BILL NUMBER: S6550B
SPONSOR: BRISPORT
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to outdoor,
nature-based child care
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 includes legislative findings and statement of purpose.
Section 2 amends section 390 of the social services law by adding a new
paragraph (h) to define "outdoor, nature-based child care."
Section 3 amends section 390 of the social services law by adding a new
subdivision 2-b to establish a 4 year pilot project to explore estab-
lishing licensing for outdoor, nature-based child cares, under which
OCFS may adopt rules and curriculum to implement the program, waiving or
adapting certain existing licensing requirements designed for indoor
child care facilities where necessary; directs the department to convene
an advisory group of outdoor, nature-based early learning practitioners
to inform and support implementation of the program.
Section 4 provides the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The establishment of licensed outdoor nature-based child care programs
recognizes both the dire shortage of child care in our state and the
importance of nature in children's development. Numerous studies have
shown that exposure to nature enhances cognitive abilities, creativity,
problem-solving skills, and overall mental health. By providing children
with access to outdoor learning environments, this program will contrib-
ute to their holistic development and well-being. Outdoor activities
promote physical fitness and reduce the risk of obesity and related
health issues among children. Outdoor nature-based child care has been
increasing in popularity nationwide in recent years.
This bill would simply create a pilot project to explore a new child
care licensing category in New York State which is not subject to some
of the building requirements appropriate for indoor child cares, making
it more financially feasible for new outdoor child care providers to
enter the market and provide much-needed new child care slots.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
to be determined
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This bill shall take effect immediately

Statutes affected:
S6550: 390 social services law, 390(1) social services law, 390(2-a) social services law, 390(4) social services law, 390(6) social services law, 390(8-a) social services law, 390(10) social services law
S6550A: 390 social services law, 390(1) social services law, 390(2-a) social services law, 390(4) social services law, 390(6) social services law, 390(8-a) social services law, 390(10) social services law
S6550B: 390 social services law, 390(1) social services law