NY S07773

Requires the office of children and family services to develop and use a cost estimation model to determine actual costs child care providers incur, using the same frequency as payment rate determinations.

Cost estimation model must account for employee salary and benefits, enrollment levels, facility costs, regulatory compliance, and quality levels if a quality rating system is in place.

Office must consult with stakeholders including child care resource and referral agencies, providers, and state advisory councils when developing the model, ensuring it uses complete current data and rigorous collection methods.

Office must submit a biennial report by June 1, 2022 and every other year thereafter to the governor, speaker of assembly, and temporary president of senate detailing actual provider costs by setting, age group, special needs care, quality levels, major cost drivers, and comparison to market rates.

Act takes effect immediately upon enactment.