Why parents should pay attention to what’s happening in Congress

Action Alert! Some policymakers don’t get it. Parents need child care in order to get a job and keep a job. But child care is expensive. In the next few days, Members of Congress will make decisions about funding for federal programs. Let your Members of Congress know that getting the economy back on track hinges on parents being able to find child care that is both safe and affordable.

Background Checks for Child Care Providers Participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program: The House passed a bill requiring child care providers to undergo a criminal background check to be eligible to receive federal funding under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The bill will now move on to the Senate for consideration. Click here to learn more about the bill and to send an email to your Senators.

Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (child nutrition programs): The House passed legislation to strengthen federal child nutrition programs. These programs include the School Breakfast, School Lunch, Summer Food programs, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The bill will now be sent to the President for signature. For more information, click here.

Middle Class Tax Relief: The House passed the Middle Class Tax Relief Act to make tax cuts permanent for individuals making under $200,000 and for married couples in incomes totaling under $250,000. Additional information can be found here.

Find out about what Indiana requires for licensed child care centers like Day Nursery by clicking here.

Join the Child Care Aware Parent Network by clicking here.