(A) Notices with monthly benefit payments 
starting three months before the tax filing 
deadline. 
(B) Email and text message reminders if 
parents have opted in for such communications. 
(2) SUSPENSION OF BENEFITS.—Parents who 
fail to recertify by the deadline may have their bene-
fits suspended 30 days after the due date referred 
to in subsection (c)(2). 
(3) RECERTIFICATIONS
WITHIN
DAYS
OF 
DEADLINE.—If recertification is completed within 90 
days after the deadline: 
(A) Benefits shall be reinstated prospec-
tively from the date of recertification. 
(B) Any missed payments due to late re-
certification shall be paid retroactively in a 
lump sum within one year after the original 
deadline. 
(4) METHODS OF RECERTIFICATION.—The In-
ternal Revenue Service shall provide multiple chan-
nels for recertification including but not limited to: 
(A) Automatic recertification on income 
tax returns other relevant tax documents during 
tax filing season. 
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(B) A process for recertification and dis-
closure of change of status that may make a 
parent ineligible throughout the calendar year 
in the form of a website or other accessible 
service delivery channel. 
(e) MID-YEAR CHANGES.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Benefits will continue until 
the eligible child reaches the age of 3 or enters an-
other childcare program funded by the Child Care 
for America Grant Program or the program under 
title III for more than 10 hours a week, whichever 
comes first: 
(A) Child enrolling in a childcare program 
for more than 10 hours a week that makes 
them ineligible for the benefit. 
(B) Changes in income affecting eligibility. 
(2) ON-LINE PORTAL AND DEDICATED PHONE 
LINE.—The Internal Revenue Service shall provide 
an online portal and a dedicated phone line for re-
porting changes. 
(3) BENEFITS.—Benefits shall be adjusted or 
terminated as appropriate based on reported 
changes, effective from the month following the 
change. 
(f) APPEALS PROCESS.— 
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(1) IN GENERAL.—Benefit recipients will have 
the right to appeal decisions regarding benefit 
amounts, eligibility determinations or recoupment of 
overpayments. 
(2) DEADLINE.—Appeals must be filed within 
60 days of receiving notice of the decision. 
(3) EXPEDITED APPEALS.—The Internal Rev-
enue Service shall establish an expedited review 
process for such appeals. 
(g) PAYMENT
SECURITY
AND
FRAUD
PREVEN-
TION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Internal Revenue Serv-
ice shall implement robust security measures to pre-
vent unauthorized access to payment information. 
(2) AUDITS.—The Internal Revenue Service 
shall conduct regular audits to identify and prevent 
fraudulent claims. 
(3) 
PENALTIES.—Penalties 
for 
fraudulent 
claims shall include repayment of benefits, fines and 
potential criminal prosecution. 
(h) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—The Secretary of the 
Treasury shall submit an annual report to Congress de-
scribing the number of families receiving the benefit, total 
amount distributed and any significant issues or chal-
lenges in benefit distribution. 
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(i) PROGRAM EVALUATION.—The Secretary of the 
Treasury and the Secretary shall conduct an annual eval-
uation of the payment mechanism and benefit structure. 
The evaluation must also assess the efficiency of benefit 
distribution, impact on eligible families and any rec-
ommended improvements. 
TITLE III—KIN CARE: FAMILY, 
FRIEND, 
AND 
NEIGHBOR 
(FFN) CARE PROGRAM 
SEC. 301. DEFINITIONS. 
For purposes of this title— 
(1) the term ‘‘FFN provider’’ means an indi-
vidual who provides childcare services to eligible chil-
dren in a home setting and is not required to be li-
censed under State law; 
(2) the term ‘‘eligible FFN provider’’ means a 
FFN provider who meets the requirements set forth 
in this section and is registered with the State law; 
and 
(3) the term ‘‘FFN care’’ means child care 
services provided by an eligible FFN provider. 
SEC. 302. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
There 
is 
authorized 
to 
be 
appropriated 
$5,000,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2024 through 
2034 to carry out this title, to be allocated as follows: 
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(1) 75 percent for direct payments to verified 
FFN provider; 
(2) 15 percent for State-level program adminis-
tration and support services; 
(3) 8 percent for Federal administration, in-
cluding the development and maintenance of a na-
tional FFN database and verification system; and 
(4) 2 percent for research, evaluation, and con-
tinuous improvement initiatives. 
SEC. 303. PARENT ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE 
FFN CARE PROGRAM. 
(a) ELIGIBILITY AND INITIAL ENROLLMENT.— 
(1) ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.—To be eligible for 
the FFN Care Program, a parent shall meet income 
eligibility requirements (up to 100 percent of State 
median income). 
