The Government Accountability Office (GAO) examines the federal Child Care and Development Fund and its efficacy at increasing access to quality child care for low-income families. The fund supports 142 family childcare networks, primarily through coaching, training, and peer-to-peer networking opportunities for childcare providers at the community level. Most of these are licensed providers, though many of the networks serve license-exempt family, friend, and neighbor providers. Earlier this year, the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health & Human Services recommended creation of a Childcare Shortage Area designation similar to the Health Professions Shortage Area designation.
