FEA708E8D"><enum>(G)</enum><text>offering business training and classes to scale an FCC facilities.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HB35394F04FCE44A892AB160771E06D50"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Grantee Responsibilities</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Grantees will—</text><subparagraph id="H18AA7300D1C746779576E27F77F7A323"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">design and implement high-quality programs and services that meet the unique needs of FCC providers;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HBFF637FC02E9441D9ECE6EA423E7E7B4"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">engage and recruit a diverse range of FCC providers, particularly those from historically underserved populations;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE98D804825CB4E879BC4DBC312D754B9"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including parents and child care providers who participate in the child care assistance program, to leverage resources and expertise;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H270FA223A1A748989CC08F2F3CD9A8CF"><enum>(D)</enum><text>collect and report data on program outcomes and impact to the Secretary annually;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H4788B9E7DB8D41DB8C2D6ED26EDB6B15"><enum>(E)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">establish a 20-member advisory council consisting of 10 parents and 10 providers who participate in the Child Care for America program to—</text><clause id="H8F32B207FA8746E7932459697D44012A"><enum>(i)</enum><text> inform the lead agency of program improvements; </text></clause><clause id="H7A5433B6B7274F12B236D29ACBB220B9"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>provide feedback on program development and new initiatives; and </text></clause><clause id="H86264508C3E949D6845662CA1796DC7B"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>center their expertise in program decisions; and</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H7BA30176A9134CC8889CFE5CD9DD6B35"><enum>(F)</enum><text>compensate participants in the advisory council using the quality set-aside funds.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HACCA81E4A61B40F39090BD3550700133"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Secretary Responsibilities</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary will—</text><subparagraph id="H38E9931FC03446B7A08B12147B88786F"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">establish an application process and criteria for awarding grants from the Home-Based Child care and Training and Support Fund;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H2C425205C3404A489CA970FB393F6CDF"><enum>(B)</enum><text>review and approve applications based on their alignment with the purposes and requirements of this section;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H7421D3E21EAF4967A95A9BFD65FE9EB5"><enum>(C)</enum><text>provide guidance and technical assistance to grantees in developing and implementing their programs;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HB14B1339E7BD4D9B8693FEFEA5422EDC"><enum>(D)</enum><text>monitor grantee compliance and performance and take appropriate action in cases of non-compliance or under-performance;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H0B827082EDC74B5FA81033A3DCB767C8"><enum>(E)</enum><text>gather leading practices and lessons learned as a result of the subgrant on a publicly available website;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H2BD43633DA7A4029B7AC9563173EC076"><enum>(F)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">report to appropriate congressional committees annually on the outcomes and impact of the subgrant; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H3F65B85E6D1C4DE78967C8BC7E731D52"><enum>(G)</enum><text>coordinate the subgrant with other Federal programs supporting child care providers within the Department of Health and Human Services and with the Administrator of Small Business, as appropriate.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H6052842A7ECC42D780E8458AF525C554"><enum>(q)</enum><header>Child Care Innovatioin Fund</header><paragraph id="H5BCDFA83C5114517BF70ACBF1FE80234"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Establishment and Appropriations</header><subparagraph id="HAE86875F31384152872CED94E7948189"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The Secretary will establish the Child Care Innovatioin Fund to support the development and implementation of innovative pilots, strategies and models that aim to improve the quality, accessibility, affordability and sustainability of child care programs.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H61A1CC19B8444C53AE4B7846429A3DD6"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">$250,000,000 million is appropriated annually for the Fund from fiscal year 2024 through fiscal year 2034.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HE39AB99B12134510B90A79B9D977E157"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Funding Allocation and Grant Types</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">60 percent of funds shall be allocated for grants to pilot innovative approaches to child care delivery that address one or more of the following key areas:</text><subparagraph id="HF6017679E11C457FAE9741E6F668E83E"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Improving the quality of child care services.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H6EFB0F853F1A440D8DB7EA917266A763"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Increasing accessibility of child care, particularly in underserved areas.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HBF2E65D349FF4D1F9F9304F2B8C9804F"><enum>(C)</enum><text>Enhancing affordability of child care for families.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H06AD72370C914A548BDC346F1E6756F6"><enum>(D)</enum><text>Supporting workforce development and retention in the child care sector.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H03272C43880E4341A482786A292FEB5E"><enum>(E)</enum><text>Improving child care facilities and infrastructure.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HD1AC51DCB7C24C35A72C4CF1406EDDA2"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Eligibility and Application Process</header><subparagraph id="H07BC6A53E2E24D0A963219C8DA9E5CB4"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The following entities are eligible to apply for the Child Care Innovatioin Fund:</text><clause id="H862939704F6644E4B19E59DF690A1A27"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline"> Municipalities.</text></clause><clause id="H64C0416388D9493C8C9A58F19DC9DE24"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>State and local government agencies.</text></clause><clause id="HD46BB766E12748C781B7912297FCE672"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>Tribal organizations </text></clause><clause id="HAF273BFEA431430384DCA460434555BF"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>Nonprofit organizations.</text></clause><clause id="H90B7CB03BEFB417F9C4949F3CAC52C10"><enum>(v)</enum><text>Institutions of higher education.</text></clause><clause id="H40446864E37D4469ABD6EBF4103287F1"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>For-profit organizations.</text></clause><clause id="H2375E1007AF74868A50410D7E8824BF7"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>Consortia of the above entities.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H3F2C220AED58445399A71816B30F7931"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Eligible entities will submit an application to the Secretary that includes—</text><clause id="HFBAC8189C65B4DDE904C705F2AA30017"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a description of the proposed project, including its objectives, target population, and anticipated outcomes;</text></clause><clause id="HDE971811561D4822BBB68105EE17A3B3"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a plan for implement the pilot, including key activities, time lines, and partnering organizations;</text></clause><clause id="H493D9922C853495284E950122009D748"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>a description of how the pilot project addresses one or more of the following areas:</text><subclause id="H942601B50B5A426190C531518B2752C8"><enum>(I)</enum><text> quality improvement;</text></subclause><subclause id="HED6CB0F18B754AA48E74B32D03887362"><enum>(II)</enum><text>accessibility;</text></subclause><subclause id="H8CF4713DEDD645E8866904CF5E91968A"><enum>(III)</enum><text>affordability;</text></subclause><subclause id="H0FD75327FA984459AF159BA3CCA4FA96"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>workforce development; or</text></subclause><subclause id="H6939C00588264576BB87321B34300601"><enum>(V)</enum><text>facility improvement;</text></subclause></clause><clause id="H38E27B53D1B444D09462575FB3EF0F46"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>evidence supporting the effectiveness of the pilot, such as research findings or results from previous pilots;</text></clause><clause id="HF4F8794691DB4AD0A803C0C51024D5D9"><enum>(v)</enum><text>a plan for evaluating the innovation, including key metrics and data collection methods; and</text></clause><clause id="H11DC53FB48664DDE8F87D9006ADB887D"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>a budget proposal and sustainability plan.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H002CB86CBB09404F9565426CA2C98E76"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In selecting grant recipients, the Secretary will consider the following factors:</text><clause id="H67C23392CE3342E79204EEFD694E29DA"><enum>(i)</enum><text>The potential of the innovation to significantly improve the quality, accessibility, affordability or sustainability of child care programs.</text></clause><clause id="HBB3FF8A745314AC29081ED6863672094"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>The strength of the evidence base support the proposal.</text></clause><clause id="HCF862E55E9E841749A4D1E075790240C"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>The capacity of the application to implement the innovation effectively and efficiently.</text></clause><clause id="H6C57986E291E46EE98AE6612CFEFF171"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>The potential for the proposal to be scaled or replicated in other settings.</text></clause><clause id="H17D39374820B4F4DB06F2266EAC30607"><enum>(v)</enum><text>The extent to which the innovation addresses the needs of underserved populations or areas.</text></clause><clause id="H7A5CE697DEB34A20A5726055A7E66627"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>The level of collaboration and partnerships proposed.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HF698231E7BFC4A2F87673A407A9A499E"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Use of Funds</header><subparagraph id="H0B8AFFB9468946D295195AC3AC5E8820"><enum>(A) </enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Grantees will use the funds to develop, implement and evaluate innovative approaches to child care delivery that aims to improve—</text><clause id="H904A51256A8A493487B130F4DC5D3092"><enum>(i)</enum><text>access to child care, particularly for underserved populations and areas;</text></clause><clause id="H1123C196E046429B98FAC99EB59BB42C"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>affordability of child care for families; and</text></clause><clause id="H28056D9983BC4F01B2DA695F9D485387"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>workforce development, compensation, and retention in the child care sector o Child care Facilities and Infrastructure.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H580EB4CDBB684B4D9CCD82B0350BE749"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Funds may be used for planning and design, training and professional development of child care providers, facility improvement and construction, technology and infrastructure development, community outreach and engagement, data collection, and evaluations.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HD71E60955D60419CB8451DDF092B4C9D"><enum>(C)</enum><text> Grant recipients shall not use more than 15 percent of their total award for administrative costs.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H089AAA18B3074E04897FEE2F71E7EC8B"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Examples of innovative approaches may include, but are not limited to—</text><clause id="HD38B222628044CD2A60789C8802DF66E"><enum>(i)</enum><text>shared services models that help providers reduce costs and improve quality;</text></clause><clause id="H406A023FA3A8467690F140AE5260746D"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>technology solutions that streamline enrollment, pay and reporting processes;</text></clause><clause id="H142401D29D33464A82CFB416965E26C9"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>alternative financing mechanisms, such as pay-for-success or social impact bonds; and</text></clause><clause id="H7B6493EE4A654BD4A5DD99A861350222"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>strategies for integrating child care with other family support services, such as health care or housing assistance.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HB1447FA746A94A6ABE5CF76C513E7791"><enum>(E)</enum><header>Grantee Responsibilities</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Grantees shall—</text><clause id="H99465D8E9C7A49B387A04FA60FDA7143"><enum>(i)</enum><text>design and implement their proposal in according with the approved application and time line;</text></clause><clause id="HF462F47A76FB4D2D9FD303A171452D03"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>collect and report data on project outcomes and impact to the Secretary annually;</text></clause><clause id="HA44E2DE77C614F3B898824C022928115"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>participate in knowledge-sharing activities and contribute to the “what works clearinghouse for early care and education; and</text></clause><clause id="H1041DAD1905843BAAA542131A3E0D149"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>develop plans for scaling and sustaining successful approaches beyond the grant period.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H9661F1EC8A5242879A764AB8C334A73F"><enum>(F)</enum><header>Secretarial Responsibilities</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall—</text><clause id="H71B0D8EBCE1946099D195A4FEBA97AD8"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">establish an application process and criteria for awarding grants from the Child Care Innovatioin Fund;</text></clause><clause id="H28C0B4C464774B238F6B7938C479FA6F"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>review and approve applications based on their alignment with the purposes and requirements of this subsection;</text></clause><clause id="HC270A49835BC4E9B8D6C45F7E437F8D1"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>provide guidance and technical assistance to grantees in developing and implementing their projects;</text></clause><clause id="HED356BD860D642EB8B0F6581F9F82DBC"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>monitor grantee compliance and performance and take appropriate action in cases of non-compliance or under-performance;</text></clause><clause id="H10DAEE727C774B9EAA5BA5624CB1ED90"><enum>(v)</enum><text>compile and disseminate best practice and lesson learned from grantees;</text></clause><clause id="HDE92807C64214FE2B8E3B96C250303DC"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>establish and maintain the “What Works Clearinghouse for Early Care and Education” to facilitate knowledge sharing and replication of successful approaches; and</text></clause><clause id="H1E48467AE46F49A59D72519E9564A0BE"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>report to Congress annually on the outcomes and impact of the Child Care Innovatioin Fund.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HE441B804E7084317B834178BC468FA2D"><enum>(5)</enum><header>General Sections</header><subparagraph id="H7B4EA0081B184140A6C221D459420F12"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Workforce Support and Compensation</header><clause id="HDC0F624EB4114D279999FA1F412B8BCD"><enum>(i)</enum><text>A Wage and Benefits Ladder shall require as a condition of receiving funding under section that States shall establish a wage and benefits ladder for staff of eligible child care providers receiving assistance.</text></clause><clause id="H991A2A57F08A4B108F7F26E05E89C90D"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Wage and Benefits Ladder will, at minimum—</text><subclause id="HB1A6C3E72A6645D093E890E402E594C5"><enum>(I)</enum><text>provide a clear pathway for staff to increase their compensation and benefits based on factors such as education, training and experience and performance;</text></subclause><subclause id="H3A04F27B31504FA489F9228F3DCCF6E9"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">ensure that staff wages and benefits meet or exceed the minimum wage and benefit standards established by the Secretary under this Act;</text></subclause><subclause id="HB5860505D7684D8782232278FF5DF684"><enum>(III)</enum><text>be developed in consultation with early childhood education experts, labor organizations and other relevant stakeholders;</text></subclause><subclause id="H051781E87E5B45CF8DAEF89DBA70BEBB"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>require States to submit their proposed wage and benefits ladder to the Secretary for approval as part of their application for a grant under this section; and</text></subclause><subclause id="H67C18F2078A04A688ED1382C6AA6A882"><enum>(V)</enum><text>require the Secretary to provide guidance and technical assistance to State in developing and implementing their wage and benefits ladders.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="H5A98F936094E43B19987986C07C89842"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Minimum wage requirements will require wage supplements for full-time staff members will be sufficient to ensure that—</text><subclause id="H870285EBCEEB401FA418724EF1AE9A3E"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the median wage for full-time workers employed by eligible child care providers is at least $24 per hour; and</text></subclause><subclause id="H0544C57A463948F0BD16241024131F6D"><enum>(II)</enum><text>full-time workers receive an additional wage supplement of at least $4 per hour.