What's happening
This bill requires child care reimbursement for a minimum number of absences, with additional allowances for extenuating circumstances.
Why it matters
Stabilizes child care provider income. By guaranteeing reimbursement for at least 12 days of child absences every six months (and up to 24 or more, depending on regulations), this bill helps child care centers maintain steady funding even when enrolled children are temporarily absent.
Supports low-income families' access to care. Families relying on subsidized child care won't risk losing their spot or facing provider reluctance due to unpredictable attendance, making it easier for parents with fluctuating schedules or children with health issues to maintain care arrangements.
Recognizes real-life challenges. The allowance for additional reimbursable absences in cases of “extenuating circumstances” (as defined by regulators) reflects an understanding that families occasionally face emergencies or situations beyond their control, providing them with flexibility and reducing stress.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Pay for Child Care Absences
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to children and families
- Referred to children and families
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Pay for Child Care Absences
In Assembly Committee · Ways And Means · Sponsor Ellen C. Jaffee
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3192
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
February 4, 2019
Introduced by Sen. KENNEDY -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Children and Families
AN ACT to amend the social services law, in relation to reimbursement for child care absences
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 410-x of the social services law is amended by adding a new subdivision 9 to read as follows:
9. Reimbursement for payment on behalf of children who are temporarily absent from child care is required for a minimum of twelve days in a six month period. A maximum number of absences, which shall be no less than twenty-four days in a six month period shall be determined by the office of children and family services pursuant to regulation. Reimbursement for additional absences shall be allowable in the case of extenuating circumstances, as determined by the office of children and family services pursuant to regulation.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the first of April next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD02786-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to reimbursement for child care absences
Purpose or general idea of bill
This bill will ensure child care providers receive reimbursement adequate to maintain a stable business.
Summary of specific provisions
Section one would require that local social services districts make payments to providers for at least 12 absences in a 6 month period. OCFS would define the maximum number of absences allowed for reimburse- ment, which would not be less than 24 absences in a 6 month period, unless extenuating circumstances exist.
Section three of the bill would set an effective date of the first of April next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
Justification
Local social services districts can opt to withhold a portion of subsidy reimbursement from a provider for days in which a child is absent from care. While state regulations allow up to 12 days in absences for each child in any one calendar month, most if not all of these counties choose not to pay providers when children do not attend. This creates fiscal uncertainty for many providers, leading to difficulty with staff retention and optimal quality care. Therefore, this bill would require local social services districts to pay for at least 6 absences in order to maintain stability among child care programs.
Prior legislative history
A5381A - 2011-12 A8926 - 2013-14 2017-18: S.5448 Referred to Children and Families
Fiscal implications
Undetermined
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the first of April next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.