Substitute Bill No. 1369 establishes the Workforce Child Care Program and Portal in Connecticut, set to take effect on July 1, 2025. This program is designed to support working families with child care costs and provide financial assistance to early care and education providers. Eligibility is restricted to families with children under thirteen who are employed and not receiving other child care financial aid, with the cost of child care capped at seven percent of their annual household income. The bill also creates a payroll tax of one and a half percent on employers with more than 200 employees, effective January 1, 2026, with the revenue directed to the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund. Additionally, a centralized online enrollment portal will be developed to streamline applications for the Workforce Child Care Program and other assistance programs.

The legislation further introduces a salary enhancement grant program for early childhood care and education programs, also effective July 1, 2025, administered by the Office of Early Childhood in collaboration with the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund Advisory Commission. This program will provide annual grants based on calculated salary enhancement amounts, with specific definitions and processes outlined for grant distribution. The bill repeals and replaces Section 10-531 of the general statutes, updating definitions and requirements for early childhood education programs, including a new definition of "employee" that incorporates eligibility criteria from the Office of Early Childhood. It mandates the development of a proposed compensation schedule for early childhood educators, considering factors like education and experience, with a report on its implementation due by January 1, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to enhance educator compensation and improve the quality of early childhood education in Connecticut.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-531
KID Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference: 10-531