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="HED81BC2EFBDD4D04872DAFB2BDBC9F63"><enum>(iv)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Wage supplements for part-time staff members will be sufficient to ensure that—</text><subclause id="H8BA5E45ED3B148EEA6402A66C5C8F809"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the median wage for part-time workers employed by eligible child care providers is at least $15 per hour; and</text></subclause><subclause id="HAB1D3A0AD06745609B900AF54C603E91"><enum>(II)</enum><text>part-time workers receive a wage supplement of at least $2 per hour if the median hourly wage for part-time staff exceeds $15 per hour.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="H7B2599E37678413AA2F1702B1224A2EF"><enum>(v)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Eligible child care providers receiving assistance under this section will—</text><subclause id="HE0914FB65CB847E19251CF4631FDD605"><enum>(I)</enum><text>comply with the wage and benefits ladders established by their State;</text></subclause><subclause id="H621CA1591CC94F40B342244615348D0C"><enum>(II)</enum><text>provide documentation to the State demonstrating compliance with the minimum wage requirements outlined in this section; and</text></subclause><subclause id="H3D7911ABE0FC48DFBB155DFC12748C98"><enum>(III)</enum><text>report data on staff wages, benefits and turnover to the State as required for program monitoring and evaluation.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="HF750254E13D14BCB860E073F2F369961"><enum>(vi)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline"> States will—</text><subclause id="H3ACD8DF3813A494EA26E3D16E09C40D0"><enum>(I)</enum><text>disburse wage supplement funds to eligible child care providers within 12 months of the enactment of this Act;</text></subclause><subclause id="H3B4A05E9619F47AB8C9CD8A3938E8B5C"><enum>(II)</enum><text>monitor provider compliance with the wage and benefits ladder and minimum wage requirements and take appropriate action in cases of non-compliance; and</text></subclause><subclause id="H1BB8EFBB86764A9E89C53381EED25297"><enum>(III)</enum><text>report data on staff wages, benefits and turnover to the Secretary annually, as a condition of continued funding under the program under this section.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="HBCF01DFAA43E45A1BA903791EE8FB83E"><enum>(vii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall—</text><subclause id="H85EA4E1183CB4427BBC09C19231594F8"><enum>(I)</enum><text>review and approve State wage and benefits ladders as part of the application process under this section;</text></subclause><subclause id="H1A4CA8D303564CAB8D4359079289F866"><enum>(II)</enum><text>provide guidance and technical assistance to States in implementing their wage and benefits ladders and minimum wage requirements; and</text></subclause><subclause id="H5B3F77EADAF949B29B8E98F2443DB3DC"><enum>(III)</enum><text>compile and report to Congress annually on the impact of the workforce support and compensation provisions on staff wages, benefits and turnover in the child care sector.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H74EDD041B60E4526BDE7D20E03256F89"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Labor standards and workforce protections</header><clause id="HD34EFA674E3542DEA3AFC811DD5AA869"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Right to organize</header><text>Providers receiving funds under this title shall inform their employees of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/29/151">29 U.S.C. 151 et seq.</external-xref>), including the right to organize and collectively bargain.</text></clause><clause id="HD1951612AE34442CA6F26C41F6AD2D24"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Neutrality</header><text>No provider receiving funds under this title shall use any funds to deter union organizing or shall in any way interfere with employees' rights to form, join, or assist labor organizations.</text></clause><clause id="HA76AA9F46B394DA496A126EA78F55A8D"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Employee classification</header><text>For purposes of this title and any other Federal labor laws, all individuals employed by providers receiving funds under this title shall be considered employees rather than independent contractors, unless they meet all criteria for independent contractor status under applicable Federal law. </text></clause><clause id="H35CC9D5BDED5476A9C37FFAEC612229D"><enum>(iv)</enum><header>Enforcement</header><text>The Secretary of Labor shall have authority to investigate and enforce compliance with this section. Violations may result in civil penalties and ineligibility for funds under this title.</text></clause><clause id="H8C02AE82AA6E46728B573AD8DBFF9EBA"><enum>(v)</enum><header>Professional development</header><text>The Secretary shall establish a comprehensive professional development program for workers, developed in consultation with labor unions representing such workers. This program shall include:</text><subclause id="H548C45902A8F4F5DBF4369D84F5E97A6"><enum>(I)</enum><text> Ongoing training opportunities.</text></subclause><subclause id="H77874EA2BC954F53B3D380994175BDA2"><enum>(II)</enum><text>Career ladder programs to support professional advancement; and (3) Mentoring and leadership development initiatives.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="HDE6178326CAC4787BFE680B1A41CF862"><enum>(vi)</enum><header>Whistleblower protections</header><text>No provider receiving funds under this title may discharge or discriminate against any employee because such employee has filed any complaint or instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or related to this title, or has testified or is about to testify in any such proceeding.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HEAD5F36DE5A94A2AB4341BAC352016EB"><enum>(r)</enum><header>Nondiscrimination</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The nondiscrimination requirements applicable under following Act shall apply with respect to financial assistance provided under this section:</text><paragraph id="H5316E1196E004C1DB8D53F0CE9BFA071"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq) (2).</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H1BA35BE66BB34BCBABD78434EF634F68"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000Det seq.).</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H059BB52645A1440495B7A3D6C4A27812"><enum>(3)</enum><text> Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/29/794">29 U.S.C. 794</external-xref>).</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H7CD7598EAE2646EE856CB38240126047"><enum>(4)</enum><text>The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42.U.S.C. 12101 et seq).</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H1A3D4398C5E94B57B33551E34A2F18EF"><enum>(s)</enum><header>Research and Evaluation</header><paragraph id="HB217BF5543F042F184431520773288E5"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In General</header><subparagraph id="H05DAC1A258F74021A0C503D82A783343"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The Secretary will conduct research, demonstrations and evaluations that are directly relevant to the program under this section and the overall goals of expanding access to high-quality, affordable child care.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HC0E865C4C67149FABC865B0EA47A2CDB"><enum>(B)</enum><text>The Secretary may award grants or subgrants to eligible entities to conduct research, demonstrations and evaluations.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H7130B67FAD7D4B20AC09678B7D8958AD"><enum>(C)</enum><text>Eligible entities include State agencies, Tribal organizations, institutions of higher education, and other nonprofit or for-profit organizations with expertise in child care research and evaluation.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H73A8A55ADEDC4E3DAF511A37C279ED14"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Priority Areas</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary will prioritize research, demonstrations and evaluations that focus on the following areas:</text><subparagraph id="H4A1D8CAC9527425D8CEB8653CCF9028F"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Identifying leading practices and strategies for improving the quality of child care services, including those related to workforce development, curriculum and instruction, family engagement, and program administration.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H0FA1B5A7B10343E9B170B035E9B0AB42"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Evaluating the impact of the child care policies, programs and mechanisms in this section on child outcomes, family well-being, and the overall supply and quality of child care services.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H71CAE90CBAD94A47B10F3550B13DDA6C"><enum>(C)</enum><text>Examining the factors that contribute to the disparities in access to high-quality child care, particularly for low-income families, rural communities, and other underserved populations.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H303949BAF4C542ECB9D3D08F4B102510"><enum>(D)</enum><text>Analyzing the costs and benefits of different approaches to child care financing, including the program under this section and other Federal, State, and local funding streams.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HC29D90DA4AB043249B2E635B66D85C03"><enum>(E)</enum><text>Explore the use of technology and data systems to improve the delivery, coordination, and evaluation of child care services.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HB77431CD5A914CDF9E9E229286D4D490"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Dissemination</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary will make sure— </text><subparagraph id="H11551AB02A3A4CBAB5B93C36E31DA051"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the results of research, demonstrations, and evaluations conducted under this section are publicly available through various means, such as websites, reports and conferences; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H2E94D65799324329A979D1DACEAC43EB"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the results from the research, demonstrations to inform the administration of the program under this section and provide technical support. The Secretary will provide assistance to States, Tribal organizations, and other entities involved in the delivery of child care services.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HBDD7AD7980294560B315334FF36C896F"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Coordination</header><subparagraph id="HEECF9E7AD4584C489FE42A2CE9D6C512"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary will coordinate the research, demonstrations and evaluations conducted under this section with other relevant Federal research and evaluation activities, including those carried out by the Department of Education, the Department of Labor, and other agencies as appropriate.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HAA4287959BD746779FE78B4D6811FD26"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary can use funds reserved under this section to support cross-agency research and evaluation initiatives that align with the goals of the program under this section.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H05CBE404DCEE4C49AD3481B45806ADC6"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Funding</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary will reserve and use 1 percent of the total appropriation for the program under this section each fiscal year to carry out the activities described in this subsection.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HF9A68EE8F7D74A21B32149A98625E5F7"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Use of funds</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Funds allocated for research and evaluation activities under this subsection shall be used to support studies, assessments and other activities that inform the implementation, improvement, and impact of the program under this subsection and its various initiatives, as determined by the Secretary.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H9837405AC49D49EC818DC470C1628869"><enum>(t)</enum><header>Federal Administration</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary will reserve up to 1 percent of the total appropriation for the program under this section each fiscal year for Federal administrative costs, including activities such as providing technical assistance to States and Tribal organizations, conducting monitoring and oversight, and implementing the research and evaluation agenda.</text></subsection><subsection id="H6EEF1BA8531146EBA20C33335633F5B8"><enum>(u)</enum><header>Child care and Development Block Grant</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Child care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/9858n">42 U.S.C. 9858n</external-xref>) shall apply to this section except as provided or as otherwise specified.</text><paragraph id="HCECA8E3E465044C1959C24E653B64489"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Child care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/9858n">42 U.S.C. 9858n</external-xref>) shall apply to this subsection except as provided in clause and as otherwise specified.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HF0214BD846A74D4DB768EB2D27595DC7"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Within 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall propose a plan to transition the Child care and Development Block Grant program to serve school aged children.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HF1185D512F6B43D6B85E2227ACB57C2D"><enum>(3)</enum><text>School aged children ages 6 through 13 and will not be eligible for any program in this Act.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HF9421576A25E46ACB4A935E78C5A91A3"><enum>(v)</enum><header>Head Start Funding</header><paragraph id="HB44C1B79A06744D29E9C94CF25CAD8AF"><enum>(1)</enum><text>There is appropriated $18,000,000 a year for fiscal year 2024 through fiscal year 2034 to carry out the Head Start Act, which shall be in addition to existing funding already appropriated and shall be exempt from the requirements of this Act.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HE9306096230040F2BE6B53AA029D6673"><enum>(2)</enum><text> Funds appropriated under this subsection can be allocated by the Secretary as statutorily directed in Public Law110–134 (121 Stat. 1363).</text></paragraph></subsection></section><enum>II</enum><header>Stay-at-Home Parent Child Care Support Program </header><section id="H114B4D7B932A440A864C0E59773245B5"><enum>201.</enum><header>Definitions</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">For purposes of this title:</text><paragraph id="H5D282E65F73C432ABA302AC89625CAE5"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Stay-at-home parent child care stipend program</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <quote>stay-at-home parent child care stipend program</quote>, means the program established under section 202.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HE27BA744CC374740A188066231E293E4"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Support program</header><text>The term <quote>stipend program</quote> means the stay-at-home parent child care support program.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HA4212A5F9E8342778517AB967E8CA019"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Benefit</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <quote>benefit</quote> means a stay-at-home parent support benefit received under the support program.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HAD8AFA01759448B894D144A9EF256B13"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Eligible child</header><text>The term <quote>eligible child</quote> means a child less than 3 years of age who does not participate in a child care program implemented under title I or title III.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H40C87F04F2BB48A5BD89CFAFD6BE0C8F"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Parent</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <quote>parent</quote> means a stay-at-home individual who—</text><subparagraph id="H879AA1B9020A491FAFF2060C24EF544E"><enum>(A)</enum><text>is the biological parent or legal guardian of an eligible child,</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H3EA86ECF99F546748D9EDE56A26223F7"><enum>(B) </enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">is the primary child care provider for an eligible child, and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HEB8EE2D00435483188EE5E6592926EDC"><enum>(C)</enum><text>has a household income of not to exceed—</text><clause id="H019ECE7CF2AE4793B4C2955891097575"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">75,000 for single individual, and</text></clause><clause id="H12FB2E8796404AEC9007914D707C4935"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>$150,000 for married individual filing jointly.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HE0E0E8053FEA42728DC79F4F243403DD"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Secretary</header><text>The term <quote>Secretary</quote> means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H282E2F675B5A4F879568FDC2CFE710FA"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Secretary of the Treasury</header><text>The term <quote>Secretary of the Treasury</quote> means the Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary of the Treasury’s delegate. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="H00A8266580D74BD69626380073BD20CF"><enum>(8)</enum><header>Stay-at-home parent</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <quote>stay-at-home parent</quote> means a parent who chooses to directly care for an eligible child of such parent in such parent’s home.</text></paragraph></section><section id="H50F6318F539A437CBF0CAD6AA210D188"><enum>202.</enum><header>Establishment of stay-at-home parent support benefit program</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The Secretary shall establish the stay-at-home parent support program to provide financial assistance to parents who opt to directly care for their eligible children at home.</text></section><section id="H6BF779F098BF488FB46BF769EC838E14"><enum>203.</enum><header>Funding authorization and allocation</header><subsection id="H1163DEA07A554102860CD2EBB34F1BB1"><enum>(a) </enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">There is authorized to be appropriated $4,000,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2024 through fiscal year 2034 to carry out this title.