UNIVERSAL CHILD CARE PROGRAM

Creates the Universal Child Care Demonstration Program Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to establish and administer a 5-year statewide Universal Child Care Demonstration Program to provide grants to eligible entities to develop, expand, and provide high-quality and affordable child care services for children age 0 to 6 years old regardless of family income. Provides that grants awarded under the Demonstration Program may be used to renovate or convert existing child care facilities to meet the goals of the Demonstration Program; to construct and maintain child care facilities in geographical areas with a demonstrated need for safe, affordable, and high-quality child care services; to train and pay child care providers, teachers, and staff; and to provide meal services to children receiving child care services. Provides that the ultimate goal of the Demonstration Program shall be to develop and evaluate the costs, impact, and quality outcomes of child care services and programs in order to establish an effective expansion toward universal child care services for children from birth to 6 years of age. Contains provisions concerning eligible entities, funding, reporting requirements, defined terms, and Department rules. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Provides that eligible child care centers that provide meal services to children in their care shall participate in the federally funded Child and Adult Care Food Program administered by the Illinois State Board of Education. House Floor Amendment No. 3 Deletes reference to: New Act Adds reference to: 20 ILCS 505/42 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Provides that eligible child care centers that provide meal services to children in their care shall participate in the federally funded Child and Adult Care Food Program administered by the Illinois State Board of Education.