This bill amends the state child care assistance program to allow child care providers to receive payments for days when a foster child is absent from scheduled care. Specifically, it mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services revise its rules to enable payments for up to sixteen half days per consecutive twelve-month period, as long as the foster child is regularly scheduled for care during those days. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the child care provider must also charge families not participating in the state child care assistance program for absences.

The bill provides definitions for key terms, including "child care facility," "child care provider," and "foster child," aligning them with existing definitions in Iowa law. By ensuring that child care providers can receive compensation for the absence of foster children, the bill aims to support the financial stability of these providers while maintaining the availability of care for foster children.