Bill > A00076

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for defining, reporting, and addressing critical violations in child care facilities licensed or registered by the Office of Children and Family Services. The bill defines "critical violations" as serious incidents involving child fatalities, near fatalities, serious physical or emotional injuries, or circumstances that put children at imminent risk. Child care providers are now required to notify the office within 48 hours of a critical violation and must also immediately notify parents about serious incidents such as deaths, serious injuries, or transportation to a hospital. The bill creates an online portal for self-reporting critical violations and provides a detailed process for how the Office of Children and Family Services can respond to such violations, including imposing sanctions like ceasing new enrollments, reducing program capacity, hiring consultants or monitors, and restricting staff access to children. The legislation also establishes a more structured administrative hearing process for providers to contest sanctions or penalties, with specific criteria for how such hearings will be conducted. Additionally, the bill outlines factors the office will consider when imposing sanctions, such as the nature and severity of violations, risk to children's health and safety, and previous enforcement actions. Providers who commit critical violations may face significant consequences, including potential license revocation and a two-year prohibition on reapplying for a new license.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A76