The General Assembly Raised Bill No. 7044 aims to establish the Early Care and Education Program Portal by July 1, 2028. This electronic portal will be accessible via the Internet and a mobile application, providing real-time information on the availability of slots in early care and education programs across the state. The portal will include features such as the ability for program providers to update slot availability, access for families to apply for child-care subsidies, and tools for stakeholders to analyze early care and education needs at various levels.
The bill introduces new legal language that mandates the creation of this portal and outlines its functionalities, while there are no deletions from current law specified in the text. The purpose of the bill is to enhance access to information for families regarding early care and education options, thereby supporting informed decision-making and improving overall access to these essential services.