The Child Care for Every Community Act establishes a universal child care and early learning program guaranteeing affordable access to all eligible children under school age, regardless of income or citizenship status. The federal government will cover at least 90 percent of program costs (100 percent for migrant workers' children and Native American children), with state-designated "prime sponsors"—states, localities, tribes, or nonprofits—administering programs in their communities. Programs must meet comprehensive national standards covering curriculum, teacher qualifications, health and safety, and facilities, while using sliding-scale fees where low-income families pay nothing and higher-income families pay up to 7 percent of family income. The bill mandates at least $500 million annually for workforce development and administration through fiscal year 2036, creates an uncapped entitlement ensuring every eligible child can participate, and requires ongoing research and evaluation to improve program quality and outcomes, particularly for low-income children and those with special needs.
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