Guide to help bring childcare to rural areas released

The USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is working to being more childcare service to rural and tribal communities. 

USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson is working with HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Early Childhood Development Katie Hamm created a joint resource guide. 

This guide provides local stakeholders with information to help them provide local, safe and affordable childcare. 

“That’s why I am so excited about this guide and the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing support for early learning and child care. It is so important that we continue to invest in early childhood infrastructure and supply building – particularly in rural and Tribal communities – where child care and early childhood development options are already limited,” Hamm stated in a USDA press release. “We are committed to working with these communities to meet the growing need for quality, affordable early childhood programs.”

This is a part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s American Families Plan, which helps to support children by helping families cover basic expenses.

 “Access to quality, affordable child care and early learning opportunities is imperative for rural America. It enables parents to work, strengthens the economy and supports children’s overall development by laying the groundwork for future success in school and life,” Maxson said in a USDA press release. “Under the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris and Secretary Vilsack, USDA remains committed to helping rural and Tribal communities build back better by strengthening child care infrastructure.”