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 families and childcare providers. It eliminates the sunset provision on funding for childcare for eligible childcare educators and staff, expands eligibility 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 will have no copayments for childcare assistance, and eligibility for childcare assistance for these children will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the department using federal affordability guidelines.

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

Statutes affected:
5196: 40-5.2-20