HB3187 Summary

• Amends the Child Care Act of 1969 to lower the age threshold from 3 years to 2 years for certain religious programs exempted from day care center regulation.

• Religious programs operated by churches or religious institutions that receive no governmental aid and operate as part of a nonprofit elementary school are exempt from licensing if they serve children who have attained age 2 (rather than age 3).

• Defines "children who shall have attained the age of 2 years" as children ages 2 up to 4 years old at time of program enrollment for religious institution exemptions.

• Maintains existing exemptions for educational programs, school-based programs, and out-of-school time programs serving school-age children and youth.

• Out-of-school time programs not receiving state or federal funds must comply with staff qualification and training standards established by the Department of Human Services.