</text></subsection><subsection id="H7F6ADD8B714A44AB97412F7CF3A5ED82"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Availability of funds</header><text>Of the amount appropriated for a fiscal year—</text><paragraph id="HF11DCF674A9E4C77967CEE18109B6DA7"><enum>(1)</enum><text>95 percent shall be available for allocation under subsection (c) for the payment benefits,</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HD93950D13E274DEA872D3F8623DD1A4F"><enum>(2)</enum><text>3 percent shall be available to the Secretary of the Treasury for program administration, and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HACB8046C39314DE1AD40E6A552318683"><enum>(3)</enum><text>2 percent should be allocated to Secretary for program support and evaluation.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HF552B8D34A5F453A901CA03D9ABEEE63"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Allocation of appropriations among States</header><text>Funds shall be allocated among the States based on the proportion of children under age 3 in each State, adjusted for State median levels.</text></subsection></section><section id="H5201C79A02CB4AD99C32B1B58E4E8BB4"><enum>204.</enum><header>Application process</header><subsection id="H7CF13A6FDD764E6FA83437E02B381DCC"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the stay-at-home parent child care stipend program shall be administered in the same manner as the child tax credit.</text></subsection><subsection id="HA8B364407A35485CA30011D07D1263C0"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Self-Certification</header><text>Eligible applicants shall annually self-certify their eligibility through the Internal Revenue Service as part of the individual’s annual income tax return.</text></subsection><subsection id="HC68983BDB3714FC782979F03D571A675"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Penalty of perjury</header><text>Eligible applicants shall attest under penalty of perjury that the applicants meets the eligibility criteria to receive the stipend.</text></subsection></section><section id="H95DEA26F343E4E5BA61E38FA16E686C6"><enum>205.</enum><header>Responsibilities of the Secretary of the Treasury</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The Secretary of the Treasury shall, with respect to the stay-at-home parent child care stipend program—</text><paragraph id="H7D7105D056AA4103BC48D1857A8A2591"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">modify relevant tax forms and systems to allow for claiming the stipend,</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H97934C47F0F841E782D314A1E2922BBE"><enum>(2)</enum><text>develop and implement systems for processing claims and distributing payments,</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H63CCDA848B55407B89B80D772B9E559D"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">utilize existing programs and databases to verify eligibility based on income and dependent information,</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H2AF1FEE2C5E44C478E3E096DFAE92828"><enum>(4)</enum><text>distribute monthly advanced payments of the stipend using direct deposit,</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H27BCE42E59A842B9A9E5571DD4980ECD"><enum>(5)</enum><text>verify eligible children and eligible parents,</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H2E87228A0BC941CA978E9CD41914F1EF"><enum>(6)</enum><text>process claims and distribute monthly payments,</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H5397DB9ABD3B486BA8236B605E23108E"><enum>(7)</enum><text>conduct periodic audits to ensure program integrity,</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H5F0DB4781EE64EC19A86E192DAA40343"><enum>(8)</enum><text>establish procedures for handling overpayments and underpayments,</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HDF05B9EFDFBB439FB1D55836A426551D"><enum>(9)</enum><text>implement a system for reconciliation of payments through annual income tax returns, and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H6082334C0658403FBD9D527DD40C8EE4"><enum>(10)</enum><text>develop a process for mid-year changes in eligibility including, but not limited to, the birth of a child or change in income status.</text></paragraph></section><section id="H1218BC3664F54DB0ACBD25F1F9A84028"><enum>206.</enum><header>Responsibilities of the Secretary</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The Secretary shall—</text><paragraph id="HEDA11D993CE946C7B486C18CC19BE93E"><enum>(1)</enum><text>develop and maintain education resources for parents, and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HEB99944780A3455FAAA15418453C3014"><enum>(2)</enum><text>conduct research on the impact of the support program on child development and the well-being of the families of eligible children whose parents receive benefits, and coordinate the support program with other Federal early childhood programs.</text></paragraph></section><section id="H494DBDA3BBCF4F2B93068D8D073550C7"><enum>207.</enum><header>Coordination</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">In carrying out the support program, the Secretary and the Secretary of the Treasury shall—</text><paragraph id="H13E420C5AB0C40F68E97C6FEAF64A2BD"><enum>(1)</enum><text>coordinate their activities,</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HF8D85CEF51774C008E567DC5F24DE462"><enum>(2)</enum><text>work with the Social Security Administration, to verify the eligibility of children whose parents receive benefits, and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HF04BD5653A16497198A8BCD343527D46"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">ensure that the Social Security Administration or the Secretary of the Treasury, as appropriate, shall— (A) send notifications to parents via letter and email, two months prior to their child's third birthday and one month prior to their child's third birthday, informing them that their eligibility is ending; and (B) assume responsibility for pausing payments upon the child's third birthday,</text></paragraph><continuation-text continuation-text-level="subsection">to verify the eligibility of children and parents participating in the support program so as to minimize waste, fraud, and abuse involving such program.</continuation-text></section><section id="H0EA6F4A606D340CCA0600B8EBC57649B"><enum>208.</enum><header>Waste, fraud, and abuse</header><subsection id="H344BAF74766C44DAB03938463A03ECAA"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Payment recoupment</header><paragraph id="H4DF94783C80D4FACB6947C414AE6EF27"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Eligibility changes</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Stipend recipients must report changes affecting eligibility within 30 days of the occurrence of such change. Changes affecting eligibility include enrollment in an eligible child care program, income exceeding threshold, and employment exceeding 10 hours per week.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H3B5D79635520408F8DE7C600ED8D5C04"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Notification process</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Internal Revenue Service shall provide multiple notification methods, including an online portal, mail, and phone, for reporting changes. Failure to report changes may result in penalties, including program disqualification.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H65F2F9B51A7A45F7AFDF058BBE99A0E5"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Repayment procedures</header><subparagraph id="HFE58D15C6B58465684A19FC47BE845E6"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Ineligibility</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If ineligibility is determined, the Internal Revenue Service will immediately cease future payments.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H580C4F7265984F03B6545FD521827DE4"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Methods of recoupment</header><text>Overpayments will be recouped through the following methods:</text><clause id="H93A79FEB3C564CB9B2F27A453951AE3D"><enum>(i)</enum><text>Reduction of future tax refunds.</text></clause><clause id="H69A75E47C3F74CFCA5B3160FA6E4D7E7"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>Establishment of a repayment plan, not exceeding 12 months.</text></clause><clause id="H98261CF5F0924A16A3928D5981101C5F"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>Deduction from other Federal tax benefits, subject to applicable laws.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HCC4760C71E284266BE4FC103CE68D41D"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Hardship exemption</header><text>Hardship exemptions may be granted for repayment on the basis for criteria established by the Internal Revenue Service.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HCD4E56E9F2D54116B072DFB27C824C05"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Grace period</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A 90-day grace period will be granted for repayment without interest or penalties if the parent voluntarily reports the change.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H14055B7CF5124834BC9D17B2E6F5B3ED"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Appeals</header><paragraph id="HE7370886DC304134BA60E18FC5D114B8"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Stipend recipients may appeal recoupment decisions through the existing Internal Revenue Service appeals process. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="H114AC442B2514F2DB37373E19CA571FC"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Grounds for appeal</header><text>Grounds for Appeal include—</text><subparagraph id="H49E9DC6C7E77473EB9062FB7ED5E3FC0"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Denial of eligibility.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HCE426C41DF3F4D5E888CF815EE941F7D"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Disagreement with benefit amount.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H008EFE082A804ADDA4F3260FECFC7E6D"><enum>(C)</enum><text>Recoupment decisions.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HF8895CCEFC2D45F6B93E063038F23B67"><enum>(D)</enum><text>Program disqualification.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H4F8D38861878412F968340AA48A2E40D"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Timeline</header><subparagraph id="H7F95084A687D4289B1D151A5EDF89C1B"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Filing of appeal</header><text>Stipend recipients must file an appeal within 60 days of receiving an adverse decision. </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H7D9E5A883E944184ABD5CDC67456C137"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Acknowledgment</header><text>The Internal Revenue Service shall acknowledge receipt of appeals within 30 days. </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H8D5047B0CB1E4185BD72A02AC5F3D3FC"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Decision</header><text>A decision on the appeal shall be made within 90 days of receipt. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HB7DDBEC2B0D54D56BA4180874635568E"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Appeal Submission</header><text>Appeals may be submitted online, by mail, or by fax. The appeal must at least include the taxpayers identification information, specific reason for the appeal and supporting documentation. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="HAA311D9049C5487BA00C0806DF9109CC"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Review Process</header><text>An independent Internal Revenue Service appeals office will review each case. The officer may request additional information from the stipend recipient or relevant agencies. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="H869F06DFAD75429FB3A93E933B25D3E9"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Final decision</header><text>Decisions of the Internal Revenue Service will be provided in writing, including the rationale. If the appeal is denied, information of further review options (including the Tax Court) shall be provided. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="H6F8A736CE67F45718F3B6323D42A8950"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Continued Benefits</header><text>Benefits shall continue during the appeals process if the appeal is filed within 10 days of the adverse decision. If the appeal is denied, any benefits paid during the appeal process may be subject to recoupment.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HFB2BC7E54396417B8D6022E2F397D05C"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Privacy and data protections</header><paragraph id="H378B09610E6B470DB2CC61357C18224F"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Data Collection Limitations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Only information necessary for determining eligibility and administering the program shall be collected. Social Security numbers will be collected and used in accordance with section 7 of the Privacy Act.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HD0BC71FA54264C359605D784C31E9455"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Data usage</header><text>Information collected shall be used solely for the administration of the stay-at-home parent child care stipend program and related tax administration purposes. o Data sharing between the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Health and Human Service, and Social Security Administration will be limited to information necessary for program administration and evaluation. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="H34A210AD07B149BA9D8EFE9AF71F5B98"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Data retention and disposal</header><text>Personal data will be retained only for the duration necessary for program administration and in accordance with Internal Revenue Service records retention schedules. Secure data disposal methods will be used when destroying records. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="HD658B3DFF7B24FAAAC48E0B3E977DFF5"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Transparency and Consent</header><text>Stipend recipients will provide informed consent for the collection and use of their data when applying for the program. Stipend recipients will have the right to request access to their data and correct any inaccuracies. Any third-party contractors handling program data will be contractually bound to the same privacy and security standards as Federal employees.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H7245C4C70D324E1F870E4CFDF1F6BE34"><enum>209.</enum><header>Outreach and education</header><subsection id="HC84CA61031164D20AD7F21A34215B8A2"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of the Treasury, in collaboration with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall develop and implement a comprehensive outreach strategy within 6 months of the date of the enactment of this Act to inform families of options available for childcare. </text></subsection><subsection id="HE531E5B5EF024988B73C989F6219B974"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Program requirements</header><text>At minimum, the strategy must include:</text><paragraph id="H5CDDF6DDA1FA4459B705BCEC7A062588"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Targeted messaging for potentially eligible families.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H97F68227907B4E74A208BB108A4CD444"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Partnerships with State and local agencies, community organizations and tax preparation services.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HEAE00410C3204E12B80E90CF79498C0C"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Multilingual materials and outreach effort including the use of multiple mediums of communication delivery including online, mail, and print.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HE18D2C636D7B43C990D0B6D22DB62F1D"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Educational Resources</header><paragraph id="H3D0602397AC04E0792E3100BE6DCF6F5"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Internal Revenue Service</header><text>Pursuant to such strategy, the Internal Revenue Service shall develop and maintain—</text><subparagraph id="HF259272BD70646EBB121C9948A59BB77"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a dedicated website with program information, eligibility calculator, and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ),</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H9E6DB10DB0F844579739FD60F45FBEC6"><enum>(B)</enum><text>printed materials for distribution at Internal Revenue Service offices, community centers, and healthcare facilities, and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H87A78CE06BD74C1BA392FB9A365FFA6B"><enum>(C)</enum><text>a toll-free help line for program inquiries.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H465F3ED8C86C47058E741674E8514002"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Health and Human Services</header><text>The Secretary shall develop—</text><subparagraph id="HD245D7CE4E1048079EA2BC31F546423A"><enum>(A)</enum><text>resources on child development and effective home-based early learning practices, and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HD25E106CA75E46B59002F5EB1C1D9243"><enum>(B)</enum><text>guides on transitioning children to formal childcare (including the programs authorized in this Act) or preschool programs (including making connections to relevant State agencies so parents have more of a seamless experience during the transition).</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H730F3E14DA7A4AB09DA0511D3675526D"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Tax Preparer Training</header><text>The Internal Revenue Service shall provide training materials and guidance to tax preparers on the program and its interaction with other tax credits.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HF2DCD92AE6BA4BDFAEEF225F5022EC52"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Annual Awareness Campaign</header><text>The Secretary of the Treasury shall conduct an annual awareness campaign prior to tax filing season to remind eligible parents about the program.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H23614D9524FC4EF48995CA189EE02935"><enum>210.</enum><header>Evaluation metrics</header><subsection id="HC85E6F2A8A574D3195684D58CABC44D9"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment of metrics</header><text>Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Secretary shall establish a set of evaluation metrics.</text></subsection><subsection id="H672648989A544C49B2001C213277CE7A"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Data collection</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall establish a data collection system to gather information on these metrics.