Pay for Child Care Absences

What's happening

Why it matters

1. 1

   Stabilizes child care provider income. By guaranteeing reimbursement for a set number of child absences, the bill helps ensure that providers have more predictable revenue, even when children miss days, which can help keep small centers and family care providers financially viable.

2. 2

   Reduces pressure on low-income families. Families relying on child care subsidies often risk losing their spots or facing extra fees if their children are absent. This policy gives families more flexibility to deal with illness, family emergencies, or other disruptions without jeopardizing their child care arrangements.

3. 3

   Allows for exceptions in extenuating circumstances. The inclusion of additional reimbursable absences for special situations (as determined by the Office of Children and Family Services) recognizes that some families may face more significant challenges, such as medical crises or unstable housing, and provides a safety net for those scenarios.

4. 4

   Sets a statewide minimum standard. By establishing a floor for reimbursable absences, the bill prevents counties from setting stricter, more punitive policies, promoting greater equity in access to child care assistance across New York State.

Who cares

• Child care providers

  The bill would require reimbursement for at least 12 days of temporary child absences in a six-month period.

• Families with children in reimbursed child care

  The bill would allow reimbursement during temporary absences, including additional absences involving extenuating circumstances defined by regulation.

• Office of Children and Family Services

  The office would set a maximum reimbursable absence limit of no fewer than 24 days per six-month period and define extenuating circumstances for additional reimbursement.

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History

Companion bill

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