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Leveraging ARPA Child Care Funds for Equitable Systems Change: Guidance for State and Local Leaders

In this blog post, Mina Hong, senior policy manager, shares ideas for state and local leaders to best leverage federal funds to create a foundation centered around racial equity that will transform our child care system.

Mina Hong May 11, 2021
  • Policy and Systems
  • Blog

States are currently grappling with how to leverage the massive influx of federal funding coming their way through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act; the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CCRSA) Act; and most recently through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

While these funds have focused on stabilizing this essential industry, the various pots of child care funding in ARPA provide a unique opportunity to lay the foundational infrastructure that centers racial equity to transform our child care system as we know it.

In the following process guide, we share a few ideas and guiding questions to help state leaders be strategic and lay the foundation for a more equitable early childhood system that meets the needs of families experiencing the most hardship, particularly families of color, all while facing quick timelines and no promise that this level of federal funding will continue.

We know rising to this unprecedented moment will require a collective effort, facilitated by the sharing of resources, sensemaking and best practices. Let us know what’s working for you or contact us about how we can help your state connect across systems and funding streams to maximize the impact of these funds for children and families.

About the Author

Mina Hong Headshot

Mina Hong

Director, Start Early Consulting

Mina Hong is a Director on the Start Early Consulting Team, providing policy and advocacy consultation to states to strengthen high-quality, equitable early childhood programs.

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