COACH Act

119th Congress Introduced by John Curtis and 1 co-sponsor

The COACH Act requires the SBA to create a resource guide for small child care providers, enhancing their support and sustainability through essential operational and financial information.

Introduced in Senate

Overview

The COACH Act (Convening Operations Assistance for Childcare Heroes Act) is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing support for small business concerns operating as child care providers. Introduced in the Senate on November 7, 2025, by Senators Amy Klobuchar and John Curtis, the bill seeks to amend the Small Business Act to require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to create and maintain a comprehensive resource guide specifically for child care providers.

Main Purpose

The primary intent of the COACH Act is to provide essential resources and guidance to small business child care providers, helping them navigate operational, financial, and compliance challenges. This initiative recognizes the critical role that child care services play in supporting families and the economy.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions:

Resource Guide Requirement:

The SBA Administrator must publish or update a resource guide for child care providers within one year of the bill's enactment and every five years thereafter.

Content of the Resource Guide:

The guide will cover various topics relevant to child care providers, including:
- Operations: Marketing and management planning.
- Finances: Financial planning, financing options, payroll, and insurance.
- Compliance: Adherence to relevant laws, including the Internal Revenue Code.
- Training and Safety: Information on equipment and materials.
- Quality Standards: Eligibility for funding under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act.
- Additional Matters: Any other relevant topics as determined by the SBA Administrator.

Consultation Process:

Before publishing or updating the guide, the SBA Administrator is required to consult with:
- The Secretary of Health and Human Services.
- Representatives from designated lead agencies under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act.
- Local or regional child care resource and referral organizations.
- Other relevant entities as deemed appropriate.

Publication and Distribution:

The resource guide will be published on a publicly accessible SBA website in English and the ten most commonly spoken languages in the U.S., including Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, and Korean.
The guide will be distributed to various SBA offices, women's business centers, small business development centers, and other organizations that assist child care providers.

Impact

The COACH Act is designed to benefit small business child care providers by providing them with essential resources and support. By ensuring that these providers have access to updated information and guidance, the bill aims to enhance the quality and sustainability of child care services across the country.

Legislative Status

Introduced: November 7, 2025

Current Status: The bill has been read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship for further consideration.

This summary provides a clear understanding of the COACH Act, its objectives, and its potential impact on child care providers in the United States.

Bill