Strickland Introduces Childcare Access Bill

Bill Expands Access to Childcare for Parenting Students

Washington, D.C. - This week, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) introduced the Childcare Access for all Recognized Education for Parenting Students Act (CARE for Parenting Students Act). The bill will expand access to federal childcare assistance for parenting students, regardless of the type of education or workforce training they are pursuing.

"Parents participating in job training programs or apprenticeships deserve access to federal childcare assistance," said Strickland. "Clarifying and expanding the range of education programs that qualify means more families will have access to childcare while they strengthen their job skills and expertise."

"Parents who are training to be a nurse, working on a college degree, or earning a commercial driving license need to know their kids are in safe, nurturing childcare. Rep. Strickland's bill sets eligible student parents up to further their careers while helping children in Washington thrive through access to safe, quality childcare," said Rob Colombini, CEO of Child Care Aware of Washington

"Becoming a parent shouldn't stop you from pursuing an education," said Whitney Pesek, Senior Director of Federal Child Care Policy at the National Women's Law Center. "Representative Strickland's legislation would provide additional funding and ensure equitable access to CCDBG subsidies for student parents to help them afford childcare and pursue their education and training. We urge Congress to pass this commonsense legislation that strengthens support for student parents and bolsters women's economic security."

The legislation ensures equitable access to Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) subsidies. The law requires those receiving CCDBG subsidies to be employed, enrolled in an educational program, or participating in job training. The lack of a clear definition of educational programs has created inconsistency across states of who is eligible in receiving this federal assistance.

The bill provides an additional $850 million in annual authorization for CCDBG, and clarifies that eligible parental activities can include:

• Enrollment in a State labor agency-registered apprenticeship
• Enrollment in a Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship
• Enrolment in a State health agency-approved CNA program
• Enrollment in a program accredited by an agency recognized by the Department of Education
• Enrollment in a program accredited by an institution of higher education

The bill is endorsed by the National Women's Law Center, the National Partnership for Women & Families, and Child Care Aware of Washington.

Read the full bill text here

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.

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