Relates to the establishment of a non-traditional hours model; provides that the office of children and family services shall: create a non-traditional hours model within a year, publish its findings on its website, and conduct a review of child care providers and centers that use such model.
Summary
S00966 would amend the Social Services Law to define “non-traditional hours” child care as care provided in the evening, at night, or on weekends for families whose child care needs fall outside standard business hours. The bill directs the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to create a non-traditional hours model within one year of the act’s effective date that child care providers may use to operate such programs.
The required model would spell out the hours programs may operate, the maximum number of children allowed at a center, staffing requirements, payment rates, and any licensure requirements needed to run these programs. OCFS would also be required to issue rules and regulations to implement the model, post the model on its website, and distribute the information to child care providers and centers. The bill further requires OCFS to review providers and centers using the model within 90 days after it is posted, publish an annual public report on its effectiveness, and adjust the model as needed.
Impact
The bill would add a new framework to the Social Services Law governing child care programs that operate outside traditional daytime hours. It would not itself create a new subsidy or licensing category in detail, but it would require OCFS to establish the operational standards, payment structure, and regulatory requirements for non-traditional hours child care, thereby shaping how providers can lawfully offer evening, overnight, and weekend care in New York.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee discussion or votes, the available context suggests a generally supportive or at least policy-driven approach focused on expanding child care access for working families. The bill is framed as an administrative planning measure rather than a controversial mandate, with its emphasis on OCFS developing guidance, publishing information, and evaluating outcomes. No formal opposition, amendments, or recorded vote sentiment are provided in the available materials.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are likely to be the practical details OCFS must set: operating hours, staffing ratios, payment rates, and licensure standards. Child care providers may be concerned about whether the model will be financially viable, while regulators and advocates may differ on how strict safety and staffing rules should be for evening and overnight care. Another possible issue is whether the state will provide sufficient reimbursement or support to make non-traditional hours programs sustainable, especially for centers serving low-income or shift-working families.
Same As
Relates to the establishment of a non-traditional hours model; provides that the office of children and family services shall: create a non-traditional hours model within a year, publish its findings on its website, and conduct a review of child care providers and centers that use such model.
Relates to the establishment of a non-traditional hours model; provides that the office of children and family services shall: create a non-traditional hours model within a year, publish its findings on its website, and conduct a review of child care providers and centers that use such model.
Directs the office of children and family services to provide written and electronic notice to child day care providers whenever such office has updated any form necessary for the delivery of services listed on its website; provides that such notice shall be disseminated in concurrence with the publication of updated forms.
States findings of the Legislature and recognizes Mother's Day through Father's Day as Traditional Family Values Month to raise awareness about the challenges facing traditional families and the alarming rate at which the traditional American family is declining.
States findings of the Legislature and recognizes Mother's Day through Father's Day as Traditional Family Values Month to raise awareness about the challenges facing traditional families and the alarming rate at which the traditional American family is declining.
Directs the office of children and family services to annually publish on its website certain data about calls made to the statewide central register of child abuse and maltreatment and the HEARS family line.
Requires Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare managed care organizations to offer patient-centered medical home model or other alternative payment model to primary care providers.