Ccdd-2026 - child care and development block grant discretionary

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families awarded the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families $348.773 million on October 1, 2025, under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Discretionary program (CFDA 93.575).

The block grant funds child care subsidies primarily through vouchers or certificates to families with low income across Minnesota, and supports quality improvements in child care for both subsidized and unsubsidized children. The award carries a period of performance through September 30, 2028.

The Child Care and Development Fund is the primary federal funding source authorized by the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act. Block grants to states support the designated lead agency's development of a three-year Child Care and Development Fund plan, which must include certifications regarding compliance with the Act, policies and procedures, intended use of funds, payment rate certifications, and establishment of a sliding fee scale. The lead agency must hold at least one public hearing no earlier than nine months before the plan becomes effective and after at least 20 days of statewide public notice, coordinate services with other federal, state, and local child care and early childhood development programs, and consult with appropriate local government representatives.