The bill proposes amendments to Section 42-12-25 of the General Laws in the chapter concerning the Department of Human Services. The amendments include the insertion of a new subsection (b), which mandates the General Assembly to annually appropriate funds to the Department of Human Services for the hiring of additional state child care licensing inspectors. The goal is to achieve the National Association for Regulatory Administration (NARA) recommended ratio of one inspector for every fifty to sixty child care providers.

Additionally, the bill reinforces the existing provisions that enable the Department of Human Services to assist child care providers in obtaining national accreditation, expand staff development and training, and provide technical assistance and monitoring. This includes training that fosters coordination between providers and schools, specialized training for infant/toddler and pre-adolescent care, evaluation of providers and programs through surveys and formal techniques, and assistance for non-English speaking providers. The act would take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2531: 42-12-25