</text></subsection><subsection id="H05CB203DD22945F39165D62E6A99CC7B"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Annual evaluation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of shall conduct an annual evaluation of the program using these metrics and submit a report to Congress.</text></subsection><subsection id="H76F09B245FD74313AC676E9986065F26"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Longitudinal study</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of shall initiate a longitudinal study to track long-term outcome for child and families participating in the program.</text></subsection><subsection id="HFC6DBA2090484066AF2906C6B64F5680"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Independent Review</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Every 3 years the Government Accountability Office shall conduct an independent review of the program’s effectiveness based on these metrics.</text></subsection></section><section id="HDB16DA4726624DE3A23A30CDC0DEDE1B"><enum>211.</enum><header>Sunset provision/reauthorization requirement</header><subsection id="H9518E0AEBCED4BF8954E20AFA36B1E06"><enum>(a)</enum><text>Program Duration.—The stay-at-home parent support program is authorized for a period of 10 years from the date of enactment.</text></subsection><subsection id="H2B575D534CF94952B373C2F851BB699E"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Reauthorization process</header><text>Not later than 18 months prior to the program’s expiration, the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary shall jointly submit a report to Congress on the program’s effectiveness and recommendations for continuation, modification or termination.</text></subsection><subsection id="H8C878788B4DD4669ABE425A4BDEE776F"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Congressional review</header><text>Congress shall review the program and vote on its reauthorization not later than 6 months prior to its expiration date.</text></subsection><subsection id="H085B3AB66CFD48E5826B6C7FCB8D2880"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Transition plan</header><text>If Congress decides not to reauthorize the program, the Secretary in collaboration with relevant agencies shall develop and implement a transition plan to phase out benefits over a 12-month period.</text></subsection></section><section id="H4C71AE16BEFA4BB38BB85DF9A33574BF"><enum>212.</enum><header>Interaction with other benefits</header><subsection id="HAC6DBC05388D48888E72FC0298322F8F"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Child tax credit</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The stay-at-home parent support program benefit will be in addition to any child tax credit for which a family is eligible and not a substitute. Receipt of the stay-at-home parent child care stipend shall not affect child tax credit eligibility or amount. </text></subsection><subsection id="H35B34D7C90E74ACF8A7DDB780B03E8EF"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Earned Income Tax Credit</header><text>For the purposes of calculating the earned income tax credit, the stay-at-home parent support program stipend will not be considered earned income or counted as income for determining earned income tax credit eligibility. </text></subsection><subsection id="HAE034AA336684C3ABC1F31BAEC5EDC3C"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Child and Dependent Care Credit</header><text>Individuals receiving the stay-at-home parent support program stipend with respect to any child are not be eligible for the child and dependent care credit with respect to such child for any taxable year during which such stipend is received.</text></subsection><subsection id="H20B6C24D902142CC9F75F220AEBC428F"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Head Start and Early Head Start</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Head Start and Early Head Start.—Receipt of the benefit will not affect eligibility for Head Start or Early Head Start programs”, although the decision to enroll in Head Start or Early Head Start for more than 10 hours a week will render a family ineligible for the benefit under this title.</text></subsection><subsection id="H805B2F3B6F314ED2B1005579659A1E3A"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Temporary Assistance for Needy Families</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">States shall not take into account the stay-at-home parent support program stipend for purposes of determining TANF eligibility or benefit amounts. </text></subsection><subsection id="H2479D55162344726AFCE7DB59553D068"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Supplemental Assistance for Needy Families</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The stay-at-home parent support program stipend shall not be counted as income for SNAP eligibility or benefit calculation purposes. </text></subsection><subsection id="HFFB0115BBE0A4339AA0F321F1737E9F3"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Medicaid and CHIP</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The stay-at-home parent support program stipend shall not be counted as income for determining eligibility for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program CHIP. </text></subsection><subsection id="HD2D68963301F4DAAA39B989F1571BE20"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Housing Assistance</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The stay-at-home parent support program stipend shall not be counted as income for determining eligibility for Federal housing assistance programs.</text></subsection><subsection id="HEEB6D439585F4D668975488BBCE491E8"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Annual Review</header><text>The Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary, and other relevant agency heads shall conduct an annual review of the program’s interaction with other Federal benefits and tax credits, and report to Congress any unintended consequences or recommended adjustments.</text></subsection></section><section id="H01CC90ED80244D6283F1859D0637CCD3"><enum>213.</enum><header>Benefit structure and payment mechanism</header><subsection id="H7C8CF5BF873E45BCA49B296F703B2B9B"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Benefit amount</header><paragraph id="HAA143AF02F524CA091CAF4590570D308"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Eligible stay-at-home parents will receive $300 per month per eligible child.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H6613D9E886DB488D83362D95D2DA3677"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Cost-of-living adjustment</header><text>The Secretary of the Treasury shall have the authority to adjust the benefit amount annually based on cost-of-living increases, subject to Congressional approval.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H4C61D00223D3429EA48811EFD4B6A62E"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Payment distribution</header><paragraph id="H06016AC273C842D9AECC3621D2132E67"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Monthly</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Internal Revenue Service shall distribute payments monthly through accessible payment methods to families including but not limited to direct deposit to the bank account designated by the parent, prepaid debit cards for parents without bank accounts, paper checks as a last report if neither of the above options is feasible. Payments shall be made on a set date each month, to be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="H29403752A9944A69AD737C0104844F38"><enum>(2)</enum><header>First payment</header><text>The first payment shall be made within 30 days of the eligibility determination or recertification.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H03C85B11FA96482FBBA7E834A0C58CBA"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Duration of benefits</header><paragraph id="H581CF4BCB2324D098FAEFA40E00DF800"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Benefits will continue until the eligible child reaches the age of 3 or enters another childcare program funded by the Child Care for America Grant Program or the program under title III for more than 10 hours a week, whichever comes first.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HAA6FF8B3DE084B119C9B7D92714B01BA"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Annual recertification</header><text>Annual recertification shall be completed not later than the due date (determined without regard to any extensions) for the income tax return of the eligible recipient of the benefits. </text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HF29A4C394BF9476C97BCE5C1CE7A5091"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Recertifcation process</header><paragraph id="H33D579FBCDC345B9A14A6B1B83E3B747"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Reminders</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Internal Revenue Service shall provide multiple reminders to parents about the recertification requirement, including but not limited to the following:</text><subparagraph id="HE865D68906FE449BA94036AACFDAC745"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Notices with monthly benefit payments starting three months before the tax filing deadline.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H4FACD474DF8E40F98C81C2646A305644"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Email and text message reminders if parents have opted in for such communications.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H7B739E4B090540A4A9361AF0041094B2"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Suspension of benefits</header><text>Parents who fail to recertify by the deadline may have their benefits suspended 30 days after the due date referred to in subsection (c)(2). </text></paragraph><paragraph id="H29E3866E59574E51B14E9B35806B4CBF"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Recertifications within 90 days of deadline</header><text>If recertification is completed within 90 days after the deadline:</text><subparagraph id="H05295F663A5746A886E234DFA825AE57"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Benefits shall be reinstated prospectively from the date of recertification.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H05746AAE42E74820BCA9558754BB671E"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Any missed payments due to late recertification shall be paid retroactively in a lump sum within one year after the original deadline.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H9275FCB151F943558F9C908296A83EFB"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Methods of recertification</header><text>The Internal Revenue Service shall provide multiple channels for recertification including but not limited to:</text><subparagraph id="H472402CA39C347FCBDFB2E81AB50D9F8"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Automatic recertification on income tax returns other relevant tax documents during tax filing season. </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HBFB0AD0893484A1D9381668241BCA911"><enum>(B)</enum><text>A process for recertification and disclosure of change of status that may make a parent ineligible throughout the calendar year in the form of a website or other accessible service delivery channel.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HFFF9BB2F394B4E11A2B89E53729B9B74"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Mid-Year changes</header><paragraph id="HB570756BF63743DBAC88685AE7BE633B"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Benefits will continue until the eligible child reaches the age of 3 or enters another childcare program funded by the Child Care for America Grant Program or the program under title III for more than 10 hours a week, whichever comes first:</text><subparagraph id="H0171312E6DF5467DB2956AFA0481AE36"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Child enrolling in a childcare program for more than 10 hours a week that makes them ineligible for the benefit.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H2A2FCD8CD0584A5AB84EF4BA67122D52"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Changes in income affecting eligibility.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HED75ED7039AF4A77A80DFF247C1788B0"><enum>(2)</enum><header>On-line portal and dedicated phone line</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Internal Revenue Service shall provide an online portal and a dedicated phone line for reporting changes. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="HEB6A4010074848C0BEA87903A6C1B043"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Benefits</header><text>Benefits shall be adjusted or terminated as appropriate based on reported changes, effective from the month following the change.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H03FF2E4316DE4E10852A2052596A6B24"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Appeals process</header><paragraph id="HAA7448E576B841F78C61A814DD57D4C8"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Benefit recipients will have the right to appeal decisions regarding benefit amounts, eligibility determinations or recoupment of overpayments. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="H4109C482C2BC4BE5ABA6B8D88765FB81"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Deadline</header><text>Appeals must be filed within 60 days of receiving notice of the decision.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HDFE1DB4482D84A6ABD3EF5227CCEFEC1"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Expedited appeals</header><text>The Internal Revenue Service shall establish an expedited review process for such appeals.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HEFC3F2EEB57F483ABC87D371ACE6E884"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Payment security and fraud prevention</header><paragraph id="H4723BB7D5D6B4E299AC7AAAAEBA402F0"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Internal Revenue Service shall implement robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access to payment information.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HAFC04015DDD8442EB98E07FF06826593"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Audits</header><text>The Internal Revenue Service shall conduct regular audits to identify and prevent fraudulent claims.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H1A126512424A43DA98C1530D7C63E5B9"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Penalties</header><text>Penalties for fraudulent claims shall include repayment of benefits, fines and potential criminal prosecution.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H8ACC4E0064B649069548B7D15AB8CF12"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Report to Congress</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of the Treasury shall submit an annual report to Congress describing the number of families receiving the benefit, total amount distributed and any significant issues or challenges in benefit distribution.</text></subsection><subsection id="H29D342D771E245469CDC5DC67DB9DCB9"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Program evaluation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary shall conduct an annual evaluation of the payment mechanism and benefit structure. The evaluation must also assess the efficiency of benefit distribution, impact on eligible families and any recommended improvements. </text></subsection></section><enum>III</enum><header>Kin Care: Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Care Program</header><section id="HAEAB4E8158C84718A091ED57461067B6"><enum>301.</enum><header>Definitions</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">For purposes of this title—</text><paragraph id="H9E753A04DCB84C23BDD51FA814938D13"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the term <quote>FFN provider</quote> means an individual who provides childcare services to eligible children in a home setting and is not required to be licensed under State law;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H971199C8D372478CA9DB322A5767C2E6"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the term <quote>eligible FFN provider</quote> means a FFN provider who meets the requirements set forth in this section and is registered with the State law; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H432E7E7770D64E3D9158E41FE7A2A60E"><enum>(3)</enum><text>the term <quote>FFN care</quote> means child care services provided by an eligible FFN provider.</text></paragraph></section><section id="H9AB3A9279BEC429D936CE7265334E2F8"><enum>302.</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">There is authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2024 through 2034 to carry out this title, to be allocated as follows:</text><paragraph id="HE435FA6B30AC4D37B4EFF06A14E89846"><enum>(1)</enum><text>75 percent for direct payments to verified FFN provider;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HF0D6CBEC85CE4CF283224FE1830B6BEA"><enum>(2)</enum><text>15 percent for State-level program administration and support services;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H9DA8D2A9AD42427FBBF3282D98AFD541"><enum>(3)</enum><text>8 percent for Federal administration, including the development and maintenance of a national FFN database and verification system; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HEBFADF4453094A6D87E008312F981827"><enum>(4)</enum><text>2 percent for research, evaluation, and continuous improvement initiatives.</text></paragraph></section><section id="H321E6EFF5C1648C6B51F26EC1E643959"><enum>303.</enum><header>Parent roles and responsibilities in the FFN Care Program</header><subsection id="HFA3ED6DDB6C04357B3F9961DB249FE00"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Eligibility and initial enrollment</header><paragraph id="HCCB1D549196C48E6B7EA5FF559EF4975"><enum>(1) </enum><header>Eligibility criteria</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">To be eligible for the FFN Care Program, a parent shall meet income eligibility requirements (up to 100 percent of State median income).