On a "Day without Child Care" we pledge to put the spotlight on the true cost of care and demand the funding we need for a 21st century child care system.
California Update
Build Up California has proposed and has been advocating for investing $10 Million to continue to fund the Infrastructure Grant Program. We will need your voice to join us in supporting this request-add your organization here.
As members of the ECE Coalition we have advocated for and support the coalitions request to increase provider rates and allocating all 20,000 child care slots to be released in 2023-2024. We fully support investments in the ECE workforce, especially the rates providers are paid. We also know the need is high for ECE providers to receive funding for repairs and renovations.
On April 26th, the California Legislature released the "Protect Our Progress" Budget Plan. The plan says it prioritizes responsible investments and actions that will build on the Governor's proposed budget plan. It also sets out to provide over $1 billion for child care rate enhancements from redirected child care funds, federal funds, and new resources.
Coming next month on May 14th, the "May Revision" will set the stage for negotiations between the governor and legislative leaders in June over the key outlines for the budget package for 2023-2024. For more information you can visit the California Budget & Policy Center's website for more information.
Federal Update
Budget and Appropriations 2023-24 By the National Children Facilities Network (NCFN)
The FY 2024 appropriations process is officially underway, as President Biden released his budget proposal on March 9, and the House and Senate have started committee hearings on the twelve FY 2024 appropriations bills. Congress must pass all appropriations bills or a continuing resolution (CR) in advance of the beginning of FY2024 on October 1. Budget negotiations will likely be contentious as Republicans are pushing to cut nondefense discretionary spending to FY 2022 levels. Congress must also address the debt ceiling issue in order to avoid defaulting on the country’s credit limit. With respect to child care, the budget included: $22.5 billion for early care and education programs, an increase of $2.1 billion from FY 2023. This includes:
$9 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, an increase of nearly $1 billion from FY 2023 to expand access to quality, affordable child care for families.
$13.1 billion for Head Start, an increase of $1.1 billion from FY 2023, and
$360 million for the Preschool Development Grants program, an increase of $45 million from FY 2023.
The budget also included $10 billion for a new program to target down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers whose parents do not own a home and are at or below 120% of the area median income or 140% of the area median income in high-cost areas, and $30 million for the Community Navigator Pilot program, which leverages community organizations to reduce barriers for starting a business and expand access to business counseling and training resources for veterans, women, rural communities, and communities of color.
Build Up California Best Practices Spotlight
Last month we learned from the work of our partners in San Mateo County. Each spotlight was an example of successful strategies working to equitably expand, improve, and sustain early care and education facilities throughout the state of California.
Build Up San Mateo County | An Initiative to Grow and Improve the Supply of Early Care and Education Facilities in San Mateo County.
San Mateo County Family Child Care | The San Mateo County Family Childcare Organization is committed to providing quality support, mentorship and resources for all Family Child Care Providers.
