HB4936 Summary

• Expands child care assistance eligibility to include early childhood assistants, aides, qualified assistants, early childhood teachers, and school-age workers who work at least 20 hours per week and meet income requirements.

• Sets a minimum income threshold of 300% of the federal poverty level for families with a household member employed in the specified child care positions, beginning in State fiscal year 2025.

• Adds language recognizing that child care affordability is critical for retaining a diverse early childhood workforce and reducing racial disparities in health and education outcomes.

• Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to report annually beginning October 1, 2023, on the number of children receiving child care assistance via vouchers, including age, type of care, and duration.

• Effective July 1, 2024.