(2) APPLICATION PROCESS.—An eligible parent 
shall— 
(A) complete the FFN care subsidy appli-
cation through the Kin Care Interface within 
30 days of seeking care; and 
(B) provide accurate and complete infor-
mation, including— 
(i) proof of income; 
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(ii) number and ages of children need-
ing care; and 
(iii) hours of care needed. 
(3) PROVIDER SELECTION.—An eligible parent 
shall— 
(A) nominate their FFN provider to the 
Interface for verification, after which time FFN 
providers may voluntarily join the Interface and 
seek verification as set out in the provider sec-
tion; and 
(B) confirm the care arrangement with the 
chosen provider through the Kin Care Interface 
within 5 days of selection. 
(b) CARE ARRANGEMENT CONFIRMATION AND DOC-
UMENTATION.— 
(1) 
WRITTEN
AGREEMENT.—The 
parent 
shall— 
(A) enter into a standard consent agree-
ment with the FFN provider within 7 days of 
selection, outlining— 
(i) care schedule; and 
(ii) expectations for both parties; and 
(B) enter into a written agreement with 
the FFN provider within 7 days of selection, 
outlining— 
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(i) care schedule; 
(ii) compensation details; 
(iii) expectations for both parties; and 
(iv) upload the signed agreement to 
the Kin Care Interface within 3 days of 
signing. 
(2) CARE SETTING VERIFICATION.—For care in 
the child’s home, the parent shall— 
(A) provide written confirmation about the 
suitability of their home for childcare within 5 
days of provider selection; 
(B) complete a home safety checklist pro-
vided through the Kin Care Interface within 10 
days of provider selection; and 
(C) allow for virtual or in-person safety as-
sessments of the home environment as required 
by the State agency. 
(3) ONGOING RESPONSIBILITIES.— 
(A) 
ATTENDANCE
VERIFICATION.—The 
parent shall verify child attendance through the 
Kin Care Interface on a weekly basis, within 2 
days of the end of each care week. 
(B) PROVIDER
EVALUATION
AND
FEED-
BACK.—The parent shall— 
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(i) complete semi-annual care quality 
surveys through the Kin Care Interface; 
(ii) provide additional feedback or 
concerns as they arise, within 24 hours for 
urgent matters; and 
(iii) any major safety incidents while 
the child is in FFN care, with major safety 
incidents defined as hospitalization result-
ing from provider neglect, or any incident 
leading to suspicion of child abuse. 
(C) REPORTING
CHANGES.—The parent 
shall report the following changes within 10 
days of occurrence— 
(i) income changes that may affect eli-
gibility; 
(ii) employment or education/training 
status changes; 
(iii) 
family 
size 
or 
composition 
changes; and 
(iv) relocation or contact information 
updates. 
(D) COOPERATION WITH MONITORING AND 
INVESTIGATIONS.—The parent shall— 
(i) participate in annual re-certifi-
cation processes; 
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(ii) completing all required docu-
mentation within 30 days of request; 
(iii) cooperate with any investigations 
or follow-ups regarding reported incidents 
or concerns within the timeframe specified 
by the investigating agency; and 
(iv) allow for and facilitate visits by 
State agency representatives if care is pro-
vided in the child’s home. 
(E) TRAINING AND EDUCATION.—The par-
ent shall complete any required parent orienta-
tion or training modules within 30 days of en-
rollment in the FFN care program. 
(F) HEALTH
AND
SAFETY.—The parent 
shall— 
(i) provide up-to-date immunization 
records for the child to the provider within 
7 days of care commencement or any up-
dates; and 
(ii) inform the provider of any health 
concerns, allergies, or special needs of the 
child before care begins and as new infor-
mation arises. 
(G) PROGRAM COMPLIANCE.—The parent 
shall— 
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(i) adhere to all rules and regulations 
of the FFN care program as outlined in 
the parent handbook; and 
(ii) acknowledge that failure to comply 
with these responsibilities may result in 
termination from the program or repay-
ment of subsidies. 
SEC. 304. FFN PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE KIN 
CARE PROGRAM. 
(a) ELIGIBILITY AND INITIAL REGISTRATION.— 
(1) ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.—To be eligible as 
an FFN provider, an individual shall— 
(A) be at least 18 years old as of the date 
of application; 
(B) be a grandparent, aunt or uncle of the 
child; 
(C) not have any criminal record involving 
violent offenses, nor prior credible child abuse 
findings, nor be present on any sex offender 
registry; and 
(D) after the first three years of the Kin 
Care program, the Secretary may, in consulta-
tion with relevant stakeholders, elect to extend 
eligibility to additional family members, trusted 
friends, and trusted neighbors. 
