NY S02620

Amends mental hygiene law to require the commissioner of the office for people with developmental disabilities to work with SUNY and CUNY boards of trustees to establish a direct service professional credit and career ladder tuition assistance grant program.

Establishes two community college programs: a direct service professional credit program offering college certificates that link theory with practice, and a career ladder supervisor/manager program leading to an associate's degree in health/human services or related field.

Creates a tuition assistance grant program providing direct support professionals employed by developmental disabilities agencies up to 50 percent of tuition costs at state-operated community colleges for at least part-time enrollment (6+ hours per semester).

Requires certified provider agencies employing trained direct support professionals to reimburse community colleges for one-half the cost of employee training or tuition upon successful program completion.

Takes effect immediately and applies to academic semesters, quarters, and classroom hours beginning January 1, 2023.