Bill > SB554

This bill establishes the Georgia Child Care Facilities Program, a grant program administered by the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) to expand access to licensed child care learning centers and family child care learning homes, particularly in rural areas. The program aims to provide capital for repairs, renovations, and expansion of these facilities, thereby improving economic and social conditions. DECAL will set criteria for awarding grants on a competitive basis, prioritizing applicants who participate in Georgia's Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program or Georgia's Pre-K Program, or who are located in rural counties with a demonstrated need to expand access, school districts with low reading proficiency, serve children from birth to five in disability-inclusive environments, or participate in federal nutrition programs. Grant funds can be used for constructing new facilities, retrofitting or renovating existing ones to increase capacity, or covering nonrecurring costs to boost the utilization of existing licensed child care capacity. Grant amounts will be determined by DECAL based on factors like project scope and regional costs. A key condition for receiving grants is a commitment to remain operational as a licensed child care provider for at least five consecutive years, with potential repayment required if this condition is not met. DECAL will also provide technical assistance to grantees and may reserve up to 25 percent of available funds for program administration and technical assistance.

Education

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73539