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(2) INTERACTION WITH CCDBG.— 
(A) TRANSITION FROM CCDBG.—A FFN 
caregiver currently registered as a subsidy-re-
ceiving provider via the Child Care and Devel-
opment Block Grant Act of 1990 shall dis-
continue their participation upon being verified 
to be part of the Kin Care program and begin-
ning to receive payments via the Kin Care pro-
gram. 
(B) CONTINUED CCDBG PARTICIPATION.— 
FFN caregivers who are not eligible for the Kin 
Care program but who are eligible for payment 
under CCDBG may continue to participate in 
that program. 
(C) POTENTIAL CCDBG REPEAL.—In the 
case that the Secretary elects to extend eligi-
bility for the Kin Care program to cover all 
those FFN providers eligible under CCDBG, 
the relevant sections of CCDBG are to be re-
pealed. 
(3) REGISTRATION
PROCESS.—The provider 
shall— 
(A) complete the online registration form 
through the Kin Care Interface within 30 days 
of deciding to become an FFN provider; 
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(B) provide accurate and complete infor-
mation as required by the Kin Care Interface; 
and 
(C) submit to comprehensive background 
checks within 10 days of registration. 
(4) CARE
SETTING
VERIFICATION.—The pro-
vider shall— 
(A) for care in provider’s home— 
(i) submit clear, recent photos or a 
video tour of all areas used for child care 
within 7 days of registration; 
(ii) participate in a virtual safety as-
sessment within 14 days of registration; 
and 
(iv) allow for an in-person home visit 
within 30 days of approval. 
(B) for care in child’s home— 
(i) sign an agreement to maintain safe 
practices in the child’s home within 5 days 
of registration; and 
(ii) schedule a home familiarization 
visit with the family within 10 days of reg-
istration. 
(5) TRAINING AND EDUCATION.— 
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(A) 
INITIAL
TRAINING.—The 
provider 
shall— 
(i) complete 20 hours of mandatory 
online health and safety training within 30 
days of registration; 
(ii) achieve a minimum score of 80 
percent on module quizzes to progress; and 
(iii) complete a standardized knowl-
edge assessment within 7 days of com-
pleting all training modules. 
(B) ONGOING EDUCATION.—The provider 
shall— 
(i) complete 10 hours of approved on-
going training annually; 
(ii) obtain and maintain certification 
in pediatric first aid and CPR; and 
(iii) submit certificates of completion 
for all training through the Kin Care 
Interface within 7 days of completion. 
(6) OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS.— 
(A) CHILD
CARE
PRACTICES.—The pro-
vider shall— 
(i) care for no more than 6 children at 
a time, including the provider’s own chil-
dren under age 13; 
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(ii) maintain a daily log of all children 
in care; 
(iii) maintain direct sight or sound su-
pervision of all children at all times; and 
(iv) make reasonable efforts to imple-
ment daily activities that support child’s 
development and early learning, including 
reading and outdoor play. 
(B) HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS.— 
The provider shall— 
(i) maintain a smoke-free environment 
at all times during hours of operation; 
(ii) ensure all areas used for child 
care are free from visible safety hazards; 
(iii) implement safe sleep practices for 
infants and toddlers; 
(iv) store all medications and haz-
ardous materials in locked containers out 
of children’s reach; 
(v) maintain a fully stocked first aid 
kit and emergency preparedness plan; and 
(vi) have and maintain working car-
bon monoxide and smoke detectors and fire 
extinguisher(s). 
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(C) NUTRITION AND MEALS.—If providing 
meals, the provider shall— 
(i) develop weekly meal plans that 
meet USDA Child and Adult Care Food 
Program (CACFP) guidelines; 
(ii) maintain current food handler’s 
certification if preparing meals; and 
(iii) follow proper food safety and hy-
giene practices. 
(D) PROGRAM COMPLIANCE AND REPORT-
ING.— 
(i) KIN
CARE
INTERFACE
UTILIZA-
TION.—The provider shall submit weekly 
care hours through the Kin Care Interface 
within 2 days of the end of each care week. 
(ii) FINANCIAL
RESPONSIBILITIES.— 
The provider shall report all income from 
child care services on annual tax returns. 
(iii) INCIDENT REPORTING.—The pro-
vider shall— 
(I) report any injuries requiring 
medical attention within 24 hours of 
occurrence; and 
(II) report any suspected child 
abuse or neglect immediately to the 
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appropriate authorities and the State 
agency. 
(iv) 
COOPERATION
WITH
MONI-
TORING.—The provider shall— 
(I) participate in annual re- 
verification process, completing all re-
quirements within 30 days of notifica-
tion; 
(II) be available for random vir-
tual check-ins during declared hours 
of operation; and 
(III) allow for both announced 
and unannounced in-person visits by 
State agency representatives. 
