Policy Priority
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is the second largest source of public funding for child care in the United States. TANF provides grants to states to help design and operate programs that support low-income families, including through increased access to child care and early learning opportunities, which helps parents to enter or return to the workforce.
Current
Status
For decades, federal regulations and guidance have allowed TANF funds to support or expand a broad range of child care and early learning initiatives in states.
