Some states also spend TANF funds directly on child care. Improving the Quality of Child Care. At least 4 percent of CCDF funds must be used to improve the quality of child care. States are using these funds for training and professional development, grants and loans to providers, and other innovative programs. Through Child Care Aware, families are linked to their local, community-based child care resource and referral program and receive consumer education materials.
States also use CCDF funds for consumer education and resource and referral initiatives.
Building Public-Private Partnerships . To increase available resources for child care, HHS has strongly encouraged the formation of public-private partnerships. Many states and localities have already begun effective collaborations, including child care business summits and commissions, child care investment funds, and loan programs for child care providers. HHS has identified existing practices, provided training, and developed written technical assistance materials including a tool-kit designed to inform the business community on possibilities and alternatives for expanding child care services. School-Age Child Care Initiatives.