Child Care Program Leaders and Providers Testify Before Congress

Child care leaders and providers from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., to testify before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions during the hearing, “Restoring Integrity: Preventing Fraud in Child Care Assistance Programs.” The hearing brought together witnesses with experience overseeing and operating early childhood programs to discuss program integrity, accountability, and the critical role federal funding plays in supporting children, families, and providers.

Among the witnesses was Henry Wilde, CEO of Acelero, Inc., who shared insights on the importance of strong oversight, responsible use of funds, and continued investment in programs such as Head Start, Early Head Start, and the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG). Wilde emphasized that stable and well-supported early childhood systems are essential to ensuring families have access to high-quality care and education.

Watch the full hearing and read Wilde’s written testimony below to learn more about the discussion and recommendations shared with the Committee. For additional context, read the nonpartisan hearing recap from the First Five Years Fund below.

🎥 Watch the full U.S. Senate HELP Committee hearing

📄 Read Henry Wilde’s testimony

📑 Read the recap from the First Five Years Fund