</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H0E3B45B40E954860BFB2D5EDCF5FEA0C"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Application process</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An eligible parent shall—</text><subparagraph id="HDEED765A8DA84161BB7921DE01DB9F56"><enum>(A)</enum><text>complete the FFN care subsidy application through the Kin Care Interface within 30 days of seeking care; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H1DCD35ADD22D4FCF83D593FC6882FCFE"><enum>(B)</enum><text>provide accurate and complete information, including—</text><clause id="H12A75E9E59BC4FBFBA6BA0C5A2238B4A"><enum>(i)</enum><text>proof of income;</text></clause><clause id="HFAE93C43A57F48B0BE6AD483D75EAAB0"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>number and ages of children needing care; and</text></clause><clause id="HA747201593AF44D1A8ACFE0740DF2189"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">hours of care needed.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H35D6F4065F2241EB9B2454004566F031"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Provider selection</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An eligible parent shall—</text><subparagraph id="HE6DC0AD9CE244526A54D87326390AA7D"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">nominate their FFN provider to the Interface for verification, after which time FFN providers may voluntarily join the Interface and seek verification as set out in the provider section; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HD21179B2BC7C483EA74F1F7BE88AA55E"><enum>(B)</enum><text>confirm the care arrangement with the chosen provider through the Kin Care Interface within 5 days of selection.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HE10C66DB45634E928E5FD116F8BF1342"><enum>(b)</enum><header> Care arrangement confirmation and documentation</header><paragraph id="H6903C3728D5148FB8D95F02D72CEEAC9"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Written agreement</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The parent shall—</text><subparagraph id="H13931E89DF0D46B28CE25E706C407E0E"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">enter into a standard consent agreement with the FFN provider within 7 days of selection, outlining—</text><clause id="H27E5754585EA4C679AE3C21D7C1388D8"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">care schedule; and</text></clause><clause id="H558754B7452C48AAB35E6066DD5A017E"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>expectations for both parties; and</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H4C89AD2F8B054D34AAFE2E6D84C9C578"><enum>(B)</enum><text>enter into a written agreement with the FFN provider within 7 days of selection, outlining—</text><clause id="H8F9FCF84FA084BF0A18B7B2ED93CF47D"><enum>(i)</enum><text>care schedule;</text></clause><clause id="H50600D5D93B54FD38537E9E8FE25B743"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>compensation details;</text></clause><clause id="HFD6992CB305E434AB9CF74D01A9BA06E"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>expectations for both parties; and</text></clause><clause id="H9355C24255F84CE2897AEC735933FC7B"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>upload the signed agreement to the Kin Care Interface within 3 days of signing.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H0E5F85BC23CB488FA45A051C5157D307"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Care setting verification</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For care in the child's home, the parent shall—</text><subparagraph id="H7C0600707F4848ED803B539C9C41EDEB"><enum>(A)</enum><text>provide written confirmation about the suitability of their home for childcare within 5 days of provider selection;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H27B381B471774464880BFE6417709ECC"><enum>(B)</enum><text>complete a home safety checklist provided through the Kin Care Interface within 10 days of provider selection; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H4229A7688A7442A6AE19172EAFDF2A36"><enum>(C)</enum><text>allow for virtual or in-person safety assessments of the home environment as required by the State agency.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H4D172E7453DC4202BED0FC51E289FEDB"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Ongoing responsibilities</header><subparagraph id="H3F470A26E6384D4AA12A649C8644C7E9"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Attendance verification</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The parent shall verify child attendance through the Kin Care Interface on a weekly basis, within 2 days of the end of each care week.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA498980F18484938ABA1F279D6C0ABFA"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Provider evaluation and feedback</header><text>The parent shall—</text><clause id="H395D038D07A54A08BF70FB78A1EDD4DC"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">complete semi-annual care quality surveys through the Kin Care Interface;</text></clause><clause id="H3441DD03E7FD4532BCD8034A4150593E"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>provide additional feedback or concerns as they arise, within 24 hours for urgent matters; and</text></clause><clause id="H621643B5669F4943A6421C69D65F4B76"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>any major safety incidents while the child is in FFN care, with major safety incidents defined as hospitalization resulting from provider neglect, or any incident leading to suspicion of child abuse.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HDA250BB3ED664A9CB2449EBCFA107908"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Reporting changes</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The parent shall report the following changes within 10 days of occurrence—</text><clause id="H4C108D28189B400AAE2A4BFC33C23500"><enum>(i)</enum><text>income changes that may affect eligibility;</text></clause><clause id="HCDFA81B8898E4D77BD0B17391C2F0C6F"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>employment or education/training status changes;</text></clause><clause id="HF7551039BCD94EA6949BB6F5D209FE4D"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>family size or composition changes; and</text></clause><clause id="H1EE5FA16630646BCB7C525827856A7E9"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>relocation or contact information updates.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H6726C86CF08B4558AC80881DE8D06939"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Cooperation with monitoring and investigations</header><text>The parent shall—</text><clause id="H4820881DF6B14760B13125D377556566"><enum>(i)</enum><text>participate in annual re-certification processes;</text></clause><clause id="HB1A548C5070F4790BC0B78F3CFDECA2F"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>completing all required documentation within 30 days of request;</text></clause><clause id="H9374E5269E3845B6B9A3534DC5717806"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>cooperate with any investigations or follow-ups regarding reported incidents or concerns within the timeframe specified by the investigating agency; and</text></clause><clause id="H9AFD69F19D9C4C3BB680A47E6DB0A7AD"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>allow for and facilitate visits by State agency representatives if care is provided in the child’s home.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA9D4FF2015C74B4CA72E954B63E19283"><enum>(E)</enum><header>Training and education</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The parent shall complete any required parent orientation or training modules within 30 days of enrollment in the FFN care program.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H68657BBE15294420B5C1B8C2A0833F2E"><enum>(F)</enum><header>Health and safety</header><text>The parent shall—</text><clause id="H59EB5B76661C4A0DB64CF641282A65C1"><enum>(i)</enum><text>provide up-to-date immunization records for the child to the provider within 7 days of care commencement or any updates; and</text></clause><clause id="HBCC36CB747184A3185BF1F53E0520018"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>inform the provider of any health concerns, allergies, or special needs of the child before care begins and as new information arises.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HB04BD79B3F324BFDBF02DE1A2E0744D4"><enum>(G)</enum><header>Program compliance</header><text>The parent shall—</text><clause id="HE8BFB9278E5342ED839DB36BA663F6D2"><enum>(i)</enum><text>adhere to all rules and regulations of the FFN care program as outlined in the parent handbook; and</text></clause><clause id="HE8616200B8124CBFA73C3B71018847ED"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>acknowledge that failure to comply with these responsibilities may result in termination from the program or repayment of subsidies.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="HDE5A24A4E35D4C85AD791E060AA30791"><enum>304.</enum><header>FFN provider responsibilities in the Kin Care Program</header><subsection id="H67B3062425EC4CE7BA29D8EE2A24818C"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Eligibility and initial registration</header><paragraph id="H5CF9A8E0B1264CF1880984C20DDD2684"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Eligibility criteria</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">To be eligible as an FFN provider, an individual shall—</text><subparagraph id="H02E1DBC98B8F408099CD65D1A037D744"><enum>(A)</enum><text>be at least 18 years old as of the date of application;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H8455139285F147BD85FA03707B78D691"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">be a grandparent, aunt or uncle of the child;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H51F954A45ACE4648B806CF1566223AC4"><enum>(C)</enum><text>not have any criminal record involving violent offenses, nor prior credible child abuse findings, nor be present on any sex offender registry; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H8C3953EBB2B241DD8FAD6153C05C8A23"><enum>(D)</enum><text>after the first three years of the Kin Care program, the Secretary may, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, elect to extend eligibility to additional family members, trusted friends, and trusted neighbors.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H7B91DA6BF24F495985421B9687F3DBF4"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Interaction with ccdbg</header><subparagraph id="H942AAF3041DE48E0B15BF9ED0E9F0EA8"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Transition from ccdbg</header><text>A FFN caregiver currently registered as a subsidy-receiving provider via the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 shall discontinue their participation upon being verified to be part of the Kin Care program and beginning to receive payments via the Kin Care program.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H21A71C3CB82F4371920732E6CB4892F6"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Continued ccdbg participation</header><text>FFN caregivers who are not eligible for the Kin Care program but who are eligible for payment under CCDBG may continue to participate in that program.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H466B5E6ACD574C1BA3FD1280D9079999"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Potential ccdbg repeal</header><text>In the case that the Secretary elects to extend eligibility for the Kin Care program to cover all those FFN providers eligible under CCDBG, the relevant sections of CCDBG are to be repealed.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H63128C36C7A24DEB922222A7DF644991"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Registration process</header><text>The provider shall—</text><subparagraph id="H8DDF74DD167E46EB85D38D9FAC61E42F"><enum>(A)</enum><text>complete the online registration form through the Kin Care Interface within 30 days of deciding to become an FFN provider;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H51B8AE9C31304A1F8F129FDF713D0DA3"><enum>(B)</enum><text>provide accurate and complete information as required by the Kin Care Interface; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HB9E218C7D77641C8ADD67359022146B3"><enum>(C)</enum><text>submit to comprehensive background checks within 10 days of registration.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HB44F1383DA684063A5D1AF613A8C53A9"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Care setting verification</header><text>The provider shall—</text><subparagraph id="H3C14D4FDE1114A1D9188D218D4E2F4E8"><enum>(A)</enum><text>for care in provider’s home—</text><clause id="HD27049E689704E06A4744759CD5881D8"><enum>(i)</enum><text>submit clear, recent photos or a video tour of all areas used for child care within 7 days of registration;</text></clause><clause id="HA351E18A674A4364AE824956AAF25E6E"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>participate in a virtual safety assessment within 14 days of registration; and</text></clause><clause id="H1C8A6A836259449BB4140C5747DDC8EA"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>allow for an in-person home visit within 30 days of approval.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H514885588DFE405F902D68F3069CFCD3"><enum>(B)</enum><text>for care in child’s home—</text><clause id="HA9302D89F96544F7A220B50397B79D3E"><enum>(i)</enum><text>sign an agreement to maintain safe practices in the child’s home within 5 days of registration; and</text></clause><clause id="H1E6F4F419D764E5DBF1F2869A126795A"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>schedule a home familiarization visit with the family within 10 days of registration.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H5D34EF4B7F4D46B19FC9266B7B089807"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Training and education</header><subparagraph id="H74F62CF6E8F5423F83B6A58F61E5C372"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Initial training</header><text>The provider shall—</text><clause id="HEAADA31524FC4510A01D4B7FC6AF1A73"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">complete 20 hours of mandatory online health and safety training within 30 days of registration;</text></clause><clause id="H78C8F7B39D014C68A637F13E7849E6F2"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>achieve a minimum score of 80 percent on module quizzes to progress; and</text></clause><clause id="H8257B4CC53F8475192714B47298FFF7B"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>complete a standardized knowledge assessment within 7 days of completing all training modules.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H6A534296B1B8484498A15894DCC00E4C"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Ongoing education</header><text>The provider shall—</text><clause id="H1EA91BE18B8C4C169385ADA5A1800A5A"><enum>(i)</enum><text>complete 10 hours of approved ongoing training annually;</text></clause><clause id="H8CE4E261E17B46928F152B9C9C9CEAE4"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>obtain and maintain certification in pediatric first aid and CPR; and</text></clause><clause id="HE65733030F524624A2887F20CBD21FC0"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>submit certificates of completion for all training through the Kin Care Interface within 7 days of completion.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H718C11A9A7B3488DB79D4F60EEC8DA1E"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Operational requirements</header><subparagraph id="H667A3536F4264DEF9B89603A4F1D6DC8"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Child care practices</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The provider shall—</text><clause id="H61D81B10098947AFBC35F1759CED5A1C"><enum>(i)</enum><text>care for no more than 6 children at a time, including the provider’s own children under age 13;</text></clause><clause id="HF506CE01E12C40EB9A539D625DA3411C"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>maintain a daily log of all children in care;</text></clause><clause id="HE4189E0C9A4D42DD9B6620BBABFA494B"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">maintain direct sight or sound supervision of all children at all times; and</text></clause><clause id="H8DB5EFCC8458407D8C3FD5E19F3E0FFD"><enum>(iv)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">make reasonable efforts to implement daily activities that support child's development and early learning, including reading and outdoor play.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H73ED97C2AD1E447E936267772C4381BB"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Health and safety standards</header><text>The provider shall—</text><clause id="H45F40BD142D641B985897795962DF04C"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline"> maintain a smoke-free environment at all times during hours of operation;</text></clause><clause id="H0FAE013FD1C3449396451AB471D369F4"><enum>(ii)</enum><text> ensure all areas used for child care are free from visible safety hazards;</text></clause><clause id="HB5E3949E8E4841E4B663238AB85138A0"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>implement safe sleep practices for infants and toddlers;</text></clause><clause id="H89E5B545089A4CE894691683A6A26338"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>store all medications and hazardous materials in locked containers out of children's reach;</text></clause><clause id="HDE1AFAC8C6E94539ADFC6CB347B87E94"><enum>(v)</enum><text> maintain a fully stocked first aid kit and emergency preparedness plan; and</text></clause><clause id="H545A4822C9C64942827308BC4C6F36F0"><enum>(vi)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">have and maintain working carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and fire extinguisher(s).</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HDF8398FCA6324998AAFB45FB8249FDED"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Nutrition and meals</header><text>If providing meals, the provider shall—</text><clause id="H8E380EAE36054BB8969FC420167C4EE8"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline"> develop weekly meal plans that meet USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines;</text></clause><clause id="H6D975DA5B18D44C79BE612EFA7C02FF6"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>maintain current food handler's certification if preparing meals; and</text></clause><clause id="H72F424051ADD41A6BA70921DB094E2A1"><enum>(iii)</enum><text> follow proper food safety and hygiene practices.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE025CE9E61F04FFB856D2F9DE81FD094"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Program compliance and reporting</header><clause id="HAB47C9129AC34C0691A591FECB5ECE7D"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Kin Care interface utilization</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The provider shall submit weekly care hours through the Kin Care Interface within 2 days of the end of each care week.