Resources for States: Implementing a Child Care Exchange
Overview of 2024 Child Care and Development Fund Final Rule
Enhancing Access, Affordability, and Stability
The 2024 Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Final Rule revises regulations (45 CFR Part 98) to make child care more accessible, affordable, and stable for working families.
Key policies aim to:
Reduce Family Costs
Lower out-of-pocket expenses for child care.
Boost Provider Payments
Ensure fair compensation for child care providers.
Expand Options
Increase available child care choices for families.
Streamline Enrollment
Make the enrollment process quicker and simpler.
Clarify Requirements
Provide clearer guidelines for CCDF compliance.
These updates collectively strive to improve the quality and accessibility of child care in communities nationwide.
How the Child Care and Development Fund Works
The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is a multibillion-dollar federal and state partnership that promotes economic self-sufficiency for families.
While CCDF dollars are primarily spent on providing child care services to families, state and local governments can spend CCDF flexibly and broadly on activities such as:
- Improving the quality of child care
- Covering administrative costs
- Mitigating the cliff effect for families
Mandatory
%
Federal Funds available to all states and tribes
Matching
Available to the 50 states and D.C.
Discretionary
%
Federal Funds available to states, territories and tribes
States have the flexibility to use their ongoing quality dollars to implement new technology to support quality efforts.
Quality Categories
Training and Professional Development
Early Learning and Development Guidelines
Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System
Improving the supply and quality of child care for infants and toddlers
Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R)
Compliance with state health and safety requirements
Evaluating the quality and effectiveness of child care programs
Supporting Accreditation
High Quality program standards
Other activities to improve the quality of child care services
Policy information on the Child Care and Development Fund
Modernizing Child Care: A Model RFP for Integrated Exchange Solutions
This model RFP helps agencies envision and procure a modern, next-generation Child Care Exchange Solution that connects families, providers, and agency staff through a single, fully integrated platform. Built around proven, modular technology, it reflects best practices for simplifying operations, reducing customization, and accelerating implementation timelines. The model highlights key capabilities such as a child care marketplace, workforce credentialing and training, eligibility and case management, and advanced reporting. Agencies can use this RFP as a flexible foundation and tailor it to their unique policy, program, and operational needs.