Child Care

Access to reliable, safe and high-quality child care is an important support service for TANF and other low-income families. State administration of child care assistance funds varies from State to State; for example, some States maintain child care waiting lists while others do not. While TANF families do receive priority placement on child care waiting lists, the availability of child care slots are limited especially for low-income workers who have unpredictable or variable shifts and/or nontraditional work hours. The important nexus between quality child care and employment stability is often a topic of interest to both researchers and practitioners. Research on this topic, as well as other key child care issues can be found in the library, along with resources highlighting the varying approaches States and communities are using to meet the needs of low-income working families. The SSRC research and resource materials include early education programs that are directly related to self-sufficiency, but not inclusive of all early education program.

View recommendations from the SSRC Librarian on Child Care and relevant Federal laws and regulations below.