; and (B) graduated pay increases based on a staff member’s credentials, experience, and job responsibilities, including, for a provider with 15 or more staff, a wage ladder based on the credentials, experience, and responsibilities. 210. Use of funds (a) In general An eligible child care provider that receives a subgrant under this title— (1) shall use at least 70 percent of subgrant funds for child care personnel costs, including— (A) wages (including salaries) or similar compensation for a person who is a staff member or any sole proprietor or independent contractor, aligned with wage standards; and (B) (i) annual cost-of-living adjustments for staff; and (ii) graduated pay increases based on a staff member’s credentials, experience, and job responsibilities, including, for a provider with 15 or more staff, a wage ladder based on the credentials, experience, and responsibilities; and (2) may use the subgrant funds for costs of activities related to the provider's program, consisting of— (A) professional development and instructional coaching for staff involved in the direct education and care of children, and providing support for planning and instruction; (B) providing recruitment and retention bonuses for staff; (C) providing staff benefits, such as health insurance, paid leave (including parental, family, medical, sick, and bereavement leave, and including personal leave or vacation), and funds for retirement accounts; (D) hiring staff, including conducting background checks, and including hiring staff to reduce staff-to-child ratios or substitute staff to support use of paid leave; (E) paying for occupancy, including making payments for— (i) rent (including rent under a lease), or on any mortgage obligation; and (ii) insurance, utilities, and maintenance