Bill > HB221

This bill amends Kentucky law regarding licensed child-care centers by establishing new square footage requirements and clarifying existing regulations. Specifically, the bill requires child-care centers to have a minimum of 35 square feet of indoor space per child, which includes bathrooms and hallways exclusively used by enrolled children. The bill maintains existing provisions about licensing, inspections, and safety standards for child-care centers, such as requiring background checks for employees, mandating annual training in child development, and prohibiting corporal physical discipline. The legislation also preserves existing exemptions for certain types of instructional programs, such as those operating less than 20 hours per week or focusing on specific skills like sports or dance. Additionally, the bill removes some specific references to the "Cabinet for Health and Family Services" and streamlines language about administrative procedures. The changes aim to ensure adequate space and continued safety standards for children in child-care settings, while providing some flexibility for different types of educational and care programs.