NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

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SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD)

Health and Human Services Department (HSD)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

A joint memorial resolving that CYFD create a task force to develop a plan to license all providers of child-care services that receive state reimbursement for those services, that the task force be comprised of experts in child care, parents, and representatives from children's advocacy groups, trade associations representing children's health and education and others as deemed appropriate, and that the plan, including any recommendations for legislation, be presented to the interim Legislative Health and Human Services Committee and the Legislative Finance Committee at their October 2001 meetings.

Significant Issues

Currently, CYFD subsidies are paid to both licensed and registered child care providers. Registered providers are monitored for basic health and safety requirement under the Child and Adult Care Food program administered by CYFD, but do not meet the requirements for licensure. Registered child care providers are paid at a rate less than licensed providers. Child care providers that are not licensed or registered can not be paid subsidies.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

CYFD would have to set up the task force, establish a meeting schedule, and compile a report using existing staff and other resources.

GAC/njw