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REFERENCE TITLE: early childhood education; assistance |
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State of Arizona House of Representatives Fifty-third Legislature First Regular Session 2017
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HB 2288 |
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Introduced by Representative Rivero
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AN ACT
Amending title 46, chapter 7, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 46‑811; relating to child care services.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:
Section 1. Title 46, chapter 7, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 46-811, to read:
46-811. Child care assistance; early childhood education
A. to close the achievement gap and increase kindergarten readiness for low‑income and minority children, the department shall provide child care assistance vouchers at a higher reimbursement rate for quality early childhood education to children and families who are eligible pursuant to section 46‑803, including:
1. Foster families caring for children who are in the custody of the department of child safety.
2. Families with children who are at risk for removal by the department of child safety.
3. Children in families who are receiving temporary assistance for needy families.
4. Children in low‑income working families who are below one hundred sixty‑five percent of the federal poverty level.
B. A provider is eligible to receive the voucher described in subsection A of this section and will be paid a rate equal to the lesser of the seventy‑fifth percentile of the most recent market rate survey or the quality first scholarship rate determined by the Arizona early childhood development and health board if the provider meets one of the following requirements:
1. Is a head start grantee.
2. Received a three to five star rating from quality first, the Arizona early childhood development and health board's quality rating system.
3. Has a national accreditation from an organization that is recognized by the department of education.