Rural Child Care Facility Expansion Act

Increased Child Care Availability: The program provides loans to facilitate the renovation, retrofits, expansion, and adaptation of structures to increase the availability of child care services in rural communities. (Section 2(a) and Section 2(f)(1))

Support for Rural Communities: The bill specifically targets "child care deserts," which are areas where the number of children is at least three times the number of available child care slots, or where no licensed providers exist. (Section 2(b)(2) and Section 2(e)(2))

Financial Assistance for Providers: "Covered child care providers" can access low-interest loans, which are defined as a rate equal to the Treasury constant maturity rate plus 1/8 of 1 percent. (Section 2(b)(1) and Section 2(b)(4))

Flexibility for Planning: Entities can use up to 10 percent of their loan to cover pre-development activities, such as planning and design for new facilities. (Section 2(f)(2))

Limited Funding Use: An entity is restricted from using more than 10 percent of a loan for any pre-development activities, including planning and design. (Section 2(f)(2))

Loan Repayment Obligations: Recipients of the loans must follow a repayment schedule established by the Secretary. (Section 2(g)(2))