SEC. 305. CHILD CARE PRACTICES FOR FAMILY, FRIEND, 
AND NEIGHBOR PROVIDERS. 
(a) CHILD-TO-PROVIDER RATIO.— 
(1) An FFN provider shall not care for more 
than 4children at any given time, including the pro-
vider’s own children under the age of 13. 
(2) The provider shall indicate via the Kin Care 
Interface the number, age, and initials of children 
cared for each day. 
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(3) The provider shall ensure that no more than 
2 children under the age of 2 are in care at any 
time. 
(4) For children with special needs, the pro-
vider shall adjust ratios as required by the child’s in-
dividual care plan, in consultation with the child’s 
parents and Kin Care Program administrators. 
SEC. 306. FFN PROVIDER VERIFICATION PROCEDURES AND 
ONGOING MONITORING. 
(a) DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF THE KIN 
CARE INTERFACE.— 
(1) SYSTEM
DEVELOPMENT.—The Secretary 
shall— 
(A) contract with a reputable software de-
velopment firm to create the Kin Care Interface 
within 100 days after the date of the enactment 
of this Act; 
(B) ensure the interface is web-based and 
includes a mobile application version; 
(C) incorporate robust security measures, 
including end-to-end encryption and multi-fac-
tor authentication; 
(D) develop user-friendly interfaces for 
providers, parents, and State administrators; 
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(E) be prepared to launch the Interface 
within one year of passage of this Act; 
(F) collect only minimum required data to 
meet the intent and requirements of this Act; 
and 
(G) ensure that at launch, the interface is 
available in at least English and Spanish, and 
that it is made available in all languages spoken 
by at least 1 percent of the U.S. population 
within one year of launch, and all languages 
spoken by at least 0.1 percent of the U.S. popu-
lation within two years of launch. 
(2) FUNCTIONALITY REQUIREMENTS.—The Kin 
Care Interface shall include— 
(A) provider registration and profile man-
agement capabilities; 
(B) document upload capabilities for ID’s, 
background check results, and training certifi-
cates; 
(C) a secure messaging system between 
providers, parents, and State administrators; 
(D) an automated alert system for expired 
documents or pending re-verifications; 
(E) integration with State and Federal 
databases for background check verificationl; 
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(F) a secure payment system, including a 
method for providing compensation to individ-
uals who, at registration, lack a bank account; 
(G) capabilities for States or the Depart-
ment to design or upload training modules, and 
for providers to complete said modules; and 
(H) all other functionalities as needed to 
carry out the provisions of this Act. 
(3) ONGOING
MAINTENANCE.—The Secretary 
shall— 
(A) conduct quarterly system updates to 
address bugs and improve functionality; 
(B) perform annual security audits and 
penetration testing; and 
(C) maintain a 24/7 technical support 
helpline for users and State administrators. 
(4) ESTABLISHMENT
OF
FEDERAL
GUIDE-
LINES.— 
(A) 
IDENTITY
VERIFICATION
STAND-
ARDS.—The Secretary shall— 
(i) specify acceptable forms of govern-
ment-issued photo ID; 
(ii) set requirements for third-party 
identity verification services; and 
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(iii) define acceptable documents for 
address confirmation, such as utility bills 
no older than 60 days. 
(B) BACKGROUND
CHECK
STANDARDS.— 
The Secretary shall— 
(i) establish a comprehensive list of 
disqualifying offenses; and 
(ii) set standards for an appeals proc-
ess for providers with concerning but non- 
disqualifying results. 
(C) CARE
SETTING
ASSESSMENT
STAND-
ARDS.—The Secretary shall— 
(i) develop a standardized checklist 
for virtual safety assessments which in-
cludes items necessary to ensure safety but 
do not present an undue burden to pro-
viders; 
(ii) establish means for providers to 
remedy any concerns and receive a timely 
re-assessment; and 
(iii) establish minimum photo/video 
documentation requirements for provider’s 
home assessments. 
(D) TRAINING
AND
EDUCATION
STAND-
ARDS.—The Secretary shall— 
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(i) develop a mandatory online health 
and safety training curriculum; and 
(ii) require training to be available in 
at least 5 languages. 
(E) 
ONGOING
MONITORING
AND
RE- 
VERIFICATION
STANDARDS.—The 
Secretary 
shall— 
(i) set a 30-day window for annual re- 
verification completion; and 
(ii) establish required components of 
re-verification. 
