The number of children participating in the Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) with a Strengthening Families provider increased since early 2023, partially due to the increase in the number of grantees and the total number of children being served. Additionally, CCFAP utilization rates have increased overall since July 2023 due to the implementation of Act 76, an act related to child care and early childhood education. The law makes major investments in Vermont’s child care system, including an increase in the income guidelines for CCFAP so more families are eligible for assistance.