Federal Grant Award Summary

The Tennessee Department of Human Services received a $39.6 million formula grant award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families under the Child Care Mandatory and Matching Funds of the Child Care and Development Fund (CFDA 93.596). The award, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028, provides mandatory and matching child care funding designed to help low-income families access affordable, quality child care services while parents work or pursue education and training opportunities.

The funding supports Tennessee's comprehensive child care initiatives, including subsidizing child care costs for eligible families, enhancing the overall quality of child care services, and promoting child development across the state. As the designated lead agency, TDHS administers these funds in compliance with the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act requirements, which include developing and submitting a three-year CCDF plan, establishing sliding fee scales, maintaining payment rate certifications, and coordinating services with other federal, state, and local child care and early childhood development programs. The department coordinates service delivery through partnerships with local government entities and community organizations to ensure comprehensive access to child care assistance throughout Tennessee's urban and rural communities.