HI HB261

Requires the Department of Human Services to establish a child care accreditation program to assist licensed and registered child care providers in obtaining accreditation from national organizations.

Authorizes funding from the child care grant program special fund to be used for child care accreditation program grants, including upfront cost coverage and technical assistance for providers seeking accreditation.

Makes accreditation voluntary for service providers receiving funds from the preschool open doors program, removing the previous mandatory requirement for providers to obtain accreditation by July 1, 2029.

Appropriates funds from general revenues for the new child care accreditation program for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025, including one full-time equivalent permanent position.

Appropriates additional funds into the child care grant program special fund and designates funds from that special fund for child care accreditation program grants for the same fiscal years.