</text></clause><clause id="HB4CF308C8E984515B6B4825E2D9CBAF0"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Financial responsibilities</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The provider shall report all income from child care services on annual tax returns.</text></clause><clause id="HE754449327544DD28CA5860E5C7EA3ED"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Incident reporting</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The provider shall—</text><subclause id="H7290403FB65442A18115EEF413A95022"><enum>(I)</enum><text>report any injuries requiring medical attention within 24 hours of occurrence; and</text></subclause><subclause id="H73249A978CAF4A44AA6703406EBBC91E"><enum>(II)</enum><text>report any suspected child abuse or neglect immediately to the appropriate authorities and the State agency.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="H6118034F90454FD4AD119223283D0396"><enum>(iv)</enum><header>Cooperation with monitoring</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The provider shall—</text><subclause id="H3FC08C67A19543499CFE2DF17F9CB64B"><enum>(I)</enum><text>participate in annual re-verification process, completing all requirements within 30 days of notification;</text></subclause><subclause id="H3B2B2CA0129C4F248E90C93003B2F42D"><enum>(II)</enum><text>be available for random virtual check-ins during declared hours of operation; and</text></subclause><subclause id="H43838D7654E54E34B6F3EEFCBE443608"><enum>(III)</enum><text>allow for both announced and unannounced in-person visits by State agency representatives.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="HED01D857599B45F5AAB100702A00F05A"><enum>305.</enum><header>child care practices for family, friend, and neighbor providers</header><subsection id="H9CFD041D2EA54F2BA6A435D4D764CAA8"><enum>(a)</enum><header> Child-to-Provider ratio</header><paragraph id="H967BBD21495E4D848EDB45A023BBD899"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline"> An FFN provider shall not care for more than 4children at any given time, including the provider's own children under the age of 13.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HC66E7A96086B45C1800405EECC9201A4"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The provider shall indicate via the Kin Care Interface the number, age, and initials of children cared for each day.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HDB6D461E4A7F4CE4A97153F4E60593A6"><enum>(3)</enum><text>The provider shall ensure that no more than 2 children under the age of 2 are in care at any time.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H2310F5495EE4403681DF2EC6234B6A35"><enum>(4)</enum><text>For children with special needs, the provider shall adjust ratios as required by the child's individual care plan, in consultation with the child's parents and Kin Care Program administrators.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H0CB3B11F24914A33A39E6E8363E49B97"><enum>306.</enum><header>FFN provider verification procedures and ongoing monitoring</header><subsection id="H709FB00288044C61911E2DBBA5EA5B42"><enum>(a)</enum><header> Development and maintenance of the Kin Care interface</header><paragraph id="HEC2212C1EFBD4CCFB236FCBBBD265CBC"><enum>(1)</enum><header>System development</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall—</text><subparagraph id="H230D84D4793442C7AC254AEBE5D996DC"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">contract with a reputable software development firm to create the Kin Care Interface within 100 days after the date of the enactment of this Act;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA4A3F3A52BA44C4A82A70BD32836F276"><enum>(B)</enum><text>ensure the interface is web-based and includes a mobile application version;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H424EAAB3B4FA441CB99DF6E70671C3EE"><enum>(C)</enum><text>incorporate robust security measures, including end-to-end encryption and multi-factor authentication;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HC670FF74C6604D97830F877276323563"><enum>(D)</enum><text>develop user-friendly interfaces for providers, parents, and State administrators;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H1F80157D16BC4514A472680E719F3D55"><enum>(E)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">be prepared to launch the Interface within one year of passage of this Act;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H6B1931617B37423092F324A9354717F2"><enum>(F)</enum><text>collect only minimum required data to meet the intent and requirements of this Act; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H26708793A4FE483792B622D1DDDB4249"><enum>(G)</enum><text>ensure that at launch, the interface is available in at least English and Spanish, and that it is made available in all languages spoken by at least 1 percent of the U.S. population within one year of launch, and all languages spoken by at least 0.1 percent of the U.S. population within two years of launch.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HCCFF97E2C6A74C30B3F87B8FBAAFF7A4"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Functionality requirements</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Kin Care Interface shall include—</text><subparagraph id="H951E1F7526754D00B46F6A13A29DA8B4"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">provider registration and profile management capabilities;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H8CA5C994B7BE44509D2D1D1CBF07FCA9"><enum>(B)</enum><text>document upload capabilities for ID’s, background check results, and training certificates;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HF48C6F65BFE54FDFB03E204500844461"><enum>(C)</enum><text>a secure messaging system between providers, parents, and State administrators;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HB9CEACFC547F4F9A9161A85207B83F74"><enum>(D)</enum><text>an automated alert system for expired documents or pending re-verifications;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H94A01207C8F74919899A20779A933E0F"><enum>(E)</enum><text>integration with State and Federal databases for background check verificationl;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HD00FFDFAE4664C0E990B6F09287D15B7"><enum>(F)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a secure payment system, including a method for providing compensation to individuals who, at registration, lack a bank account;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H86A22E6CED4E42EF8BB9944F1F418FED"><enum>(G)</enum><text>capabilities for States or the Department to design or upload training modules, and for providers to complete said modules; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HB1F9522651744583B8EAC7EA998A605A"><enum>(H)</enum><text>all other functionalities as needed to carry out the provisions of this Act.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HC55ED89001EE4B39B0FB185DBC9B89C1"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Ongoing maintenance</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall—</text><subparagraph id="HE79DB71EB7344AC7B44117633F8DDC95"><enum>(A)</enum><text>conduct quarterly system updates to address bugs and improve functionality;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HF19860A294764F1E8A06A77F08ED71C7"><enum>(B)</enum><text>perform annual security audits and penetration testing; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HF3B373152CFE4F98AD4AEBFB019BDB30"><enum>(C)</enum><text>maintain a 24/7 technical support helpline for users and State administrators.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H874B864EFE4146DA851871AE3ACE7A50"><enum>(4)</enum><header> Establishment of Federal guidelines</header><subparagraph id="H96A54946A21740CFB7100F7ED2A4A0BD"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Identity verification standards</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall—</text><clause id="HDC4D39F4C4AC4E2C875EF45BEF8CDB48"><enum>(i)</enum><text>specify acceptable forms of government-issued photo ID;</text></clause><clause id="H2AAB1FD117104D16BDBA72759AB90823"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>set requirements for third-party identity verification services; and</text></clause><clause id="H5CEB6C7E8B0C41ADB8BB55B0B46C085B"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>define acceptable documents for address confirmation, such as utility bills no older than 60 days.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE9817322AE80450A9F96C0280B72861C"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Background check standards</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall—</text><clause id="H76614CDD5CDA4F439DE6C6A4408498C4"><enum>(i)</enum><text>establish a comprehensive list of disqualifying offenses; and</text></clause><clause id="H1F6031900FB84C07AF42C266E8381BF9"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>set standards for an appeals process for providers with concerning but non-disqualifying results.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H8E858C2DB59A4FE090B1E41EC7532B6C"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Care setting assessment standards</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall—</text><clause id="HB400EA0736504427924E2B8262E7F75A"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">develop a standardized checklist for virtual safety assessments which includes items necessary to ensure safety but do not present an undue burden to providers;</text></clause><clause id="H5EF183334B134E2899F2EA1FBCDDAD35"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>establish means for providers to remedy any concerns and receive a timely re-assessment; and</text></clause><clause id="H79DE6D86AD104D23A6049CF431B28435"><enum>(iii)</enum><text> establish minimum photo/video documentation requirements for provider's home assessments.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H0B33A6A73E964193A548D73BBD1E14A5"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Training and education standards</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall—</text><clause id="H3C71C47388CC42BFA9787A7C8FBF6AF3"><enum>(i)</enum><text>develop a mandatory online health and safety training curriculum; and</text></clause><clause id="HECDC32C332BF4AF3800520B045149DE2"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>require training to be available in at least 5 languages.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA8FB2DA2BBCA4BC59284F9CD3DFF5BF4"><enum>(E)</enum><header>Ongoing monitoring and re-verification standards</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall—</text><clause id="HB8963F0AF96640B0954EA2CF6F94AABA"><enum>(i)</enum><text>set a 30-day window for annual re-verification completion; and</text></clause><clause id="H2106A79CCBA44C67B0E620BDE723EFE4"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>establish required components of re-verification.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HBF016A62259B4A54BD8AD66A0726F9E4"><enum>(F)</enum><header>Continuous background check monitoring</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall—</text><clause id="H958C1A901E1044B6A97FE7C423E44C50"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline"> establish partnerships with State law enforcement agencies for real-time arrest notifications for violent offenses, child abuse offenses, or offenses resulting in addition to sex offender registries. No such partnerships shall be construed by the Secretary or States as means to provide law enforcement agencies with information outside the relevant scope of the Kin Care program, notwithstanding information sharing required under existing State and Federal law;</text></clause><clause id="HC495A5FD3A5F43438790A96F185E81C0"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>develop a system for providers to self-report new criminal charges or child protective services involvement within 48 hours; and</text></clause><clause id="H5F5C8F6595154CE0B3D9BBA4DB26AAF5"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>set a 3-year cycle for full background check renewals.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H0FF50FA384784B83A24548C4F06403BD"><enum>(G)</enum><header>Incident reporting and investigation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall—</text><clause id="H7A6454F179DB490DB8FFEB736E046D56"><enum>(i)</enum><text>develop a standardized incident report form; and</text></clause><clause id="HAFCEDBC3F1A34580AE7BA9537FE18481"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>establish a tiered response system based on incident severity.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HC9B88A9674AB467F8334B69B329BC08B"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Compliance and enforcement</header><text>The Secretary shall—</text><subparagraph id="H9318551771014F5C91538332D01FA9FB"><enum>(A)</enum><text>establish a graduated system of enforcement actions; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H6B3BAE3CE6C6441EA650F4A6BCE7B63C"><enum>(B)</enum><text>develop an appeals process for providers facing adverse actions.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H7765FD4298F64EEFA6B797F88495E1B8"><enum>(b)</enum><header>State agency responsibilities</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Each State agency shall—</text><paragraph id="H439B264EB8114A488F0F10FAFBDCDA66"><enum>(1)</enum><text>designate a State-level administrator to oversee the Kin Care Interface;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H3E6328702AF1421B9F5DE0A1EAB939EC"><enum>(2)</enum><text>review all provider registrations within 10 business days of submission;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H909E8632AC0C4A94960510D74B81CB79"><enum>(3)</enum><text>conduct identity verification processes within specified timeframes;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H6AB81C8D95A241E69504CA20D1FE6DF9"><enum>(4)</enum><text>administer background checks according to Federal guidelines;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HF72C7BF6BB944BCDA7956D5916AE556D"><enum>(5)</enum><text>conduct care setting verifications for both provider's home and child's home care settings;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H4A1EDCB2C197471EB887E7C2CEAAC27D"><enum>(6)</enum><text>verify completion of required training and education by providers;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HA35BF3A847E740FCBAAF9195A1AF2224"><enum>(7)</enum><text>manage the annual re-verification process for providers;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HC438990368314A93B413F2990809996A"><enum>(8)</enum><text>conduct random virtual check-ins with 5 percent of approved providers each month;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H22CD7B321225449E99D6C6FE1BE7416E"><enum>(9)</enum><text>maintain a system for continuous background check monitoring;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H9C78A6AD11384B7DAF7052F01B9D3752"><enum>(10)</enum><text>manage the parent feedback system and respond to concerns in a timely manner;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H7B7366D5FBF7453083A4A059CE3BCF07"><enum>(11)</enum><text>investigate and respond to reported incidents according to the tiered response system;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HE207DC3305894956B1C02BA801102E1D"><enum>(12)</enum><text>implement compliance and enforcement actions as necessary;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H1EFA64C63C5841F2B8705D1879B0B228"><enum>(13)</enum><text>provide quality improvement support to providers as needed; </text></paragraph><paragraph id="H29A8A788132E4104B8FBB81CFBDC19FD"><enum>(14)</enum><text>submit required reports to the Secretary on program operations and outcomes;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HA503DF361B50491A931809D955286473"><enum>(15) </enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">establish a localized schedule of payment rates, and ensure timely payment to providers (no more than five business days after the end of a payment period);</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H9D2C7204F39140C3947D1CBD45E9A78E"><enum>(16)</enum><text>ensure all State Kin Care Interface materials and related materials are available in, at minimum, all languages spoken by more than 1 percent of the population in their State;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H140458C6DF674DDF95617D6A440E8448"><enum>(17)</enum><text>establish a process for parents and providers to offer feedback, complaints and concerns regarding monitoring, enforcement and program operations; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HAA8D59D1C09A4AA08DB3CE73B3E757EA"><enum>(18)</enum><text>create or utilize an existing FFN advisory or governance structure to give input and oversee implementation; this committee must be provided data and information regarding the program including numbers of participants and participant complaints/concerns with program operations.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H2237BB0148674AB1933746F35B641AEB"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Reporting and evaluation</header><paragraph id="H2CEF4972EFF74988B3157BD89EBA6B19"><enum>(1)</enum><text>The Secretary shall establish a system for regular reporting and evaluation of the FFN Provider Verification Procedures and Ongoing Monitoring processes.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H1958CBE54FBC487CAAECE5B830974A8A"><enum>(2)</enum><text>State agencies shall submit monthly and quarterly reports as specified by the Secretary.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H2F5231DFE0874FE4B31980AC11DEF2EB"><enum>(3)</enum><text>The Secretary shall conduct an annual evaluation of the effectiveness of these procedures and make recommendations for improvements as necessary.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H38FC7764562C4C4E81A86DD4841F2833"><enum>(4)</enum><text>The States and Secretary shall gather participant experience data to understand barriers, administrative and paperwork burdens, use of technology challenges, etc., that may be limiting participation.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H5FA992C34F124171BDEF11CE78E54F45"><enum>307.</enum><header>FFN Provider Payment Process</header><subsection id="H01CF100DDE1742BE88FD619F3CD32710"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Payment rates</header><paragraph id="H01155BAB39D44B58B3C2C396F9D9E67D"><enum>(1)</enum><text>The Secretary shall establish a national base rate for FFN care that is no less than 75 percent of the State's rate for licensed family child care homes.