Trump administration proposes child care subsidies for stay-at-home parents

The Trump administration is reportedly drafting a proposal to expand the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) to include a new category called “parent-based child care.” This change would allow certain married families to receive federal child care assistance even if one parent remains at home to care for their children.

Under the proposed framework, a married couple could qualify for these subsidies if they meet specific income requirements and one spouse works at least 35 hours per week. The CCDF is an existing federal-state program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, currently used primarily by low-to-moderate-income families to fund commercial daycare while parents work or attend school.

The initiative is reportedly a policy priority for Vice President JD Vance. Supporters, including representatives from the Heritage Foundation, suggest the move would provide equal treatment for the contributions of stay-at-home parents compared to commercial childcare services.