Care 4 Kids Policy Manual Development

The Care 4 Kids program is currently in the process of updating our regulations. Learn more about the process and how you can get involved.

Why we’re updating our regulations

We haven’t updated Care 4 Kid policies since 2002. However, recent federal changes have required states to improve their policies to better support families and ensure access to high-quality child care.

We started the process in the summer of 2024 and it will continue through 2026. At every stage, we’re collecting feedback from providers and families. Our goal is to establish new policy guidelines that support families and ensure they can access quality child care.

Join a listening session

Now is your chance to share your thoughts on current Care 4 Kids services and rules and make suggestions for how to improve them. Your feedback will guide important changes and updates to make the program better for everyone.

So far, we had 2 listening sessions on October 16 and October 17. We’ll announce our next listening session on this page soon.

If you aren’t able to attend any of the listening sessions, you’ll have other options to provide feedback. Later this year there will be an online portal where you can provide input. Be part of the change — help us make Care 4 Kids even better!

Project timeline

Phase 1: July to December 2024 

• Hold listening sessions with providers and families
• Review feedback and adjust the policy areas as needed
• Create a framework for policy manual that aligns with Federal Rules

Phase 2: January to October 2025

• Policy Team Completes first draft of Policy Manual
• Team launches first round of Public Feedback Portal for feedback from families and providers
• Team takes feedback to adjust first draft of Policy Manual

Phase 3: November 2025 to March 2026

• Policy Team completes second draft of Policy Manual
• Team launches second round of Public Feedback Portal for feedback from families and providers

Phase 4: April to July 2026

• Final approval from Commissioners Office
• Begin phased in rollout