The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is moving to close a Biden-era loophole that enabled states to reimburse child care providers without verifying attendance, raising concerns about potential fraud. Amid claims of significant inconsistencies, the Trump administration is also announcing further changes to federal child care funding rules, which have led to increased costs for families and educators. As uncertainty looms for federal child care dollars, particularly in states like North Carolina and South Dakota, there is tension within child care groups regarding the future of funding and its impact on access to early education. While Ohio has already implemented the new rules set by the Trump administration, North Carolina’s system has managed to avoid a freeze on child care funds.