HB 1636 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

Declares an intent to increase wages to child care workers through establishing a child care career and wage ladder that provides increased wages for child care workers based on their work experience, level of responsibility, and education. To the extent practicable within available funds, this child care career and wage ladder shall mirror the successful child care career and wage ladder pilot project operated by the state between 2000 and 2003.

Declares that, while it is the intent to establish the vision of a statewide child care career and wage ladder that will enhance employment quality and stability for child care workers, the legislature also recognizes that funding allocations will determine the extent of statewide implementation of a child care career and wage ladder.

Requires the division of child care and early learning in the department of social and health services to establish a child care career and wage ladder in licensed child care centers that meet the following criteria: (1) At least ten percent of child care slots are dedicated to children whose care is subsidized by the state or any political subdivision thereof or any local government;

(2) The center agrees to adopt the child care career and wage ladder, which, at a minimum, shall be at the same pay schedule as existed in the previous child care career and wage ladder pilot project; and

(3) The center meets further program standards as established by rule pursuant to this act.

Appropriates the sum of five million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, from the general fund to the department of social and health services for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006, to carry out the purposes of this act.

Appropriates the sum of five million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, from the general fund to the department of social and health services for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, to carry out the purposes of this act.