This bill amends the Child Care Licensing Act by requiring the Department of Health and Human Services to establish two new credentials: a youth afterschool credential for individuals aged sixteen or seventeen and an adult eligibility passport for individuals eighteen years or older. The youth afterschool credential is designed for those seeking employment in school-age child care programs and temporary nonresidential child care programs, requiring applicants to complete background checks and a minimum seven-hour orientation. The credential is valid for one year and can be renewed through an expedited process. Additionally, the adult eligibility passport will verify program-ready status and provide portability of background check requirements between licensed child care and approved youth-serving programs.

The bill outlines specific requirements for obtaining both credentials, including background checks and training documentation. The adult eligibility passport will also be valid for one year and is renewable annually, with the possibility of an application or renewal fee. The Department is authorized to adopt rules and regulations to implement these new provisions, ensuring that both youth and adult applicants meet the necessary standards for employment in child care settings. The original section of the law is repealed to accommodate these changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 71-1908