Relating to the regulation of child-care facilities and registered family homes, including the provision of services to children with disabilities or special needs.
Impact
One notable impact of SB2071 is its commitment to inclusivity in child-care settings. The bill explicitly states that facilities must integrate children with special needs into general activities, which is a significant shift toward accommodating a more diverse range of children. Furthermore, it outlines the conditions under which a facility may deny services to children with disabilities, establishing criteria based on undue hardship as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. This ensures that the rights of children with disabilities are considered and that facilities cannot simply refuse service without justification.
Summary
SB2071 aims to regulate child-care facilities and registered family homes in Texas, specifically focusing on their provisions for children with disabilities or special needs. The bill seeks to amend the Human Resources Code to establish minimum standards that promote the health, safety, and welfare of children attending these facilities. These standards include guidelines on supervision, food services, and the general operation of child-care environments, ensuring they are both safe and comfortable for all attendees.
Contention
Discussion around SB2071 may lead to points of contention, especially regarding the criteria for denying service to children with disabilities. Critics could argue that the standards for what constitutes an 'undue burden' are too vague and could allow for discrimination against children with disabilities under certain interpretations. On the other hand, supporters may argue that these measures balance the needs of all children while also protecting the rights of child-care providers. The effectiveness of the proposed regulations in promoting inclusivity versus potentially creating barriers will likely be a focal point in legislative discussions.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Human Resources Code
Chapter 42. Regulation Of Certain Facilities, Homes, And Agencies That Provide Child-care Services
Identical
Relating to the regulation of child-care facilities and registered family homes, including the provision of services to children with disabilities or special needs.
Relating to the regulation of child-care facilities and registered family homes, including the provision of services to children with disabilities or special needs.
Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach or provide services related to special education.
Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach special education.
Relating to policies and procedures regarding children placed by the Department of Family and Protective Services in a residential treatment center or program.
Relating to the terminology used to refer to certain disabilities and to an individualized education team for purposes of determining a student's eligibility for special education services and providing those services in public schools.
Relating to policies and procedures regarding children placed by the Department of Family and Protective Services in a residential treatment center or qualified residential treatment program.