Bill > S04472

This bill amends the social services law to implement automatic market rate increases for child care assistance. Specifically, the bill changes how payment rates for child care are determined, requiring that child care assistance payments be equal to the payment rate established by the department, which will be set using a market-rate survey or an approved alternative methodology. The goal is to ensure that families receiving child care assistance have equal access to the same quality of child care as families who do not receive government assistance. The new language requires payment rates to account for variations in child care costs across different settings, age groups, and for children with special needs. Previously, the law limited payments to the actual cost of care, but now the rates will be more systematically determined to reflect current market conditions. The bill takes effect immediately, potentially providing more consistent and potentially higher reimbursement rates for child care providers serving families receiving government assistance.

Education, Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4472