The bill H.248 amends various sections of Vermont's child care laws to enhance the Child Care Financial Assistance Program and provide supplemental child care grants. 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 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 establishes guidelines for prioritizing assistance in areas with high poverty and low access to quality child care.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the payment structure for child care providers, ensuring timely payments by requiring advance payment for services rendered. It also clarifies the payment schedule based on the age of children served and adjusts the payment rates to reduce the disparity between family child care homes and center-based programs. The act is set to take effect upon passage, aiming to improve the accessibility and sustainability of child care services in Vermont.

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