Cutting Red Tape on Child Care Providers Act of 2025
The Cutting Red Tape on Child Care Providers Act of 2025 would require states that receive a grant under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to not prohibit licensed child care providers from performing simple food preparation of fruits and vegetables. “Simple food preparation” is defined as basic activities like washing, peeling, cutting, and serving raw or minimally processed produce. The bill adds a new prohibition to state regulations, stating that states shall not create barriers to this simple preparation in licensed facilities or those that are licensed exempt. The intent, supported by findings, is to ease regulatory hurdles that limit on-site preparation of fresh produce, aiming to improve nutrition for children and to support home- and small-provider child care options that have been facing regulatory burdens. The bill does not specify funding or enforcement mechanisms, but it would require states to adjust their rules accordingly to allow this level of on-site simple food preparation by licensed providers within the child care system funded by CCDBG grants.
Key Points
- 1Prohibits barriers to simple food preparation: States receiving CCDBG funds must not create barriers that prevent licensed or licensed-exempt child care facilities from performing simple prep of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- 2Defines simple food preparation: Includes washing, peeling, cutting, and serving raw or minimally processed produce.
- 3Targeted regulation change: Amends Section 658E(c)(2)(F) of the CCDBG Act of 1990 to incorporate the new prohibition on barriers.
- 4Rationale and findings: Emphasizes nutrition and accessibility of fresh produce, noting burdens on home-based and smaller providers and the potential decline of home-based care options.
- 5Scope and limits: The bill sets the policy goal but does not specify funding, enforcement details, or comprehensive implementation standards beyond the prohibition on barriers.