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 provisions. It eliminates the sunset 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 this group. The bill specifies that funding for childcare assistance will be available for eligible staff providing early intervention services at least twenty (20) hours per week under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Additionally, the bill establishes that families determined eligible under the "protected population" category will have no copayments, and eligibility for childcare assistance for these children will be determined on a case-by-case basis using federal affordability guidelines. The department is required to provide an annual report on participant data to the governor and the general assembly by November 1. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5196: 40-5.2-20