The bill H.248 amends existing laws related to supplemental child care grants and the Child Care Financial Assistance Program in Vermont. 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 facing closure 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, prioritizing programs in areas with high poverty and low access to quality child care. The bill also includes provisions for transitioning children from closing programs to new ones to minimize service disruption.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the Child Care Financial Assistance Program to subsidize child care costs for families seeking employment or training. It outlines eligibility criteria based on income and family size, with specific provisions for co-payments and subsidies. The Commissioner is given the authority to adjust these subsidies in response to rising child care costs. Additionally, the bill modifies the payment structure for child care providers, ensuring timely payments and establishing a payment schedule based on the age of children served. 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