The Child Care Infrastructure Act aims to enhance child care facilities across the United States by authorizing significant federal funding. It mandates the Secretary to conduct both immediate and long-term needs assessments of child care infrastructure, prioritizing programs receiving federal funds and evaluating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on capacity and investment needs. These assessments will inform future grant allocations and policy decisions, with reports due to Congress within one and four years, respectively.

The bill establishes a grant program, allocating up to $10 billion for fiscal year 2026, to assist states and intermediary organizations in acquiring, constructing, renovating, or expanding child care facilities. States can receive up to $250 million annually, with a 10% matching requirement, to support facilities primarily serving low-income populations, children under five, those operating nontraditional hours, or those in rural and underserved communities. Intermediary organizations, such as certified community development financial institutions, will receive grants up to $15 million to provide technical assistance and financial products for facility development.

A key provision ensures that all laborers and mechanics involved in construction or renovation projects funded by these grants are paid prevailing wages in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act. This requirement applies to contractors and subcontractors, with applicants needing to provide written assurance of compliance. The legislation reserves specific percentages of funds for Indian tribes and territories, and limits the amount for needs assessments, ensuring the majority of funds directly support infrastructure improvements.