Bill > S284

This bill proposes to create a "Disproportionate Share Childcare Provider Fund" under the Department of Early Education and Care in Massachusetts. The fund will provide supplemental funding to eligible childcare provider agencies that serve a disproportionate number of high-risk children and meet specific criteria, such as having a licensed capacity of over 150 children, with at least 95% of their capacity serving families living at or below the federal poverty level, and operating in designated "gateway municipalities." At least 50% of the licensing fees collected by the Department will be deposited into the fund, and eligible agencies will receive bi-annual payments from the fund in proportion to their licensed capacity. Any unspent funds will remain in the fund and not revert to the general fund.