The bill H.248 amends various sections of Vermont's child care laws, specifically focusing on the Supplemental Child Care Grants and the Child Care Financial Assistance Program. It allows the Commissioner for Children and Families to reserve up to 0.5% of the Child Care Financial Assistance Program funds for extraordinary financial relief to child care programs at risk of closing or not opening due to financial hardship. The bill expands the eligibility for this assistance to both licensed and registered child care programs, as well as those in the process of becoming licensed or registered. Additionally, it mandates that the Commissioner develop guidelines for assistance distribution, prioritizing programs in areas with high poverty and low access to quality child care.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the Child Care Financial Assistance Program to subsidize child care costs for families seeking employment or training. It outlines the eligibility criteria based on income and family size, ensuring that families with incomes at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines do not have a co-payment. The bill also modifies the payment structure to ensure timely payments to child care providers, requiring payments to be made in advance or at the beginning of service delivery. Overall, H.248 aims to enhance support for child care programs and families in need, while ensuring equitable access to quality child care services.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 33-3505, 33-3512, 33-3514
As Passed By the House -- Official: 33-3505, 33-3512, 33-3514
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 33-3505, 33-3512, 33-3514