Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to modify and enhance the child care assistance program in Minnesota, making it more accessible and efficient for families in underserved areas and those with specific needs. It seeks to streamline processes, adjust parent fees, and improve provider payment practices.

Main Provisions

• Child Care Grants and Contracts: The bill mandates the provision of direct child care services via grants or contracts, specifically targeting families in underserved geographic areas, those with infants and toddlers, and families with children with disabilities.

• Eligibility Redetermination: It changes the redetermination frequency for eligibility to a minimum of every 12 months, with specific protocols for notification and form submission.

• Parent Fees: Adjusts the parent fee schedule based on income, with specific exemptions for families experiencing homelessness, those with children with disabilities, and families in programs like Head Start.

• Provider Payment Rates: Child care providers cannot charge publicly subsidized families more than their private pay rates, although providers can offer discounts or scholarships. Counties may pay established subsidy rates even if they exceed private rates.

• Provider Billing and Payments: Requires billing based on documented services and establishes a timeline for payment processing. There are stipulations for handling provider misconduct, such as submitting false information or billing errors.

• Background Studies: Clarifies which activities are prohibited for subjects of background checks until results are verified. Introduces requirements related to supervising individuals undergoing background studies.

• Program Simplification and Efficiency: Directs the commissioner to simplify application processes and align eligibility across different assistance programs. This includes providing advance notifications and enabling cross-program eligibility checks.

• Grant Program Development: Instructs the development of a grant program for direct child care services to families in underrepresented areas, infants and toddlers, and children with disabilities.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Repeals the section that limits reimbursement for child care providers on absent days.
• Introduces new subdivisions and amendments to existing statutes to accommodate the above provisions, making processes more flexible and supportive for vulnerable families.

Relevant Terms

• Child care assistance program
• Redetermination
• Parent fees
• Subsidy rates
• Provider payments
• Background study
• Grant program
• Underserved areas