The bill H.248 amends various sections of Vermont's child care laws to enhance the Child Care Financial Assistance Program and establish 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 mandates that the Commissioner develop guidelines for assistance distribution, prioritizing programs in high-poverty areas, and requires annual reporting on the use of these funds.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the payment structure for child care providers, ensuring timely payments by requiring advance payment for services rendered. It establishes a payment schedule based on the age of children served and adjusts payment rates to reduce the disparity between family child care homes and center-based programs. The bill also outlines eligibility criteria for families seeking assistance, including income thresholds and co-payment structures, while ensuring that families with lower incomes are not burdened with co-payments. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

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