The Build Back Better Act: Increasing Affordability, Access, and Quality of Child Care for Infants and Toddlers

PRINT

The federal Build Back Better Act proposes a historic investment in the care of infants and toddlers that increases access and affordability by raising income eligibility levels in many states, capping family copayments, and setting provider reimbursement rates based on the cost (not price) of providing care. Research on the impact of the receipt of child care subsidies and state spending on subsidies show a positive impact on families’ access to needed services, the ability of parents to work, and families’ ability to have sufficient household resources.

Related

Child Care: From Market Failure to Strategic Investment

High-quality child care is an essential service that benefits children, families, and the economy. However, rising costs and fragmented workforce structures are contributing to an overall market failure. Many families are finding reliable care to

2025 Prenatal-to-3 Research to Policy Summit​

Join us on September 30, 2025, to explore the latest Roadmap, expert insights, and strategies to strengthen support for young children and families.
Join us on September 30, 2025, to explore the latest Roadmap, expert insights, and strategies to strengthen support for young children and families.

State Policies to Promote Employer-Supported Child Care

Research suggests that the high cost of child care can lead many parents to limit their participation in the workforce, resulting in negative repercussions for families and the economy. Though increased public investment is needed