REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE-FUNDED CHILD CARE PROVIDERS (210.027)

This act modifies provisions relating to rules and requirements by the Department of Social Services for child-care providers who receive state or federal funds for providing fee assistance.

The new provisions establish increased child care provider training requirements as well as building and physical premises requirements. The Department is required to establish a publicly available website listing provider specific information about health and licensing requirements, inspections and history of violations and compliance actions taken. The Department is also required to provide information to establish a transparent system of quality indicators to provide parents with a way to differentiate between child care providers available in their community. A hotline shall also be established for parents to submit provider complaints. This act does not authorize the operation, establishment, maintenance, or mandating or offering of incentives to participate in a quality rating system. No state agency shall enforce the provisions of this section until October 1, 2015, or six months after the implementation of federal rules mandating such new requirements, whichever is later.

These provisions are identical to provisions in HCS/SCS/SB 869 (2014); and substantially similar to SS/SCS/SB 720(2014); HCS/SCS/SB 873 (2014)and SS/HB 1184 (2014).

IN-HOME LICENSED CHILD CARE FACILITIES (Section 210.211)

Under this act, any in-home licensed child care facility that is organized as a corporation, association, firm, partnership, limited liability, or any other type of business entity in this state shall qualify for the exemption for related children for children who are related within the first degree by blood, marriage or adoption to the member of such corporation or other such business entity who is responsible for the daily operation of the child care facility, and who meets the requirements of the child care provider.

All in-home child care facilities under this act shall disclose the licensure status of the facility to the parents or guardians of children for which the facility provides care. A parent or guardian shall sign a written notice indicating he or she is aware of the licensure status of the facility. The facility shall keep a copy of this signed written notice on file. All child care facilities shall provide the parent or guardian enrolling a child in the facility with a written explanation of the disciplinary philosophy and policies of the child care facility.

This provision is identical to a provisions contained in HCS/SCS/SB 869 (2014).

ADRIANE CROUSE