HB 26-1259

HB 26-1259, known as the Department of Early Childhood Clean-Up bill, makes several changes and clarifications for early childhood programs in Colorado. It extends licensing exemptions for certain types of home-based childcare, updates reimbursement rules for child care assistance, lowers the age limit for children receiving mental health services from 8 to 6 years old, and ensures that tribal government-approved facilities are exempt from state licensing requirements. The bill also requires the Department of Early Childhood to keep confidential information about children and their families secure. Since it has been signed into law, these changes will now be implemented, affecting childcare providers, young children receiving mental health services, and tribal governments involved in early childhood programs.

Official Summary

The act makes changes and clarifications in the provisions related to the department of early childhood (department). The act:Eliminates the scheduled repeal of licensing exemptions for certain in-home child care arrangements in which the children are related to the caregiver, are siblings, or number fewer than five;Updates provisions related to early care and education provider reimbursement for services performed before final eligibility determinations in the Colorado child care assistance program;Lowers the age limit for children served by the early childhood mental health consultation program from 8 years old to 6 years old and adjusts that program's reporting requirements;Clarifies the sources of money appropriated to the universal preschool program;Requires the department to keep confidential identifying records and facts regarding children and their relatives;Clarifies that child care facilities approved, certified, or licensed by tribal governments are exempt from the department's licensing rules; andAdjusts the membership requirements and duties of the early childhood leadership commission and subcommittee membership requirements for the rules advisory council.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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