The bill H.248 proposes amendments to the Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) and the supplemental child care grants in Vermont. It allows the Commissioner for Children and Families to reserve up to one-half of one percent of CCFAP funds for extraordinary financial relief to assist child care programs at risk of closing 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 areas with high poverty and low access to quality child care. The bill also requires the Commissioner to report annually on the distribution and use of these funds.

Further, 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 the payment rates to reduce the disparity between family child care homes and center-based programs. The bill also clarifies that payments will be based on a child's authorized enrollment and mandates the Department to define enrollment and allowable absences in consultation with stakeholders. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 33-3505, 33-3512, 33-3514