HB 5379 Summary

• State may contract with municipalities, human resource development agencies, or nonprofits for state financial assistance to develop and operate child care centers for disadvantaged children, contingent on licensing by the Commissioner of Early Childhood.

• State financial assistance covers personnel, equipment, supplies, activities, program materials, and facility renovations or remodeling.

• Child care center operators receiving state financial assistance may allocate up to 30% of available spaces to children from families with incomes above 75% of state median income.

• Any per-child funding increases above the fiscal year 2019 contract amount must be used exclusively to increase salaries of early childhood educators employed at the center.

• Effective July 1, 2020; Commissioner of Early Childhood may authorize centers to apply program surpluses to the next year and must consult with center directors when establishing fees.