The bill amends Section 40-5.2-20 of the General Laws in Chapter 40-5.2, known as "The Rhode Island Works Program," to enhance childcare assistance provisions. It introduces new language to ensure that families or assistance units eligible for cash assistance receive appropriate childcare necessary to meet work requirements. The bill eliminates the sunset provision on funding for childcare for eligible childcare educators and staff, ensuring ongoing support for these professionals.

Additionally, it expands childcare assistance to include staff providing early intervention services to infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities, with no family income limit imposed. Eligibility for childcare assistance for these children will fall under the federal Child Care Development Funds definition of a "protected population" and will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the department using federal affordability guidelines. Families determined eligible by the department under this "protected population" category will have no copayments.

The department is also required to collect data on applicants and participants, which must be reported annually to the governor and the general assembly by November 1. This comprehensive approach aims to improve access to childcare services for both families and childcare providers in Rhode Island.

Statutes affected:
100: 40-5.2-20