Kairo Act of 2025

The Kairo Act of 2025 requires certain child care providers that receive federal funding to adopt a parent's bill of rights, enhancing transparency and safety for children in childcare settings. It defines key terms, sets conditions for funding, and mandates notification of compliance.

Sec. 2, Definitions: Defines "certain child care provider" as any center-based, family, or sectarian child care provider receiving federal funds like Child Care Development Block Grants or Head Start. Also defines center-based, family, and sectarian providers, with sectarian including religious organizations engaging in religious conduct.

Sec. 3, Parental rights as a condition of funding: Requires providers receiving federal funds to develop a parent's bill of rights including: state child abuse hotline contact; access to state monitoring databases; for Head Start, access to Office of Head Start reports; review of the child's records; inspection reports upon request; compliance with court orders; regulator contact info; access to video of alleged abuse within 2 business days (with restrictions); staff training records; and protection from retaliation. Providers must give a written copy to parents within 45 days of the act's effective date or the child's first day. This does not affect law enforcement or child protective services access.

Sec. 4, Notice of requirement to comply: Within 30 days of the effective date, the Director of Health and Human Services must direct the Office of Child Care and Office of Head Start to inform all current and future recipients of Child Care Development Block Grants and Head Start funding about the new requirements.

Sec. 5, Effective date: The act takes effect 30 days after enactment.