Participation in child care and early learning programs

(a) In general The Secretary shall by regulation prescribe eligibility for the participation of persons in child care and early learning programs assisted under this title. (b) Eligible ages Such regulation shall provide that all children who are younger than the age of compulsory school attendance shall be eligible regardless of family income, disability status, citizenship status, employment of a family member, or circumstance. (c) Prime sponsor eligibility determination responsibilities A prime sponsor shall— (1) determine eligibility under this title based on standards prescribed by the Secretary under subsection (a); (2) not establish more stringent or exclusive requirements for eligibility under this title than the eligibility standards prescribed by the Secretary; and (3) serve all families that request child care and early learning services through the prime sponsor's program.