HF2732

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to establish a program offering financial support to rural child care providers in Minnesota. The goal is to improve access to early childhood education and increase the ability of these programs to hire and retain qualified educators.

Main Provisions

• Program Establishment: The bill creates the Rural Child Care Stabilization and Support Payments program. This program is managed by the Minnesota Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families.
• Eligibility Criteria: Programs eligible for funding include licensed family and group family day care homes, child care centers, certified license-exempt centers, and tribally licensed programs located in small towns with populations of 2,500 or fewer residents.

• Funding Application: Eligible programs must complete an application process to receive funds. They must submit enrollment and attendance data to ensure they meet operational and service requirements.

• Use of Funds: Child care centers and family day care homes must use the funds for specific purposes, such as:

  • Paying rent or mortgage.
  • Upgrading equipment and supplies.
  • Providing training and professional development.
  • Enhancing staff compensation and benefits.
  • Offering mental health support for children.

• Legal Non-licensed Providers: These providers can receive up to $500 for preparatory costs before receiving child care assistance payments, used similarly to licensed providers.

• Recordkeeping and Compliance: Funded programs must maintain compliance records for six years and those failing to meet the requirements may face payment discontinuations or recoveries.

• Noncompetitive Payments: Grants are awarded based on the staffing size, with additional increases for programs participating in assistance programs or located in underserved areas.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill proposes a new section, 142D.211, within Minnesota Statutes, establishing a formal support mechanism for rural child care providers.
• Annual reporting requirements are introduced to track program efficacy and financial outcomes, with a sunset clause of January 31, 2035.

Relevant Terms

rural child care, child care stabilization, child care funding, early childhood education, rural education support, family day care, group family day care, child care financial assistance, professional development, early educators, Minnesota Laws.