Includes outdoor nature-based childcare programs under the regulatory framework for child day care providers.
Impact
The implementation of this bill will result in the need for outdoor nature-based child care programs to adhere to the same rigorous standards that apply to traditional child care facilities, including health, safety, and building regulations. Local governments will be restricted from imposing additional requirements beyond those established by the state, ensuring a uniform framework across New York State while balancing the need for local oversight. The bill aims to ensure that child care providers are well-equipped to offer quality care in an outdoor setting while being compliant with established state guidelines.
Summary
Bill S07971 seeks to amend the social services law to include outdoor nature-based child care programs under the existing regulatory framework applicable to child day care providers. The bill defines outdoor nature-based child care programs as those that primarily operate outdoors and provide children ages four and older with care activities, requiring certain licensing and safety standards to be met. This addition is aimed at enhancing the diversity of child care options available while maintaining the safety and well-being of children involved in these programs.
Contention
Opposition to Bill S07971 may arise from concerns regarding the effectiveness of outdoor nature-based programs and the potential for overregulation. Some stakeholders may argue that the state’s standards could stifle innovative child care solutions that seek to engage children in natural settings. Moreover, the financial burden associated with meeting new licensing requirements could deter smaller providers from offering such programs. Proponents of the bill, however, argue that these regulations are vital for safeguarding children's welfare and ensuring consistent quality in child care services.
Establishes the "childcare and early education sector on the economy act" to study the economic impact on the state economy of quality childcare and early education programs for children aged 0-4, and afterschool programs for children aged 5-12.
Exempts aid derived from funding from childcare stabilization grants, childcare desert funding, or other non-recurring funding, issued by the office of children and family services to childcare providers from income for the purpose of determining aid provided pursuant to public assistance programs.
Exempts aid derived from funding from childcare stabilization grants, childcare desert funding, or other non-recurring funding, issued by the office of children and family services to childcare providers from income for the purpose of determining aid provided pursuant to public assistance programs.
Provides that schools, child day cares, day care centers, or community based organizations which support activities for children under the age of eighteen can not serve as a shelter for migrants.
Provides that schools, child day cares, day care centers, or community based organizations which support activities for children under the age of eighteen can not serve as a shelter for migrants.
Establishes a childcare program to provide active duty members of the New York national guard assistance in locating, selecting, and offsetting the cost of civilian childcare when on-base childcare is not available to such members.
Includes organizations and programs that provide community based services to individuals under twenty-one in the definition of provider or provider agency regarding the statewide central register of child abuse and maltreatment.
Includes organizations and programs that provide community based services to individuals under twenty-one in the definition of provider or provider agency regarding the statewide central register of child abuse and maltreatment.
Requires a caller making a report of suspected child abuse or maltreatment to the central register to leave their name and contact information; prohibits the office of children and family services from releasing information identifying a person who made such a report.
Requires a caller making a report of suspected child abuse or maltreatment to the central register to leave their name and contact information; prohibits the office of children and family services from releasing information identifying a person who made such a report.
Child protection; economic supports; housing and homelessness; child care licensing; Department of Children, Youth, and Families provisions modified; reports required; and money appropriated.