Looming End of Federal Support Threatens Child Care Centers and Families Across the US
As the $24 billion federal COVID-19 pandemic support program for childcare providers nears its expiration, childcare centers across the United States are grappling with the possibility of closure, leaving millions of families without access to affordable childcare. The program, part of the American Rescue Plan Act, had a significant impact on keeping childcare centers afloat, retaining workers, and providing essential support to both parents and children. Efforts are underway in Congress to extend federal assistance, but the prospects remain uncertain, prompting some states to invest their own funds to support childcare providers.
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The U.S. is facing a "child care cliff" with the expiration of pandemic emergency relief funds that have supported child care centers, leaving up to 70,000 centers at risk of closing, potentially displacing 3.2 million children.