Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Childcare topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Legislators approve program evaluation of child care services after debate over prior bill implementation
Summary
The committee authorized a Legislative Council program evaluation of Department of Health and Human Services child-care services to identify gaps in access, licensing and reimbursement after members noted low take-up of state assistance and mixed implementation of recent legislation.
The Legislative Management Committee approved a Legislative Council program evaluation of child care services administered by the Department of Human Services, authorizing staff to examine licensing, reimbursement rates, access and take-up.
Senator Hogan and others said past policy changes and a major child-care funding package had not produced clear outcomes: Legislative Council data showed only about 20% of eligible children were receiving child-care assistance, and members said they needed better data on who is served and why take-up is low. The resolution directs Legislative Council program evaluation staff to study availability, licensing, reimbursement and barriers to participation.
The committee emphasized the evaluation is intended to inform future policy choices, including workforce and employer-related supports. Several members asked staff to consider Montana’s comprehensive childcare evaluation as a model. The motion to adopt the evaluation was approved by voice vote.
