MN SF4447

Establishes the REETAIN grant program to provide competitive grants to well-trained child care professionals to incentivize them to remain in the workforce and create more consistent care for children.

Requires applicants to be licensed child care providers working at least 30 hours per week, have held their current position for at least 12 months, have a career lattice step of six or higher, and maintain current membership with the Minnesota quality improvement and registry tool.

Grant recipients must sign contracts agreeing to remain in their position for at least 12 months after receiving a grant, with funds usable for program supplies, training, and personal expenses.

Designates a nonprofit organization to administer the program under commissioner oversight, with the commissioner permitted to use up to 10 percent of grant funds for administration.

Appropriates $2,500,000 in fiscal year 2021 for REETAIN grants and $500,000 for the TEACH grant program, both as onetime appropriations; requires annual reporting to legislature beginning January 1, 2022.