MN SF1195

Allocates an additional $250,000 per year in federal child care and development funds beginning July 1, 2009, for Parent Aware star rating tool activities including quality improvement grants, training, accreditation facilitation, and on-site observations.

Increases child care assistance provider rates by 15 percent differential for family child care providers or centers that hold early childhood development credentials, receive a three or four star Parent Aware rating, or obtain accreditation from specified organizations.

Establishes a quality rating and improvement system based on the Minnesota quality rating system rating tool, with the state required to link all future state funding to this framework and track progress toward statewide access to high quality early learning programs.

Directs child care services grants and family child care technical assistance grants to be increasingly awarded beginning July 1, 2009, for quality improvement activities including facility improvements, staff training and development, and accreditation support.

Requires the Commissioners of Education and Human Services to collaborate on creating common standards for the quality rating and improvement system, with appropriations provided for implementation (amounts left blank in bill).