The proposed legislation, General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 7044, mandates the establishment of an electronic portal known as the Early Care and Education Program Portal by the Office of Early Childhood by July 1, 2028. This portal will provide real-time information regarding the availability of slots in early care and education programs across the state, including subsidized slots. It will be accessible via the Internet and a mobile application, and will allow early care providers to efficiently input their slot availability and enrollment data. Additionally, the portal will offer families the opportunity to apply for child-care subsidies and enable stakeholders to analyze early care and education needs at various levels.

The bill introduces new legal language that outlines the creation and functionality of the portal, effective July 1, 2025, while there are no deletions from current law specified in the text. The portal aims to enhance transparency and accessibility in early childhood education, ultimately supporting families and policymakers in making informed decisions regarding early care and education resources.