Federal funding like the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are foundational to Illinois’ child care system. Ensuring families can find and afford child care has been a bipartisan priority for decades because it strengthens families, supports labor force participation, and fuels our economy. Even short delays in funding can harm providers, families, and workforce.
- In Illinois, the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), supported by federal and state funds, serves more than 150,000 children.
- More than 60% of CCAP's annual budget was funded by federal funds in FY24.
Accountability in public programs is critical, and Illinois has systems in place to ensure compliance and program integrity and to reduce fraud. Accountability must be targeted, evidence-based, and proportionate — not imposed through broad funding freezes that punish families and providers who have done nothing wrong, destabilize the child care system, and put children’s well-being at risk.
Take action and contact your members of Congress today! Tell your members of Congress to:
- Act with urgency to ensure that the Administration for Children and Families disburses CCDF funding without further disruption, while working in partnership with states as they deliver CCDF funding efficiently and responsibly.
- Protect and prioritize child care investments during the Appropriations process, continue the strong, bipartisan support for the Child Care and Development Block Grant program, and build upon efforts to increase access to affordable, quality child care.
Illinois children, families, and providers should not pay the price for administrative uncertainty. Congress must act now to protect the reliable flow of child care funding in Illinois and across the country.
Send your message to Congress today!