MA S372

Establishes a "Disproportionate Share Childcare Provider Fund" under the Department of Early Education and Care to provide supplemental funding to childcare providers serving high-risk children

Requires at least 50% of licensing fees collected by the Department of Early Education and Care to be deposited into the fund annually

Eligible providers must meet all criteria: licensed capacity over 150 children, at least 95% of children from families at or below federal poverty level, not a HeadStart or Community Anti-Poverty Agency provider, receive at least 90% of revenue from the Department, and operate in a designated "gateway municipality"

Payments distributed bi-annually in proportion to the licensed capacity of eligible agencies, with unexpended funds rolling over rather than reverting to the General Fund

Takes effect upon passage