Child Care Disaster Relief

Funds will be awarded in FY 2026 for necessary expenses directly related to the consequences of major disasters and emergencies declared pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) occurring in 2023 and 2024. Funds will be used for child care recovery to state, territory, and Tribal lead agencies administering the CCDF program in areas affected by those disasters and emergencies, In addition to the funding available to lead agencies, $100,000 was reserved for federal administration and assistance. Funds were used in FY 2023 and FY 2024 for recovery awards to state, territory, and Tribal lead agencies administering the CCDF program in areas affected by Hurricanes Fiona or Ian in which a major disaster or emergency has been declared under section 401 or 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170 and 5191). In addition, to funding available for lead agencies, $2 million was reserved for federal administration and assistance. Both the funds awarded in FY 2026 (for disasters occurring in 2023 and 2024) and the funds awarded in FY 2023-2024 (for Hurricanes Fiona and Ian) may be used for the costs of construction, renovation, and alteration of child care facilities, as well for other allowable CCDF activities, including: replacing materials, supplies, furnishings, vehicles, and equipment; other child care supply building; mental health consultation; quality improvement activities; and direct services. Under Public Law 117-328 and 118-158, funds could be used for the construction and renovation of child care facilities. ACF shall not retain Federal interest after a period of 10 years in any facility renovated, repaired, or rebuilt with these funds. Federal interest provisions do not apply to the renovation or rebuilding of privately-owned family child care homes.