CS/CS/CS/HB 1021 Summary

• Revises licensing standards and personnel training requirements for child care facilities, including a 40-clock-hour introductory course available online and in person with specific topic areas on child development, health, safety, and nutrition.

• Establishes 45-day provisional hiring status for child care personnel based on initial criminal history screening results while remaining required screenings are completed, with direct supervision required during this period.

• Limits periodic health examinations to child care personnel responsible for driving facility vehicles for child transportation only.

• Requires Department of Children and Families to submit reports to legislative leaders every 5 years beginning December 31, 2024, on training requirements, licensing standards, and recommendations for eliminating unnecessary regulations and duplicative inspections.

• Modifies Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program accountability measures, including revised performance metrics for 2023-2024 program year based on program assessment composite scores, learning gains, and developmental learning outcomes with parental notification requirements.

• Changes early learning coalition administrative fund retention from 5.0% to 4.0% of funds paid to prekindergarten providers and public schools.

• Effective July 1, 2023.