Bill > A00711

This bill requires the New York Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to develop and utilize a sophisticated cost estimation model for child care providers, which will comprehensively analyze the actual expenses incurred in providing child care services. The model must account for various cost drivers such as employee salaries and benefits, enrollment levels, facility expenses, and compliance with regulatory requirements, and must also consider the costs associated with different quality levels of care. To ensure accuracy, OCFS must consult with stakeholders including child care resource agencies, providers, and state advisory councils, and develop a statistically valid model using current and comprehensive data. Additionally, the bill mandates that OCFS prepare an annual report detailing the findings of this cost estimation model, which will break down cost data by care setting, age group, and special needs provisions. The report must compare these costs to the current market rates and will be submitted to state leadership (the Governor, Assembly Speaker, and Senate President) by June 1, 2027, and also published on the OCFS website. The goal of this legislation is to provide a more transparent and accurate understanding of the true costs of child care services in New York State.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A711