Office of Child Care COVID-19 Resources

Last Updated: 12/3/2020

Child care is an essential part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery efforts. The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) continues to provide funding to state, territory and tribal governments during the pandemic to provide support for children and their families with paying for child care. Below are links to guidance and resources relevant to child care and COVID-19.

This page will be updated on a regular basis as additional information becomes available.

Newest Resources

• Summary of Waiver Approvals (UPDATED 11/24/2020)
• COVID-19 FAQs (UPDATED 11/13/2020)
• Guidance to States, Territories, and Tribes for Requesting Waivers and Waiver Renewals for CCDBG Requirements Not Met Due to COVID-19 (9/10/2020)
• Letter to States, Territories, and Tribes on Updated Grant Flexibilities (9/10/2020)

COVID-19 Overview & Resources

• HHS-ACF Resources
• ACF COVID-19 Response & Resources

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or “CARES Act”

• CCDF Discretionary Funds Appropriated in the CARES Act (IM)
• CARES Act Supplemental Funding Allocation Tables
  • States and Territories
  • Tribes

CCDF-Specific Guidance & Resources

• COVID-19 and Relevant Flexibilities in CCDF Law
• Flexibility in Spending CCDF Funds in Response to Federal or State Declared Emergency Situations (IM)
• Discussion with CDC Regarding Guidance for Child Care Programs that Remain Open (OCC Webinar)
• OCC COVID-19 CCDF Administrators Slide Deck
• Spotlight on Innovative State and Local Solutions: Quick and Affordable Child Care Supply and Demand Matching Strategies for the Children of Essential Workers Today, and Working Families Tomorrow
• Using CCDF Amendments and Waiver Flexibilities to Meet the Child Care Needs as a Result of COVID-19
  • Tip Sheet for States and Territories
  • Tip Sheet for Tribes
• Letter regarding ACF Information Memorandum (IM) on Grant Flexibilities for Human Service Activities Related to, or Affected by, COVID-19 
• Letter to Mayors regarding CCDF COVID-19 Resources(6/16/2020)
• COVID-19 Legislation Guide for CCDF Administrators (6/16/2020)
• Letter to CCDF Administrators About the Legislation Guide (6/16/2020)
• Letter to States, Territories, and Tribes on Updated Grant Flexibilities (9/10/2020)

• CCDF Data Reporting Guidance During the COVID-19 Response:

  • ACF-800 Program Instruction, ACF-800 Form and Instruction (8/18/2020)
  • Clarifications for Reporting CCDF Direct Services on the ACF-801 annual report (8/18/2020)

Families and Providers Guidance & Resources

• State Level Information for Families Seeking Child Care
• CDC Guidance for Schools and Child Care Programs 
• CDC Guidance for Childcare Programs that Remain Open
• CDC Webinar: Adapting, Evolving, and Thriving: Tools To Evolve Your COVID-19 Child Care Strategy
• Mental Health and Wellness Resources