(F) CONTINUOUS
BACKGROUND
CHECK 
MONITORING.—The Secretary shall— 
(i) establish partnerships with State 
law enforcement agencies for real-time ar-
rest notifications for violent offenses, child 
abuse offenses, or offenses resulting in ad-
dition to sex offender registries. No such 
partnerships shall be construed by the Sec-
retary or States as means to provide law 
enforcement agencies with information out-
side the relevant scope of the Kin Care 
program, 
notwithstanding 
information 
sharing required under existing State and 
Federal law; 
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(ii) develop a system for providers to 
self-report new criminal charges or child 
protective services involvement within 48 
hours; and 
(iii) set a 3-year cycle for full back-
ground check renewals. 
(G) INCIDENT REPORTING AND INVESTIGA-
TION.—The Secretary shall— 
(i) develop a standardized incident re-
port form; and 
(ii) establish a tiered response system 
based on incident severity. 
(5) COMPLIANCE
AND
ENFORCEMENT.—The 
Secretary shall— 
(A) establish a graduated system of en-
forcement actions; and 
(B) develop an appeals process for pro-
viders facing adverse actions. 
(b) STATE AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES.—Each State 
agency shall— 
(1) designate a State-level administrator to 
oversee the Kin Care Interface; 
(2) review all provider registrations within 10 
business days of submission; 
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(3) conduct identity verification processes with-
in specified timeframes; 
(4) administer background checks according to 
Federal guidelines; 
(5) conduct care setting verifications for both 
provider’s home and child’s home care settings; 
(6) verify completion of required training and 
education by providers; 
(7) manage the annual re-verification process 
for providers; 
(8) conduct random virtual check-ins with 5 
percent of approved providers each month; 
(9) maintain a system for continuous back-
ground check monitoring; 
(10) manage the parent feedback system and 
respond to concerns in a timely manner; 
(11) investigate and respond to reported inci-
dents according to the tiered response system; 
(12) implement compliance and enforcement ac-
tions as necessary; 
(13) provide quality improvement support to 
providers as needed; 
(14) submit required reports to the Secretary 
on program operations and outcomes; 
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(15) establish a localized schedule of payment 
rates, and ensure timely payment to providers (no 
more than five business days after the end of a pay-
ment period); 
(16) ensure all State Kin Care Interface mate-
rials and related materials are available in, at min-
imum, all languages spoken by more than 1 percent 
of the population in their State; 
(17) establish a process for parents and pro-
viders to offer feedback, complaints and concerns re-
garding monitoring, enforcement and program oper-
ations; and 
(18) create or utilize an existing FFN advisory 
or governance structure to give input and oversee 
implementation; this committee must be provided 
data and information regarding the program includ-
ing numbers of participants and participant com-
plaints/concerns with program operations. 
(c) REPORTING AND EVALUATION.— 
(1) The Secretary shall establish a system for 
regular reporting and evaluation of the FFN Pro-
vider Verification Procedures and Ongoing Moni-
toring processes. 
(2) State agencies shall submit monthly and 
quarterly reports as specified by the Secretary. 
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(3) The Secretary shall conduct an annual eval-
uation of the effectiveness of these procedures and 
make recommendations for improvements as nec-
essary. 
(4) The States and Secretary shall gather par-
ticipant experience data to understand barriers, ad-
ministrative and paperwork burdens, use of tech-
nology challenges, etc., that may be limiting partici-
pation. 
SEC. 307. FFN PROVIDER PAYMENT PROCESS. 
(a) PAYMENT RATES.— 
(1) The Secretary shall establish a national 
base rate for FFN care that is no less than 75 per-
cent of the State’s rate for licensed family child care 
homes. 
(2) States may adjust the base rate to account 
for— 
(A) geographic cost of living differences; 
(B) number and ages of children in care; 
(C) non-traditional hours care (evenings, 
weekends, overnight); 
(D) care for children with special needs; 
(E) provider education and training levels; 
and 
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(F) the Secretary shall review and update 
the national base rate annually to reflect 
changes in the cost of living and child care mar-
ket rates. 
(b) PAYMENT FREQUENCY AND METHOD.— 
(1) FFN providers shall submit number of 
weekly hours of service through the Kin Care Inter-
face within 2 days of the end of each care week. 
(2) The Kin Care Interface shall automatically 
calculate payment amounts based on— 
(A) reported hours; 
(B) approved rate for the provider; and 
(C) any adjustments for non-traditional 
hours, special needs care, or other adjustments. 
(3) Parents shall verify reports via the Kin 
Care Interface within a reasonable timeframe. 
(c) REPORTING AND PAYMENT CALCULATION.— 
(1) FFN providers shall submit weekly attend-
ance reports through the Kin Care Interface within 
2 days of the end of each care week. 
(2) The Kin Care Interface shall automatically 
calculate payment amounts based on— 
(A) reported attendance; 
(B) approved rate for the provider; 
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(C) any adjustments for non-traditional 
hours or special needs care. 
