Bill > S372

This bill establishes a new Disproportionate Share Childcare Provider Fund under the Department of Early Education and Care to provide supplemental funding to specific childcare agencies serving high-risk children. The fund will be primarily financed by at least 50% of annual licensing fees collected by the department. To qualify for funding, childcare providers must meet several specific criteria: operate center-based, family, and after-school programs with a licensed capacity over 150 children; serve at least 95% children from families at or below the federal poverty level; not be a HeadStart program or a Community Anti-Poverty Agency; receive over 90% of their early education and care revenue from the Department of Early Education and Care; and operate in a designated "gateway municipality" as defined by state law. Eligible agencies will receive annual payments proportional to their licensed capacity, which will be distributed bi-annually by the Commissioner of Early Education and Care. Importantly, any unspent funds will remain in the account and will not be returned to the General Fund. The bill will take effect immediately upon passage, providing a targeted financial support mechanism for childcare providers serving economically disadvantaged communities.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S372