The bill amends Section 40-5.2-20 of the General Laws in Chapter 40-5.2, titled "The Rhode Island Works Program," to enhance childcare assistance for eligible families and childcare providers. It eliminates the sunset provision on funding for childcare for eligible childcare educators and staff, expands the program to include staff providing early intervention services to infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities, and removes the family income limit for these providers.

The bill establishes that families determined eligible under the "protected population" category, as defined by the federal Child Care Development Funds, will have no copayments for childcare assistance. It requires the department to provide funding for childcare for eligible staff providing early intervention services at least twenty (20) hours per week.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the department report annually to the governor and the general assembly on participant data by November 1. The changes aim to improve access to childcare services and support for working families and childcare professionals in Rhode Island. This act would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5196: 40-5.2-20