Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Plan
The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and the Social Security Act fund the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), which helps low-income families afford quality child care and supports overall child development. Managed by the Office of Child Care within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the CCDF provides resources to state, tribal, and territorial agencies. It also promotes parental employment, training, and education, helping families stay economically stable and ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care. Tribal agencies applying for CCDF funds submit a three-year plan, called the Tribal CCDF Plan, which shows they meet federal rules and regulations. The program offers flexibility based on the size of the tribal agency’s funding: small, medium, or large. Smaller agencies have more flexibility in how they spend the funds but still must follow safety, health, and quality standards. Overall, CCDF aims to support families, children, and tribal communities through quality child care services.