Bill > S2697

This bill proposes several key provisions to ensure affordability, readiness, and learning for youth, as well as drive economic development: It establishes an early education and care educator scholarship program and an early education and care educator loan forgiveness program to support the early education and care workforce. It defines "high needs" individuals or families as those with income not more than 85% of the state median income and who have certain needs or challenges. It requires the Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC) to revise the rate structure and sliding fee scale for child care financial assistance to keep it affordable for low-income families. The bill also requires DEEC to collect and report extensive data on the early education and care sector, including provider and enrollment information. It creates a Data Advisory Commission to help DEEC analyze and use this data to improve access to high-quality, affordable early education and care. Additionally, the bill establishes an operational grant program to support early education and care providers, helps expand access to child care financial assistance, and mandates an early education and care career ladder to ensure fair compensation for educators. The bill includes several reporting requirements for DEEC and other agencies to assess and improve the early education and care system.

Senate Committee on Ways and Means (Senate)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S2697