In Week 4 of our ongoing CCDF series, we examine the recent cuts to the Child Care and Development Fund and their far-reaching implications for families, providers, and communities. This episode breaks down how funding reductions affect access to quality child care, workforce stability, and early learning outcomes across the nation. Our discussion also explores potential policy responses, strategies for advocacy, and the broader economic context driving these changes.

Stay informed as we continue unpacking key developments in early childhood policy each week.
👉 Watch previous episodes to follow the full CCDF discussion series and subscribe for future updates.

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Welcome to Child Care Confidential!

In this episode, Jessica Hampton and Katie Denk dive deep into the recent CCDF cuts in Indiana and what they really mean for families, providers, and kids. We're not just talking numbers—we’re sharing real stories, the tough decisions we've had to make, and the impact these changes are having on our community.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• What the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) is and how it works
• The reality behind Indiana’s sudden CCDF funding cuts
• How providers and families are coping—and what’s at stake
• The truth about state budgets, surplus funds, and broken promises
• Real stories from the front lines: closures, layoffs, and families in crisis
• Practical advice for parents and providers navigating these changes
• Why your voice matters, and how you can join the fight for quality child care

Whether you’re a parent, provider, educator, or advocate, this episode is for you. We’re building a community that supports each other through the challenges—and we want to hear from you!

👉 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on the latest episodes and join our growing community of child care champions.

💬 Share YOUR Story HERE or in the comments! How have these changes affected you? Let’s support each other and make our voices heard!

Stay connected:

• Follow us for more honest conversations, resources, and updates
• Share this video with anyone who cares about the future of child care in Indiana

Check us out on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ChildcareConfidential

Check us out on Buzzsprout:

https://childcareconfidential.buzzsprout.com/

Check us out on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/childcare-confidential/id1841466272

Check us out on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/5MV0chCDpmiXPaYbgtcnvi?si=70fbe1caf5fd4bb3

Stay connected and be part of our community!

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578842384016

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/childcareconfidential/

Together, we can make a difference. Thanks for listening and being part of the Child Care Confidential family!

😬 Ever met a Jaron? (Think “Karen”… but with a Jessica twist.)

In our next episode of Childcare Confidential, we’re diving straight into the stories you can’t make up—the wild, the petty, and the all-too-real moments from life in childcare.

🎙️ Join Jessica Hampton and Katy Denk as we unpack what happens when scenarios and how not to be a Jaron about it.

👉 Hit play, laugh with us, and maybe cringe a little too. Childcare is messy—and we’re finally talking about it out loud.

🎧 Listen now & subscribe so you don’t miss the next one!!

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