Child Care Funding

Federal and State Budgets

Child care funding for subsidies and grants come from federal and state funds. A large majority of funding for child care is from the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) legislation. Money from this legislation is earmarked for child care subsidies, increasing quality, etc. The state budget determines exactly where the TANF money will be spent (mostly through the PA Department of Public Welfare) and allocates state funds as well. The state's school accountability block grants can be used to maintain, expand or create pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs, which may affect child care providers. PACCA monitors budget negotiations and keeps members updated on developments.

Pennsylvania’s Budget –

Governor Rendell will present his 2010-2011 Budget Proposal on February 9, 2010

Federal Budget –

For a breakdown of federal appropriations for child care, visit the Child Care Bureau website.

 

Budget Steps

Feb
  • Congress holds hearings on President's budget proposal
  • Committees prepare their analysis of the budget for the budget committee 

March - April
  • Congress prepares its budget resolution 

May - July
  • Appropriations process starts, at least a the committee level 

August
  • Congressional recess 

Sept - Oct
  • Appropriations process continues (official deadline is Oct. 1, but this is rarely met) 

Nov
  • break for elections 

Dec
  •  "lame duck" session likely, to finish appropriations bills and any ohter critical business.

 

More resources:

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