IL HB4242

Requires the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to pay day care providers at the same rates as the Department of Human Services pays child care providers under the child care assistance program, including base rates and rate enhancements

Expands child care assistance eligibility to include youth in care who are parents, regardless of income or work/education status, with an additional 12-month eligibility period after their DCFS case closes

Extends child care assistance eligibility to families receiving Extended Family Support Program services from DCFS, regardless of income or employment status

Requires DCFS to submit annual reports to the General Assembly beginning October 1, 2023, detailing the number of children receiving child care via DCFS-paid vouchers, including ages, type of care, and duration

Expands the definition of "eligible infants and toddlers" under the Early Intervention Services System Act to include any child under age 3 who is the subject of a substantiated child abuse or neglect case