Ccdm-2026 - child care and development fund -- state matching

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families awarded $387.446 million to the Florida Department of Education on October 1, 2025, under the Child Care and Development Fund—State Matching program (CFDA 93.596), a formula grant funding child care assistance and quality improvement for low-income families.

The award funds subsidized child care services, early learning programs, and school readiness initiatives delivered statewide across Florida through a network of county-based Early Learning Coalitions and related non-profit organizations. Performance runs through September 30, 2027, with place of performance in Florida.

The CCDF Mandatory and Matching funds are made available under section 418 of the Social Security Act and support families with low incomes accessing child care while enhancing quality for all children. The program requires the recipient to submit a three-year state plan for Administration for Children and Families approval within 90 days. 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.

Florida Department of Education passes funding to Early Learning Coalitions in Miami-Dade and Monroe, Indian River, Martin and Okeechobee, Flagler and Volusia, Lake, Heartland, Duval, Broward, Gateway, Big Bend, Alachua, Nature Coast, Southwest Florida, St. Lucie, Escambia, Seminole, Marion, Osceola, Hillsborough, Orange, Palm Beach, Manatee, Pinellas, Brevard, Sarasota, Pasco and Hernando, Okaloosa and Walton, Northwest Florida, and Polk counties. The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, Brevard, and Redlands Christian Migrant Association also receive sub-awards. Sub-recipients deliver child care subsidies for low-income families, preschool instruction, developmental screenings, teacher training, quality rating systems, family engagement, and school readiness coordination within their service areas.