(3) Parents shall verify the attendance reports 
within 1 day of submission by the provider. 
(d) PAYMENT PROCESSING.— 
(1) The State agency shall process payments 
within 3 business days of verified submission. 
(2) The Kin Care Interface shall generate a de-
tailed payment Statement for each pay period, acces-
sible to both the provider and the State agency. 
(e) OVERPAYMENTS AND UNDERPAYMENTS.— 
(1) In cases of overpayment due to error or 
misreporting— 
(A) the State agency shall notify the pro-
vider within 5 business days of discovery; and 
(B) recovery of overpayments shall be 
through reduced future payments, not to exceed 
10 percent of each payment until the overpay-
ment is recovered. 
(2) In cases of underpayment, The State agen-
cy shall issue an additional payment to correct the 
underpayment within 5 business days of discovery. 
(f) PAYMENT
FOR TRAINING
AND PROFESSIONAL 
DEVELOPMENT.— 
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(1) FFN providers shall be compensated at 
their regular rate for time spent in required training 
and professional development activities, which pro-
viders shall record as normal hours of service. 
(2) The State agency shall pay for any fees as-
sociated with required training courses or materials. 
(g) TAX REPORTING.— 
(1) The Kin Care Interface shall generate an-
nual tax documents (e.g., 1099 forms) for FFN pro-
viders by January 31st of each year. 
(2) FFN providers shall be responsible for re-
porting all income and paying applicable taxes. 
(h) PAYMENT DISPUTES.— 
(1) FFN providers may file a payment dispute 
through the Kin Care Interface within 30 days of 
the payment date. 
(2) The State agency shall investigate and re-
solve payment disputes within 10 business days of 
filing. 
(3) If the dispute is not resolved to the pro-
vider’s satisfaction, they may appeal to a designated 
State appeal board within 15 days of the State agen-
cy’s decision. 
SEC. 308. DATA PRIVACY AND SECURITY MEASURES. 
(a) DATA PROTECTION STANDARDS.— 
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(1) The Secretary shall establish comprehensive 
data protection standards for the Kin Care Inter-
face, including— 
(A) end-to-end encryption for all data 
transmissions; 
(B) multi-factor authentication for user ac-
cess; and 
(C) regular security audits and penetration 
testing. 
(2) All data stored in the Kin Care Interface 
shall be classified according to sensitivity level and 
protected accordingly. 
(b) DATA COLLECTION AND USE.— 
(1) The Kin Care Interface shall collect only in-
formation necessary for program administration and 
evaluation. 
(2) Personal identifying information shall be 
used solely for the purposes of: 
(A) verifying eligibility; 
(B) facilitating payments; 
(C) conducting background checks; and 
(D) communicating with program partici-
pants. 
(c) DATA SHARING.— 
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(1) Data sharing between State agencies and 
the Federal Government shall be governed by formal 
data sharing agreements. 
(2) Any data shared for research purposes shall 
be de-identified to protect individual privacy. 
(d) USER RIGHTS.—FFN providers and parents shall 
have the right to— 
(1) access their personal data stored in the Kin 
Care Interface; 
(2) request corrections to inaccurate data; and 
(3) receive notification of any data breaches af-
fecting their information within 72 hours. 
(e) DATA RETENTION AND DISPOSAL.— 
(1) The Secretary shall establish data retention 
schedules for different types of data collected. 
(2) Data shall be securely disposed of when no 
longer necessary, using methods that prevent recon-
struction. 
SEC. 309. TRANSITION TO LICENSED FAMILY CHILD CARE. 
(a) TRANSITION SUPPORT PROGRAM.— 
(1) The Secretary shall establish a Transition 
Support Program to assist FFN providers in volun-
tarily becoming licensed family child care providers. 
(2) The program shall include— 
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(A) guidance on State licensing require-
ments; 
(B) financial assistance for meeting licens-
ing standards; and 
(C) mentorship from experienced licensed 
providers. 
(b) ELIGIBILITY.—FFN providers who have partici-
pated in the Kin Care Program for at least one year shall 
be eligible for the Transition Support Program. 
(c) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.—Eligible providers may 
receive grants of up to $5,000 to cover costs associated 
with meeting licensing requirements, including— 
(1) home modifications for safety compliance; 
(2) purchase of required equipment and mate-
rials; and 
(3) fees for required training and certifications. 
(d) TRAINING AND EDUCATION.—The State agency 
shall provide specialized training to support the transition, 
including— 
(1) business management for family child care; 
(2) advanced child development courses; and 
(3) curriculum planning and implementation. 
(e) LICENSING PROCESS SUPPORT.—The State agen-
cy shall assign a dedicated licensing navigator to each 
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transitioning provider to assist with the licensing applica-
tion and inspection process. 