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HD8B649E8BAC64D3CA8BFCC1AE9A4F8D5"><enum>(2)</enum><text>States may adjust the base rate to account for—</text><subparagraph id="H9345E38F8E894B33AFE7F6498D036B28"><enum>(A)</enum><text>geographic cost of living differences;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H968014014F0145FA8DF5CD094BE9D7BC"><enum>(B)</enum><text>number and ages of children in care;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HF360FC743D044227986CF97811197503"><enum>(C)</enum><text>non-traditional hours care (evenings, weekends, overnight);</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H6D54FFE6F0EE40DDB5CA4A4D369B83ED"><enum>(D)</enum><text>care for children with special needs;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA5530F85509D495E9559B397DFF1FDDF"><enum>(E)</enum><text>provider education and training levels; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HF81A5609D39A4053A1D84C2147FBD533"><enum>(F)</enum><text>the Secretary shall review and update the national base rate annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and child care market rates.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H045F44C23E9E4184AB5A780F968014DE"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Payment frequency and method</header><paragraph id="H8D66737A64674D7A88D08ADB22EC283D"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">FFN providers shall submit number of weekly hours of service through the Kin Care Interface within 2 days of the end of each care week.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H855FB00698064D789C0E2CE6E522BDFB"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The Kin Care Interface shall automatically calculate payment amounts based on—</text><subparagraph id="HBD6723917732432CBE0575DA35F701BB"><enum>(A)</enum><text>reported hours;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HB9BA2D06A34A428AB9F81D4914206403"><enum>(B)</enum><text>approved rate for the provider; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H6E9FFEBF01F34B2FBC1D33043C92DBB4"><enum>(C)</enum><text>any adjustments for non-traditional hours, special needs care, or other adjustments.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HA7141D38FD45499D983084C7E17C933F"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Parents shall verify reports via the Kin Care Interface within a reasonable timeframe.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H70436D4661CE49D3A82A7EA94FF0AFC5"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Reporting and payment calculation</header><paragraph id="H486313CA6AEC4428A1E7ABD22C0CD04D"><enum>(1)</enum><text>FFN providers shall submit weekly attendance reports through the Kin Care Interface within 2 days of the end of each care week.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H50B75A20237948CAB2FD56F55A859E89"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The Kin Care Interface shall automatically calculate payment amounts based on—</text><subparagraph id="H8F10C4C0583443B2AA9918DA37AD1F2C"><enum>(A)</enum><text>reported attendance;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H50D57E3E091B4E31B595CDF6E2BDC771"><enum>(B)</enum><text>approved rate for the provider;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H52F66AF891444F43894CD6C8BC9C1E70"><enum>(C)</enum><text>any adjustments for non-traditional hours or special needs care.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H81CDB5C9FF044E3E9E1F4DE384F7B820"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Parents shall verify the attendance reports within 1 day of submission by the provider.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H4F4FC8E2BFC24F1C9A4B4E8CBA61A6B0"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Payment processing</header><paragraph id="H6355A0E3897A4D24B0E7D1F694D772A2"><enum>(1)</enum><text>The State agency shall process payments within 3 business days of verified submission.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HC0D3DF615D574181A34D55DD6C526C1D"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The Kin Care Interface shall generate a detailed payment Statement for each pay period, accessible to both the provider and the State agency.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H31986CD5638B40C290D7292D4CAAC767"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Overpayments and underpayments</header><paragraph id="H3C95216543BD4F309535601BC52931D5"><enum>(1)</enum><text>In cases of overpayment due to error or misreporting—</text><subparagraph id="H67807A46F4654A219C529B43A8FDF3CB"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the State agency shall notify the provider within 5 business days of discovery; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HB1E53A31B37F4B3CB8EF300B759CE12B"><enum>(B)</enum><text>recovery of overpayments shall be through reduced future payments, not to exceed 10 percent of each payment until the overpayment is recovered.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H79936B124B7E42329D620505FF144505"><enum>(2)</enum><text>In cases of underpayment, The State agency shall issue an additional payment to correct the underpayment within 5 business days of discovery.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HFBB7836F89B24CCBBCCD59D9B9176A9C"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Payment for training and professional development</header><paragraph id="HD9464EA6EE13466E924FD6E5F4416C5A"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">FFN providers shall be compensated at their regular rate for time spent in required training and professional development activities, which providers shall record as normal hours of service.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H8333596704004A4F806E0623581D67C6"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The State agency shall pay for any fees associated with required training courses or materials.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H947FE54E8F31491CBEDC32CCE79C548D"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Tax reporting</header><paragraph id="H7284CE20FB7A4847B0B234B52AC48CC1"><enum>(1)</enum><text>The Kin Care Interface shall generate annual tax documents (e.g., 1099 forms) for FFN providers by January 31st of each year.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HC9C168259AC64D82A167D8C71D6F6412"><enum>(2)</enum><text>FFN providers shall be responsible for reporting all income and paying applicable taxes.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H8BE422AEF8EC4831A93A60A550C92A20"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Payment disputes</header><paragraph id="H29017C0A87624255817B5EAB94460E1F"><enum>(1)</enum><text>FFN providers may file a payment dispute through the Kin Care Interface within 30 days of the payment date.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HB45F93C1850E46A6BC5DD56A420072CF"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The State agency shall investigate and resolve payment disputes within 10 business days of filing.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H79433EB0DDE249E4ACDED5094451BDD6"><enum>(3)</enum><text>If the dispute is not resolved to the provider's satisfaction, they may appeal to a designated State appeal board within 15 days of the State agency's decision.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H38714218726B40BCB644137663614EDA"><enum>308.</enum><header>Data privacy and security measures</header><subsection id="HB362B76ACA0344279A50B1AB7139BD59"><enum>(a) </enum><header>Data protection standards</header><paragraph id="H2ED885AA23474F77A45C936450DA3F15"><enum>(1)</enum><text>The Secretary shall establish comprehensive data protection standards for the Kin Care Interface, including—</text><subparagraph id="H2B251CCE0A784E1C9F8BCCFCC4F656EF"><enum>(A)</enum><text>end-to-end encryption for all data transmissions;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H2D3DFBA953094442B9360094A9DAB890"><enum>(B)</enum><text>multi-factor authentication for user access; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H441482ABCAEF471B8BA9DC7D31B11E84"><enum>(C)</enum><text>regular security audits and penetration testing.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H529CD12349F0489E96E48C8E6545D9A3"><enum>(2)</enum><text>All data stored in the Kin Care Interface shall be classified according to sensitivity level and protected accordingly.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H5AD26900F7994D0FB6F35DC738579254"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Data collection and use</header><paragraph id="H3280D1AC65F4466BA4AFD987014FA103"><enum>(1)</enum><text>The Kin Care Interface shall collect only information necessary for program administration and evaluation.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H2427E7419C37473AAA1FBFFC0885023C"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Personal identifying information shall be used solely for the purposes of:</text><subparagraph id="HCF2AD49DE4A1471C945FC21E07B5F0DA"><enum>(A)</enum><text>verifying eligibility;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HD09DE97E828C445C858D052D6128998D"><enum>(B)</enum><text>facilitating payments;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H19649D4EEED649569CE416EDE917280E"><enum>(C)</enum><text>conducting background checks; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HED27C4FF25F04F8F8A1AB68759A27A7E"><enum>(D)</enum><text>communicating with program participants.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HCE1991D766054C10AD2E0A6482B336C9"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Data sharing</header><paragraph id="H8E13CC4AEF3A4A51A3BE071B789DCA59"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Data sharing between State agencies and the Federal Government shall be governed by formal data sharing agreements.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H2FAB686877614DD9A926CB40AC01A69D"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Any data shared for research purposes shall be de-identified to protect individual privacy.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H7DA4AB5FE54E40E4B6876A40EC3ADAF4"><enum>(d)</enum><header>User rights</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">FFN providers and parents shall have the right to—</text><paragraph id="H3F589E4579B44CF8B7D64B9C178DDC98"><enum>(1)</enum><text>access their personal data stored in the Kin Care Interface;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H9D49C47C6F534178901F286131B67F2A"><enum>(2)</enum><text>request corrections to inaccurate data; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H77271F67636E4115B1CD10FEB5670DBE"><enum>(3)</enum><text>receive notification of any data breaches affecting their information within 72 hours.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HE6857A79B0F54653B48EBF983705FD22"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Data retention and disposal</header><paragraph id="H689393DDB78643EC930203004A221BDC"><enum>(1)</enum><text>The Secretary shall establish data retention schedules for different types of data collected.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HF89B276BF6F343EEB42A9468260EB321"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Data shall be securely disposed of when no longer necessary, using methods that prevent reconstruction.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="HFE816D3F2C7147CDB49B93381512389A"><enum>309.</enum><header>Transition to licensed family child care</header><subsection id="H122740130DCD4DABAF30C17CDEEE01BB"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Transition support program</header><paragraph id="H5E4F9EB1D4DB4FE4A219E7AE500A48C7"><enum>(1)</enum><text>The Secretary shall establish a Transition Support Program to assist FFN providers in voluntarily becoming licensed family child care providers.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H9530AF539B894BD4B5FD95D5E72B2799"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The program shall include—</text><subparagraph id="H1596A0228D4549DD9A7419518226FE1A"><enum>(A)</enum><text>guidance on State licensing requirements;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H91E8A88598244CE8B7B304EE96EC7CA0"><enum>(B)</enum><text>financial assistance for meeting licensing standards; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HF00CEF2FC157427A8F23A071B310633C"><enum>(C)</enum><text>mentorship from experienced licensed providers.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H9AB619569DCC4431862FDB14BF60260A"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Eligibility</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">FFN providers who have participated in the Kin Care Program for at least one year shall be eligible for the Transition Support Program.</text></subsection><subsection id="H94499F4A02B54A49B92CE21B8E0708CF"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Financial assistance</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Eligible providers may receive grants of up to $5,000 to cover costs associated with meeting licensing requirements, including—</text><paragraph id="H1A61AC90763A4AEE9603EC721FEF80B4"><enum>(1)</enum><text>home modifications for safety compliance;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HCD9B8BB1A3C84DB69B827FFF6128C929"><enum>(2)</enum><text>purchase of required equipment and materials; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HB92F110A49B44FD2AC522CADF5065B5B"><enum>(3)</enum><text>fees for required training and certifications.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H74570463B895411A9AAD1B158F0443F3"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Training and education</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The State agency shall provide specialized training to support the transition, including—</text><paragraph id="H10B78E8D4D024371A4ADEFB33BB6A849"><enum>(1)</enum><text>business management for family child care;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HFC000114B4E54DC6965547A760171332"><enum>(2)</enum><text>advanced child development courses; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H60D1DFEACCB74B5BAEEF00A910064A2B"><enum>(3)</enum><text>curriculum planning and implementation.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HDACAAC71E18949D08479885BC4E09050"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Licensing process support</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The State agency shall assign a dedicated licensing navigator to each transitioning provider to assist with the licensing application and inspection process.</text></subsection></section><section id="H5BF9126E58B14123A25208CDE304D43E"><enum>310.</enum><header>Supports for serving children with special needs</header><subsection id="H524238ABEEE64BB3839086054858160C"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Specialized training</header><paragraph id="HA6AB3F475A0A438F99BFB66D95BB6ED0"><enum>(1)</enum><text>The Secretary shall develop a specialized training module for FFN providers caring for children with special needs.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H18D807C2541749BEBD358A77A4FD5F96"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The training shall cover—</text><subparagraph id="H0E0D9A7150764A19A6EAC59C3826D6CC"><enum>(A)</enum><text>understanding common disabilities and developmental delays;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE5467060030946999F1F54F0A47F73D6"><enum>(B)</enum><text>adapting activities and environments;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H09D6DE08FFC047F5872E7D323AD4616D"><enum>(C)</enum><text>collaborating with early intervention specialists; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H3E93C024A7244D75B372F4F509D66FCD"><enum>(D)</enum><text>supporting families of children with special needs.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HBFF1F9C1A9DA475BA053B13F7EA02BBB"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Enhanced payment rates</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">FFN providers caring for children with diagnosed special needs shall receive an enhanced payment rate, to be determined by the State agency based on the child's specific needs.</text></subsection><subsection id="HA75A4C39DEC945AFB88834F7300526AE"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Equipment and materials grants</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">FFN providers may apply for grants of up to $1,000 annually to purchase specialized equipment or materials needed to care for children with special needs.</text></subsection><subsection id="H017BD2442E0643B38042BCBBD921AA10"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Support network</header><text>The State agency shall facilitate a peer support network for FFN providers caring for children with special needs.</text></subsection></section><section id="HEB1D343EFA594497AE7AC15E0C5FBFF2"><enum>311.</enum><header>Collaboration with other early childhood programs</header><paragraph id="H8AC941A0005545E786FFCB71EB08B744"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Coordination requirement</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">State agencies shall establish formal coordination agreements with—</text><subparagraph id="H8D5367FDD5DC4F5283883EDE475AA232"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Early Head Start and Head Start programs;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HACB7CE08D64C4934B146CDA84ECE7142"><enum>(B)</enum><text>State pre-kindergarten programs;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H90B88FCDB3DA43BCBB75CBC7E6BF4A0B"><enum>(C)</enum><text>part C early intervention programs under IDEAl; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE95C9330C3184DE28B89DF1D65C8036E"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">State Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H5F2512071E544FDABB843B408E310793"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Shared services</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall encourage and facilitate shared services among Kin Care and other early childhood programs, including—</text><subparagraph id="H8EFF22AAA1BA475E97F0A679CBF1EBB4"><enum>(A)</enum><text>joint professional development opportunities;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H29936838893F4031A2A20593D8D101E9"><enum>(B)</enum><text>shared curriculum resources; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE28A9617F7D340999C04EAFBA1AF62DE"><enum>(C)</enum><text>coordinated developmental screening services.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H0E55044FE5894F72905EDD714AF473B5"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Transition support</header><text>State agencies shall develop protocols to support children's transitions between FFN care and other early childhood programs.