MN SF4444

Establishes the REETAIN grant program to provide competitive grants to licensed child care professionals to incentivize workforce retention and consistency in care.

Requires grant recipients to work directly with children at least 30 hours per week, remain in current position for 12 months, achieve career lattice step six or higher, and maintain membership with the Minnesota quality improvement and registry tool.

Allows grant funds to be used for program supplies, training, or personal expenses, with individual annual awards not to exceed an amount determined by the commissioner.

Increases tuition scholarship amounts from $5,000 to $10,000 per year and education incentives from $100 to $250 minimum under the existing TEACH grant program, while raising the nonprofit administrative cap from 5% to 10%.

Appropriates $2,500,000 in fiscal year 2021 for REETAIN grants and $500,000 for TEACH program grants, both as one-time appropriations from the general fund.