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HF 4418

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 03/17/2022 02:22pm

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.

Bill Text Versions

Engrossments
Introduction Posted on 03/17/2022

Current Version - as introduced

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A bill for an act
relating to early childhood; requiring the commissioner of human services to
develop a cost estimation model for early care and learning programs and a child
care provider wage scale; requiring reports; appropriating money.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin DIRECTION TO COMMISSIONER OF HUMAN SERVICES; COST
ESTIMATION MODEL FOR EARLY CARE AND LEARNING PROGRAMS.
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of human services shall develop a cost estimation model for
providing early care and learning in the state. In developing the model, the commissioner
shall:
new text end

new text begin (1) consult with relevant entities and stakeholders, including but not limited to the State
Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care under Minnesota Statutes, section
124D.141; county administrators; child care resource and referral organizations under
Minnesota Statutes, section 119B.19, subdivision 1; and organizations representing
caregivers, teachers, and directors; and
new text end

new text begin (2) ensure that the model can estimate variation in the cost of early care and learning by
differences in:
new text end

new text begin (i) quality of care;
new text end

new text begin (ii) geographic area;
new text end

new text begin (iii) type of child care provider and associated licensing standards;
new text end

new text begin (iv) age of child;
new text end

new text begin (v) whether the early care and learning is inclusive, caring for children with disabilities
alongside children without disabilities; and
new text end

new text begin (vi) provider and staff compensation, including benefits such as professional development
stipends, health benefits, and retirement benefits.
new text end

new text begin (b) By January 30, 2023, the commissioner shall report to the legislative committees
with jurisdiction over early childhood programs on the development of the cost estimation
model. The report shall include:
new text end

new text begin (1) recommendations for how the model could be used in conjunction with a child care
provider wage scale to set provider payment rates for child care assistance under Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 119B; and
new text end

new text begin (2) the department's plan to seek federal approval to use the model for provider payment
rates for child care assistance.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin DIRECTION TO COMMISSIONER OF HUMAN SERVICES; CHILD
CARE PROVIDER WAGE SCALE.
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of human services shall develop, in consultation with the
commissioner of employment and economic development, the commissioner of education,
and relevant stakeholders, a child care provider wage scale that:
new text end

new text begin (1) provides for wages that are equivalent to elementary school educators with similar
credentials and experience;
new text end

new text begin (2) incentivizes child care providers and staff to increase child care-related qualifications;
new text end

new text begin (3) incorporates payments toward compensation benefits, including professional
development stipends, health benefits, and retirement benefits; and
new text end

new text begin (4) accounts for the business structures of different types of child care providers, including
licensed family child care providers and legal, nonlicensed family child care providers.
new text end

new text begin (b) By January 30, 2023, the commissioner shall report to the legislative committees
with jurisdiction over early childhood programs on the development of the wage scale and
make recommendations for how the wage scale could be used to inform payment rates for
child care assistance under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 119B.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin APPROPRIATION; COST ESTIMATION MODEL FOR EARLY CARE
AND LEARNING PROGRAMS.
new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2023 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of
human services to develop a cost estimation model for providing early care and learning in
the state. This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin APPROPRIATION; CHILD CARE PROVIDER WAGE SCALE.
new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2023 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of
human services to develop a wage scale for child care providers. This is a onetime
appropriation.
new text end