In committee
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Indiana Senate
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Lead sponsor
Various child care matters.
Requires the Indiana economic development corporation to submit a report annually to the general assembly regarding funds dedicated to supporting child care under specified state and federal programs. Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services (FSSA) to publish on the FSSA website a dashboard providing monthly information regarding federal child care subsidies available to Indiana residents. Provides that a household is eligible for assistance under the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program if the household, at the time of FSSA's initial determination of the household's income eligibility: (1) has a household income that does not exceed 85% of Indiana's state median income for the household's family size; (2) includes an individual who is employed by a licensed child care center, a licensed child care home, or a licensed or registered child care ministry; and (3) otherwise meets federal eligibility requirements for the CCDF program. Requires FSSA to provide mobile facilities at which an individual may, at no charge to the individual, have the individual's fingerprints taken for purposes of a national criminal history background check required under regulations governing employees of child care centers, child care homes, and child care ministries. Provides that: (1) the early learning advisory committee must commission a third party evaluation to assess existing regulations for child care providers not later than May 1, 2024 (rather than July 1, 2024, under current law); and (2) FSSA must initiate the process of amending FSSA's rules in conformance with the findings of the third party evaluation not later than July 1, 2024. Provides that the results of a national criminal history background check of an individual conducted for purposes of the individual's presence on the premises of a provider's child care center, child care home, or child care ministry apply for purposes of the individual's presence on the premises of any child care center or child care ministry, respectively, operated by the provider. Provides that a licensed child care center may allow an employee who is: (1) at least 18 years of age to supervise a child who is less than 12 months of age; and (2) 16 or 17 years of age to supervise a child who is 12 months of age or older if the child is also supervised by an employee who is at least 18 years of age. Provides that a child is eligible for the prekindergarten grant program if the child resides in a household with an annual income that does not exceed 400% of the amount required for the individual to qualify for the federal free or reduced price lunch program. Allows a provider that is eligible to participate as a provider in the prekindergarten grant program to lease or purchase a vacant school building in the same manner, and under the same terms, as a charter school or state educational institution. Provides that an individual enrolled in an educational program leading to a degree, certificate, or credential necessary to meet the educational requirements for: (1) employment in any capacity by a licensed child care center or a licensed or registered child care ministry; or (2) licensure to operate a child care home; is eligible for a high value workforce ready credit-bearing grant. Requires FSSA, in collaboration with the department of state revenue, to submit a report to the legislative council not later than October 31, 2024, documenting the results attributable to: (1) the employer sponsored child care fund; and (2) the employer child expenditure credit. Requires FSSA to evaluate the micro center model and submit a report summarizing its findings and recommendations to the legislative council. Makes conforming amendments and technical corrections.
