The document provides an overview of policies related to state definitions and regulations, licensing and subsidy, external systems, quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS), and funding. We also highlight changes to policies related to HBCC enacted as a result of COVID-19. At the end of each section, we include key takeaways and states that may be of interest for each topic. The goal of the document is to highlight states that may be strong candidates for case studies to be conducted as part of this project to further explore supportive policies in depth.
Promising Practices in Policy for Home-Based Child Care
Home-based child care providers share feedback and insight on their experiences with legislative visits during the 2025 August recess.
Families and child care providers are being squeezed as pandemic-era supports expire and federal funding stalls. Across the country, home-based providers are struggling to stay open amid lower reimbursements and rising costs. Without stronger federal investment in the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), tens of thousands of children could lose access to care.
Carmela is a family, friend and neighbor caregiver who is proud of her Hispanic heritage. Learn more about how her Hispanic heritage shapes her work as a HBCC caregiver in this blog.