This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 260C.212, to enhance the out-of-home placement plan requirements for children in foster care by incorporating early childhood education and child care programs. It mandates that responsible social services agencies and guardians ad litem provide information regarding early childhood education and child care options for children not yet subject to compulsory school attendance. The bill introduces a new subdivision that outlines the responsibilities of these agencies to inform foster parents about available early childhood education and child care programs, the Northstar foster care benefits child care allowance, eligibility requirements for child care assistance programs and early learning scholarships, and the application processes for these programs.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language to ensure that the out-of-home placement plan includes efforts to maintain educational stability for children enrolled in early childhood education or child care programs. It specifies that if a child is not able to remain in their current program, the plan must provide reasons for discontinuation and outline efforts to enroll the child in a similar program. The changes aim to better support the educational and developmental needs of children in foster care, ensuring they have access to appropriate early childhood education and child care resources.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 260C.212