Bill > HB05003

This bill establishes several key initiatives to improve early childhood care and education in the state. First, the Office of Early Childhood will create an electronic portal by July 1, 2028, accessible via mobile app and website, which will help parents find available child care slots, apply for subsidies, and allow providers to easily update their enrollment information. The bill also mandates the implementation of a prospective payment system for child care subsidies by July 1, 2027, and requires child care providers to submit additional information about their businesses, such as business entity type and names of officers and owners. Additionally, the bill includes a one-year pilot program to disseminate child care and early intervention information to expectant mothers through selected hospitals and obstetric service providers, with the goal of increasing awareness of available resources. The legislation also requires studies on liability insurance for child care centers and background check processes for early childhood educators, with reports to be submitted to legislative committees by specific dates. Notably, the bill includes a provision allowing certain family child care home licensees to temporarily care for up to twelve children, with a limit of thirty endorsements issued per year, aimed at addressing child care capacity challenges.

Budget and Finance, Education

Committee on Children

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05003&which_year=2025