SEC. 310. SUPPORTS FOR SERVING CHILDREN WITH SPE-
CIAL NEEDS. 
(a) SPECIALIZED TRAINING.— 
(1) The Secretary shall develop a specialized 
training module for FFN providers caring for chil-
dren with special needs. 
(2) The training shall cover— 
(A) understanding common disabilities and 
developmental delays; 
(B) adapting activities and environments; 
(C) collaborating with early intervention 
specialists; and 
(D) supporting families of children with 
special needs. 
(b) ENHANCED PAYMENT RATES.—FFN providers 
caring for children with diagnosed special needs shall re-
ceive an enhanced payment rate, to be determined by the 
State agency based on the child’s specific needs. 
(c) EQUIPMENT
AND MATERIALS GRANTS.—FFN 
providers may apply for grants of up to $1,000 annually 
to purchase specialized equipment or materials needed to 
care for children with special needs. 
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(d) SUPPORT NETWORK.—The State agency shall fa-
cilitate a peer support network for FFN providers caring 
for children with special needs. 
SEC. 311. COLLABORATION WITH OTHER EARLY CHILD-
HOOD PROGRAMS. 
(1) 
COORDINATION
REQUIREMENT.—State 
agencies shall establish formal coordination agree-
ments with— 
(A) Early Head Start and Head Start pro-
grams; 
(B) State pre-kindergarten programs; 
(C) part C early intervention programs 
under IDEAl; and 
(D) State Child Care Resource and Refer-
ral Agencies. 
(2) SHARED
SERVICES.—The Secretary shall 
encourage and facilitate shared services among Kin 
Care and other early childhood programs, includ-
ing— 
(A) joint professional development opportu-
nities; 
(B) shared curriculum resources; and 
(C) coordinated developmental screening 
services. 
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(3) TRANSITION
SUPPORT.—State agencies 
shall develop protocols to support children’s transi-
tions between FFN care and other early childhood 
programs. 
(4) DATA SHARING.—The Secretary shall estab-
lish guidelines for appropriate data sharing between 
Kin Care and other early childhood programs to 
support coordinated services and program evalua-
tion. 
SEC. 312. EVALUATION AND RESEARCH. 
(a) ANNUAL PROGRAM EVALUATION.—The Secretary 
shall conduct an annual evaluation of the Kin Care Pro-
gram, assessing— 
(1) program reach and participation rates; 
(2) care practices; 
(3) family outcomes, including parental employ-
ment and economic stability; and 
(4) provider outcomes, including job satisfaction 
and financial stability. 
(b) LONGITUDINAL STUDY.—The Secretary shall 
commission a 10-year longitudinal study to assess the 
long-term impacts of participation in FFN care through 
the Kin Care Program. 
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(c) INNOVATION RESEARCH.—The Secretary shall es-
tablish a research grant program to study innovative ap-
proaches to supporting and enhancing FFN care. 
(d) DATA COLLECTION.—The Kin Care Interface 
shall include mechanisms for ongoing data collection to 
support evaluation and research efforts. o State agencies 
shall be required to participate in all national evaluation 
efforts as a condition of receiving Kin Care Program 
funds. 
(e) DISSEMINATION OF FINDINGS.—The Secretary 
shall ensure wide dissemination of research findings 
through— 
(1) annual reports to Congress; 
(2) peer-reviewed journal publications; 
(3) presentations at national conferences; and 
(4) easily accessible summaries on the program 
website. 
(f) CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT.— 
(1) The Secretary shall establish a process for 
using evaluation and research findings to continu-
ously improve the Kin Care Program. 
(2) This process shall include annual review 
and updating of program policies and practices 
based on the latest evidence. 
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SEC. 313. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FOR THE KIN CARE 
PROGRAM. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF LOCAL COMMUNITY ADVI-
SORY BOARDS.— 
(1) LCAB’S.—Each State agency shall estab-
lish Local Community Advisory Boards (LCABs) to 
provide input on Kin Care Program implementation 
and operation. The State may establish a reasonable 
minimum population size for establishing LCABs, or 
have one LCAB cover multiple jurisdictions if nec-
essary. 
(2) COMPOSITION.—Each LCAB shall consist 
of— 
(A) at least two FFN providers partici-
pating in the Kin Care Program; 
(B) at least two parents utilizing FFN 
care through the Kin Care Program; 
(C) one representative from the local child 
care resource and referral agency; 
(D) one early childhood education expert 
from a local college or university; 
(E) one representative from a local com-
munity-based organization serving families; 
(F) one representative from the local busi-
ness community; 
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(G) one representative from the local gov-
ernment; and 
(H) one expert from a local (or, if no local, 
Statewide) FFN-serving organization’’. 
