Childcare services: alternative payment programs.

The Child Care and Development Services Act, administered by the State Department of Social Services, establishes a system of childcare and development services for children up to 13 years of age. Existing law requires the department to contract with local contracting agencies for alternative payment programs for childcare services to be provided throughout the state. Existing law requires the alternative payment program to reimburse childcare providers based upon specified criteria, including the actual days and hours of attendance for those families with variable schedules. This bill, instead, would require the alternative payment program to reimburse childcare providers based upon the maximum certified hours of care. The bill would also include intent language relating to equitable access to childcare for working families and a set reimbursement for all licensed and exempt providers who accept subsidized childcare vouchers.