This bill mandates that subsidy payments for child care services provided by licensed child care providers and registered family day care providers in New Jersey be based on the number of children enrolled, rather than the number of children in attendance. Specifically, the subsidy payments will be calculated based on enrollment figures as of October 15 and April 15 each year. The bill explicitly states that at no time should these payments be determined by actual attendance figures. This change aims to provide financial stability to child care providers, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, the bill defines "child care services" as those services provided to eligible children, certified by the Division of Family Development, for which the division manages State and federal funding to issue subsidy payments. The Commissioner of Human Services is tasked with applying for any necessary State plan amendments or waivers to implement this legislation and ensure continued federal financial support for applicable child care programs. The bill is designed to support licensed and registered child care providers who serve low-income families, helping them navigate increased operational costs and fluctuating enrollment rates.