Substitute Senate Bill No. 137, also known as Public Act No. 26-105, establishes the Early Childhood Cabinet, expanding its membership from ten to eleven by requiring the Governor to appoint a licensed pediatrician. The bill also modifies the Connecticut Smart Start competitive grant program, increasing the maximum grant for operating expenses from $5,000 to $6,500 per child and raising the capital expenses cap per classroom from $75,000 to $97,500. Additionally, it introduces new provisions for youth camps, mandating licensees to provide updated contact information to the Office of Early Childhood for emergency notifications and granting the Commissioner of Early Childhood the authority to refuse or revoke licenses for family child care homes and their staff.

The bill amends regulations for family child care homes by raising the minimum age for caregivers from sixteen to eighteen years old and establishing that individuals aged eighteen or older with certain felony convictions may be deemed unsuitable for employment. It requires licensees to notify the commissioner of any convictions or placements on the child abuse and neglect registry, with penalties for non-compliance. The bill also mandates comprehensive background checks for child care providers every five years, including checks of national and state criminal history records, and allows exemptions for individuals recently employed. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the safety and welfare of children in care by tightening regulations and ensuring that only qualified individuals are involved in family child care operations.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-530
ED Joint Favorable Substitute: 10-530
File No. 492: 10-530
Public Act No. 26-105: 10-530