New Brief: How States Can Improve Child Care Facilities
Today the National Children’s Facilities Network (NCFN), along with the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Education Counsel, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) released How States Can Improve Child Care Facilities & Physical Spaces Using Federal Relief Dollars.
This policy brief addresses the need to invest federal dollars in the physical spaces where children learn and grow, and teachers teach. States can use this policy brief as a tool to identify diverse funding sources and leverage partners to help close the gaps in access to quality child care facilities.
Highlighted Strategies for States to Consider
Partner with a CDFI to support child care facility investments, including the provision of technical assistance and capacity building.
Create a fund using the Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund to invest in the expansion of child care facilities, including acquisition, construction and renovation.
Dedicate a pool of Child Care Stabilization Fund resources to support family child care providers to cover their rent or mortgage payments.
Increase pay for child care providers by providing grants to essential workers through the Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund.
Prioritize Coronavirus Capital Project Funds that support child care facility development and improvements.
Increase access to credit for child care small businesses through the State Small Business Credit Initiative.
With more than $50 billion in federal relief invested in the child care sector, states have an unprecedented opportunity to create a more equitable, sustainable, and comprehensive early care and education system. This includes facilities investments, which are a key element to creating a high-quality child care experience in centers and family child care homes.
To equitably meet the needs of children, families, child care business owners, and educators we must ensure center- and home-based providers have the resources to create safe, high-quality spaces for children to learn and grow.