This bill amends the Child Care Licensing Act by introducing a pilot program aimed at increasing the availability and capacity of day care facilities in Nebraska. The Director of Public Health is granted the authority to enter into contracts with licensees to develop and operate this pilot program. Additionally, the director can waive certain licensing requirements for facilities participating in the program, including staff requirements, provided that alternative terms are established to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the children. The bill also stipulates that licenses under this pilot program can be granted for a maximum of five years and outlines that the director must assess the program's success and make recommendations for statutory changes if warranted.
Furthermore, the bill allows individuals granted a license to request a waiver from specific requirements of the Child Care Licensing Act for a defined period. These waiver requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that the director maintains oversight of the health and safety standards. The original section of the law being amended is repealed, streamlining the legislative framework surrounding child care licensing in Nebraska.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 71-1908