Child Care for Every Community Act

Sponsor: Mikie Sherrill (Democratic-NJ)

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Ms. Ocasio-Cortez asked unanimous consent that she may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 5658, a bill originally introduced by Representative Sherrill, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.

Creates universal child care and early learning programs for all young children across the country.

This bill would establish a nationwide system for child care and early learning, making programs available to all children younger than compulsory school age. Families would pay fees based on a sliding scale, capped at 7% of their income, with low-income families paying nothing. Child care workers would also see improved wages and professional development.

What Would Change

Today, access to child care and early learning programs varies widely by state and income, often with high costs and inconsistent quality. If this bill became law, all children younger than compulsory school age would be entitled to participate in a high-quality program, with costs significantly reduced or eliminated for families.

Key Provisions

Creates universal child care and early learning programs for all children below compulsory school age.
Requires local "prime sponsors" to offer child care and early learning services to all eligible children in their area.
Caps child care fees for families at no more than 7% of their income, with low-income families paying nothing.
Requires child care workers to be paid wages comparable to local public school employees with similar roles and experience, and at least a living wage.
Establishes national standards for child care program quality, staff qualifications, and facility safety.
Authorizes $500 million (about $1.50 per American) to be appropriated each year from 2026 to 2036 for training, professional development, research, supplemental funding to prime sponsors, special grants to states, and administrative activities.

View on Congress.gov

HR 5658 · 119th Congress · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 9/10

Lobbying Activity

4 filings mentioned this bill

Top Lobbying Clients

NATIONAL RIGHT TO WORK COMMITTEE

3 filings

ZERO TO THREE: NATIONAL CENTER FOR INFANTS, TODDLERS, AND FAMILIES

1 filing

Top Lobbying Firms

1.THE NATIONAL RIGHT TO WORK COMMITTEE3 filings

2.ZERO TO THREE: NATIONAL CENTER FOR INFANTS, TODDLERS, AND FAMILIES1 filing

Amounts reflect total quarterly lobbying spend reported to the Senate, not bill-specific spending. Source: Senate LDA filings.