After Hours Child Care Act (S. 3845)

Summary

The After Hours Child Care Act is a bill introduced in the U.S. Senate that aims to improve access to child care for parents working non-traditional hours, such as evenings, nights, or weekends. The key provisions of the bill include:

Establishment of a Child Care and Development Innovation Fund

• The bill amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to create a new fund that will provide competitive grants to eligible entities (child care providers, partnerships, etc.) to:
  • Expand capacity of existing child care programs to serve families with parents working non-traditional hours
  • Establish new child care programs, including on-site workplace programs, focused on serving these families

Grant Details

• Grants will be awarded for a 5-year period and range from $25,000 to $500,000
• Grantees must provide a 25% non-federal funding match

Intended Impact

• Improve child care access for parents working outside of traditional 9-to-5 hours
• Enable more parents to stay attached to the workforce and progress in their careers

Reporting Requirements

• The Secretary of Health and Human Services must submit a report to Congress every 2 years on the number of children served, impact on child care availability, and progress towards grant objectives.

Overall, the After Hours Child Care Act is intended to address the challenges faced by working parents with young children who have non-traditional work schedules, helping them maintain employment and advance in their careers.