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H97E94ED25A7F4BD0996C9A199A2CA5A0"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Data sharing</header><text>The Secretary shall establish guidelines for appropriate data sharing between Kin Care and other early childhood programs to support coordinated services and program evaluation.</text></paragraph></section><section id="HEB3C85EFE9E248E8A8446FB37C78B45C"><enum>312.</enum><header>Evaluation and research</header><subsection id="H02A91C586022445B96F6463168B2DA7C"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Annual program evaluation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall conduct an annual evaluation of the Kin Care Program, assessing—</text><paragraph id="HAE3EE7FCF3994AACBF981903AA492A94"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">program reach and participation rates;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HD691691DFDFD4D359255A2991AAC8621"><enum>(2)</enum><text>care practices;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HE6343945BE3649ED9525BAFD386C1152"><enum>(3)</enum><text>family outcomes, including parental employment and economic stability; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HA9CF03655B284565BD1DF7791266890E"><enum>(4)</enum><text>provider outcomes, including job satisfaction and financial stability.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HE5342A1FA4C3493D889F87EEC14DD5A4"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Longitudinal study</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall commission a 10-year longitudinal study to assess the long-term impacts of participation in FFN care through the Kin Care Program.</text></subsection><subsection id="H96D1E926AAA247338E8AD78AD594E496"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Innovation research</header><text>The Secretary shall establish a research grant program to study innovative approaches to supporting and enhancing FFN care.</text></subsection><subsection id="HEF1F725BCBBE448DBFAFC17060E63952"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Data collection</header><text>The Kin Care Interface shall include mechanisms for ongoing data collection to support evaluation and research efforts. o State agencies shall be required to participate in all national evaluation efforts as a condition of receiving Kin Care Program funds.</text></subsection><subsection id="H9CDE7B3D426E4F45BFD40CB06E876697"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Dissemination of findings</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall ensure wide dissemination of research findings through—</text><paragraph id="HEEE807DC891744718BC20E055E697E48"><enum>(1)</enum><text>annual reports to Congress;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HD4D0C6A3F09C459E9F951950486638D5"><enum>(2)</enum><text>peer-reviewed journal publications;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H6A42BD22502C4E319AB0E29637F3FEDC"><enum>(3)</enum><text>presentations at national conferences; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H87126A86C66142E98F1753F1C6BBAB8D"><enum>(4)</enum><text>easily accessible summaries on the program website.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H03F78362B0454E718F207EE1334B5B44"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Continuous improvement</header><paragraph id="H3FDA7ABA2B624FAF82EE309549D6FDB4"><enum>(1)</enum><text>The Secretary shall establish a process for using evaluation and research findings to continuously improve the Kin Care Program.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HF786961C4F194B6291985537AA7CE59B"><enum>(2)</enum><text>This process shall include annual review and updating of program policies and practices based on the latest evidence.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H48893C4845C44FECA783B0F9865F439D"><enum>313.</enum><header>Community engagement for the Kin Care Program</header><subsection id="H796331A283B24B19BF540125AABA6427"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment of local community advisory boards</header><paragraph id="H2F523E0D68BD46C6B615695F8A790CA3"><enum>(1)</enum><header>LCAB’s</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Each State agency shall establish Local Community Advisory Boards (LCABs) to provide input on Kin Care Program implementation and operation. The State may establish a reasonable minimum population size for establishing LCABs, or have one LCAB cover multiple jurisdictions if necessary.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="HBEB0131612B844629C4B6ABC1A098A34"><enum> (2)</enum><header>Composition</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Each LCAB shall consist of—</text><subparagraph id="HA4779032DC804EBC9A5425AE7C75A090"><enum>(A)</enum><text>at least two FFN providers participating in the Kin Care Program;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H6CB480D7EDDE480A8FF6038DC5620070"><enum>(B)</enum><text>at least two parents utilizing FFN care through the Kin Care Program;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HBB25995E308A4D6A8416FDC106EC8169"><enum>(C)</enum><text>one representative from the local child care resource and referral agency;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H1044388BC6B64B08B0E5EF1306B86545"><enum>(D)</enum><text>one early childhood education expert from a local college or university;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H9E1AA9CAA88F49E3AAB8EAF61C519990"><enum>(E)</enum><text>one representative from a local community-based organization serving families;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H7052088B20114F14869DB6768D93F093"><enum>(F)</enum><text>one representative from the local business community;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H0AF77DDEECDC4E32B62837ADAF8784CE"><enum>(G)</enum><text>one representative from the local government; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HBF3234B17318494AAD9567BE556CD7AF"><enum>(H)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">one expert from a local (or, if no local, Statewide) FFN-serving organization”.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HBC59656B9BF842F18D7CB21ED2A46C71"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Appointment and terms</header><subparagraph id="H7B35A591EA634CF1BF6A9A65BFF66DF6"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The State agency shall develop a fair and transparent process for appointing LCAB members.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H9C42BE28EEFA44E18DB15EE36BE64013"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Members shall serve staggered three-year terms, with the possibility of reappointment for one additional term.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H0ABB151A83834986B1D37529A3FD3A58"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Responsibilities</header><text>Each LCAB shall—</text><subparagraph id="H24C968F0F52B48E2A3DC52848B56F40F"><enum>(A)</enum><text>meet at least quarterly to review local Kin Care Program implementation;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HFA32123C6B4A40D9B491A0530AE26809"><enum>(B)</enum><text>provide recommendations to the State agency on program improvements;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H326811D1D9014B77A75FD81C57907C64"><enum>(C)</enum><text>assist in identifying and addressing barriers to program participation;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H584635EC5D0640848E78631E1147C633"><enum>(D)</enum><text>support community outreach efforts; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HEBF7657BC9A74EF09835CC2BAA488394"><enum>(E)</enum><text>submit an annual report to the State agency summarizing their activities and recommendations.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H3AEADA73D30142B698079876E68A1C36"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Community partnerships</header><paragraph id="H291FBCACDC324351BB7B5206FAF406AF"><enum>(1)</enum><text>The State agency shall establish formal partnerships with community organizations to support the Kin Care Program, including but not limited to—</text><subparagraph id="H536992607F144495BF322E747EBE64D2"><enum>(A)</enum><text>faith-based organizations;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE5085ED87AC64D948417E11369AD2912"><enum>(B)</enum><text>cultural and ethnic community groups;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE092192279E04E868F17865F398E77C6"><enum>(C)</enum><text>public libraries;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA63CCCA0258C4952882A65E74FB6AE9D"><enum>(D)</enum><text>community centers;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H2952221EC2EC4A2088E5DF0C45E11D89"><enum>(E)</enum><text>local health departments;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H6471BCA7EE8441B3943CF9ED936ECBE4"><enum>(F)</enum><text>school districts; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HF4E42360E31C4F62B43F4A7F1B01074E"><enum>(G)</enum><text>local businesses.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H7AD42B7E6C95454B84FC38237C897E9F"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Partnership agreements</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Each partnership shall be formalized through a written agreement that outlines—</text><subparagraph id="HC05EB244B74C4708B3544E2F4273D45A"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the roles and responsibilities of each party;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HFEB628A9667C43599EEB657043291C92"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the resources each party will contribute;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HDD90199377E0442994A570C6B4DC5A59"><enum>(C)</enum><text>the expected outcomes of the partnership; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H1DA43260935F4CC0813388E785DB0E2C"><enum>(D)</enum><text>the duration of the partnership and conditions for renewal.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HAB4F9BA1E72C426B8683274DFD5E0340"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Collaboration activities</header><text>Community partnerships shall focus on—</text><subparagraph id="H78968E38A6E34ABB9F226AD4B1FEBF97"><enum>(A)</enum><text>outreach to potential FFN providers and families;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H61DF421366FA4F3789423AB63AE9D33A"><enum>(B)</enum><text>providing venues for training and support group meetings;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA38A45E8073E4B52913AC2A46AAE1041"><enum>(C)</enum><text>offering complementary services to Kin Care Program participants;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE66A3682DBC94122A71F98DC0129D76A"><enum>(D)</enum><text>assisting with culturally and linguistically appropriate program implementation; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H4D7E4FAB14FA460896E1A229D1ABC3DF"><enum>(E)</enum><text>supporting program evaluation efforts.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H2E0A91EB118B42AFA7F66BFA1C86F42E"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Community outreach and engagement</header><paragraph id="H5AFAFECE0DD54F5C8087DFF495079526"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Plan</header><text>The State agency shall develop and implement a comprehensive community outreach and engagement plan that includes—</text><subparagraph id="H83C4FA2076034FA0AD6A129352A84B6B"><enum>(A)</enum><text>multilingual marketing materials about the Kin Care Program;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H9F486F603E664B56B8DDE65E46E55539"><enum>(B)</enum><text>social media campaigns targeting potential FFN providers and families;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H76B86F00E87E4F90B9624556E4603438"><enum>(C)</enum><text>information sessions at community events and gatherings;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HB50AD0F519DA465A8CE84A2F3AF590DB"><enum>(D)</enum><text>door-to-door outreach in targeted neighborhoods;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H9AE9E9AE73714E4997E4BC1C4EC8F745"><enum>(E)</enum><text>partnerships with local media outlets, including ethnic media; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H97A55E57BEFA43908F796BE8C4CC834C"><enum>(F)</enum><text>a dedicated community liaison position within the State agency.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H397F4043D9C1410ABAE9EDF77F559E21"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Culturally responsive outreach</header><text>The State agency shall ensure that all outreach efforts are culturally responsive and appropriate for the diverse communities served by the Kin Care Program.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="H883AF43C463F4830A075142E363505FD"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Technology-based engagement</header><text>The State agency shall utilize technology to enhance community engagement, including—</text><subparagraph id="H28A1C4CA6A4C4F55B8C70922AAAC7D37"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a mobile-friendly website with program information and resources;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H4DC659EE21784E86B8E0F859A9780B66"><enum>(B)</enum><text>text message reminders and updates for program participants; </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H35BAE03D324A400CA2A93503FCB4ECBF"><enum>(C)</enum><text>virtual information sessions and webinars; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H9B6835B6F05046FFA51DA0E9A6698814"><enum>(D)</enum><text>an online community forum for FFN providers and families.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H418EAAB466FE4C5CB656F31765C52797"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Community feedback mechanisms</header><paragraph id="HA031E6D31668404AA35FF4B3B4AE1817"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Feedback channels</header><text>The State agency shall establish multiple channels for ongoing community feedback, including—</text><subparagraph id="H1EE384C404184B0AA307B8B745A5B8E4"><enum>(A)</enum><text>an annual community survey on the Kin Care Program;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HF4EDE2DF1FDE491795DF388BA8B7CDE1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>focus groups with diverse stakeholders;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HD8482C64ADE745BA8D1D57D5B9A29AEC"><enum>(C)</enum><text>a dedicated email address and phone line for community input; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H1DBE9AD8773747918BB9BA4682895CB9"><enum>(D)</enum><text>public comment periods for proposed program changes.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H90DE138949FC4F8499FE2D5F6C8CCFC2"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Feedback utilization</header><text>The State agency shall—</text><subparagraph id="H21D04DE371614DBD858F45F3DC0C93DF"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Review all community feedback on a quarterly basis;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H755420332EA548AB8B41B96CED179E1D"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Incorporate relevant feedback into program improvement efforts; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HC4DAA2A9413A484FA6549A07B529AB2B"><enum>(C)</enum><text>provide public responses to major themes in community feedback.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H4ACDC8423B034587A4A1A8B2F6282B94"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Community-based training and support</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The State agency shall collaborate with community partners to offer—</text><subparagraph id="HDCEC249B90804EE48A79ED608A718DED"><enum>(A)</enum><text>localized training sessions for FFN providers;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE0C61613CD0244E09624A4E4B8C5A6F7"><enum>(B)</enum><text>peer support groups in community settings;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H5895FA68A8554E98B321C3CE62C42326"><enum>(C)</enum><text>family engagement activities; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H2FC0ABD485114F67A7DAA37C51719D59"><enum>(D)</enum><text>community-based child development workshops for parents and FFN providers.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H7725F291BA424D72AA76138825A63CDD"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Reporting and evaluation</header><subparagraph id="H8BF496AF94B641FFBBB635CD76A8C7A2"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The State agency shall include a community engagement section in its annual report to the Secretary, detailing—</text><clause id="H1AE50F828DD84C919CB8CEA9A3893157"><enum>(i)</enum><text>LCAB activities and recommendations;</text></clause><clause id="H0EA48EFABC4D4704B4DD68BADD6F3E04"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>outcomes of community partnerships;</text></clause><clause id="H6DD2CF09B4EC43D290F9DA4B55A92D25"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>reach and impact of outreach efforts;</text></clause><clause id="H1327BA7E5A4F45CF811C3DD7E0A8F57D"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>summary of community feedback received; and</text></clause><clause id="H204538C7E4C7420FAA2BE5B7C30EC3DA"><enum>(v)</enum><text>changes made to the program based on community input.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H9EC1DC3AD6024B8FB6A2A7ECB6E7EE93"><enum>(B)</enum><text>The Secretary shall evaluate the effectiveness of community engagement efforts as part of the annual Kin Care Program evaluation.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H4FEE1A773BAC45369BBFD525C9880F75"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Funding for community engagement</header><subparagraph id="H7AE30D29A06B4FFB969E353DC8E61559"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The State agency shall allocate at least 5 percent of its Kin Care Program administrative budget to community engagement activities.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H45456BBCF85647C59A6A2BBF64ACD07C"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall provide supplemental grants to State agencies demonstrating innovative and effective community engagement strategies.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA21010887EE346609C0CD917DA90C271"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall establish a fund of $1,000,000 annually to issue grants to trusted FFN serving organizations in order for those organizations to conduct outreach, support enrollment in the program, and support FFN providers. The application for such a Fund shall be streamlined and simplified to the maximum extent possible under Federal law.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section>