(3) APPOINTMENT AND TERMS.— 
(A) The State agency shall develop a fair 
and transparent process for appointing LCAB 
members. 
(B) Members shall serve staggered three- 
year terms, with the possibility of reappoint-
ment for one additional term. 
(4) RESPONSIBILITIES.—Each LCAB shall— 
(A) meet at least quarterly to review local 
Kin Care Program implementation; 
(B) provide recommendations to the State 
agency on program improvements; 
(C) assist in identifying and addressing 
barriers to program participation; 
(D) support community outreach efforts; 
and 
(E) submit an annual report to the State 
agency summarizing their activities and rec-
ommendations. 
(b) COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS.— 
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(1) The State agency shall establish formal 
partnerships with community organizations to sup-
port the Kin Care Program, including but not lim-
ited to— 
(A) faith-based organizations; 
(B) cultural and ethnic community groups; 
(C) public libraries; 
(D) community centers; 
(E) local health departments; 
(F) school districts; and 
(G) local businesses. 
(2) PARTNERSHIP
AGREEMENTS.—Each part-
nership shall be formalized through a written agree-
ment that outlines— 
(A) the roles and responsibilities of each 
party; 
(B) the resources each party will con-
tribute; 
(C) the expected outcomes of the partner-
ship; and 
(D) the duration of the partnership and 
conditions for renewal. 
(3) COLLABORATION ACTIVITIES.—Community 
partnerships shall focus on— 
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(A) outreach to potential FFN providers 
and families; 
(B) providing venues for training and sup-
port group meetings; 
(C) offering complementary services to Kin 
Care Program participants; 
(D) assisting with culturally and linguis-
tically appropriate program implementation; 
and 
(E) supporting program evaluation efforts. 
(c) COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT.— 
(1) PLAN.—The State agency shall develop and 
implement a comprehensive community outreach and 
engagement plan that includes— 
(A) multilingual marketing materials about 
the Kin Care Program; 
(B) social media campaigns targeting po-
tential FFN providers and families; 
(C) information sessions at community 
events and gatherings; 
(D) door-to-door outreach in targeted 
neighborhoods; 
(E) partnerships with local media outlets, 
including ethnic media; and 
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(F) a dedicated community liaison position 
within the State agency. 
(2) CULTURALLY
RESPONSIVE
OUTREACH.— 
The State agency shall ensure that all outreach ef-
forts are culturally responsive and appropriate for 
the diverse communities served by the Kin Care Pro-
gram. 
(3) TECHNOLOGY-BASED
ENGAGEMENT.—The 
State agency shall utilize technology to enhance 
community engagement, including— 
(A) a mobile-friendly website with program 
information and resources; 
(B) text message reminders and updates 
for program participants; 
(C) 
virtual 
information 
sessions 
and 
webinars; and 
(D) an online community forum for FFN 
providers and families. 
(d) COMMUNITY FEEDBACK MECHANISMS.— 
(1) FEEDBACK CHANNELS.—The State agency 
shall establish multiple channels for ongoing commu-
nity feedback, including— 
(A) an annual community survey on the 
Kin Care Program; 
(B) focus groups with diverse stakeholders; 
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(C) a dedicated email address and phone 
line for community input; and 
(D) public comment periods for proposed 
program changes. 
(2) FEEDBACK UTILIZATION.—The State agen-
cy shall— 
(A) Review all community feedback on a 
quarterly basis; 
(B) Incorporate relevant feedback into pro-
gram improvement efforts; and 
(C) provide public responses to major 
themes in community feedback. 
(3) COMMUNITY-BASED
TRAINING
AND
SUP-
PORT.—The State agency shall collaborate with com-
munity partners to offer— 
(A) localized training sessions for FFN 
providers; 
(B) peer support groups in community set-
tings; 
(C) family engagement activities; and 
(D) community-based child development 
workshops for parents and FFN providers. 
(4) REPORTING AND EVALUATION.— 
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(A) The State agency shall include a com-
munity engagement section in its annual report 
to the Secretary, detailing— 
(i) LCAB activities and recommenda-
tions; 
(ii) outcomes of community partner-
ships; 
(iii) reach and impact of outreach ef-
forts; 
(iv) summary of community feedback 
received; and 
(v) changes made to the program 
based on community input. 
(B) The Secretary shall evaluate the effec-
tiveness of community engagement efforts as 
part of the annual Kin Care Program evalua-
tion. 
(5) 
FUNDING
FOR
COMMUNITY
ENGAGE-
MENT.— 
(A) The State agency shall allocate at least 
5 percent of its Kin Care Program administra-
tive budget to community engagement activities. 
(B) The Secretary shall provide supple-
mental grants to State agencies demonstrating 
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