Child Care Modernization Act of 2026

Sponsor: Ryan Mackenzie (Republican-PA)June 9, 2026

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Working families would find more child care options and potentially lower costs through state support.

This bill would update a federal program that helps states provide child care for working families. It would create new grants to help states expand the number of child care providers and improve facilities. It would also require states to set payment rates that cover the actual costs of care and ensure parent co-payments don't block access for low-income families, aiming for more available and affordable care.

What Would Change

Today, many states struggle with a shortage of child care options and payment rates that don't cover providers' costs, making it hard for families to find affordable care. After this bill, states would receive new federal grants and be required to develop plans to increase child care supply, improve facilities, and ensure payment rates cover costs, aiming for more available and affordable care for working families.

Key Provisions

Creates a new grant program to help states expand child care options and improve facilities.
Requires states to set child care payment rates high enough to cover the actual costs of providing care by September 30, 2032.
Requires states to ensure parent co-payments for child care do not prevent families from accessing services.
Expands the types of activities parents can be doing (like job searching or taking family leave) to qualify for child care assistance.
Requires states to include more voices, like parents and employers, when planning their child care programs.
Requires states to develop initiatives to recruit, train, and keep a skilled child care workforce.

View on Congress.gov

HR 9224 · 119th Congress · June 9, 2026 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 8/10

Child Care Modernization Act of 2026

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity