Child Care Subsidy Program vendors; basis for periodic reimbursement.
Impact
The amendment to the Code of Virginia under §22.1-289.08:2 clarifies that if a child is absent from the provider for more than ten days within a given month, the reimbursement will be adjusted based on the child's actual attendance rather than their enrollment. This shift is expected to promote accountability among child care providers, encouraging them to maintain accurate attendance records and promote consistent attendance among children enrolled in their programs.
Summary
House Bill 408 focuses on the Child Care Subsidy Program in Virginia, specifically addressing how vendors (child care providers) are reimbursed. The bill proposes that the reimbursement process should be based on the authorized child enrollment for each vendor. This aims to streamline the funding process for child care providers by ensuring they receive consistent financial support for enrolled children.
Contention
There is potential for contention surrounding the bill as it places a specific accountability measure on child care providers. Some stakeholders may view the adjustment of reimbursements based solely on attendance as punitive, particularly in cases where absences may occur due to circumstances beyond the parent's or provider's control, such as health issues. Others may argue this approach ensures that funding is allocated more efficiently and reflects actual usage of child care services.