Bill > SB0902

This bill establishes two new programs to support child care workers and early childhood educators in Tennessee. The first program, called the Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee program, will provide supplemental payments to child care workers who earn $20 or less per hour, have worked at least six months in the same licensed child care program, and work at least 10 hours per week with children ages birth to five. The second program will provide child care assistance payments to early childhood educators who are parents and work at least 20 hours per week in a licensed child care facility. The bill requires that these payments will be implemented by January 1, 2026, and will be annually adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index. Additionally, the bill mandates that child care agencies cannot place an early childhood educator's child on a waiting list behind other children, except for certain prioritized children. The commissioner of human services is authorized to develop and implement these programs, using funds from the child care improvement fund, and will be responsible for creating rules to effectuate the act. The bill aims to support and improve the child care workforce by providing financial assistance and benefits to workers in the field.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0902&ga=114