(1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
"Child care provider" means a child care center, as defined in section 26-6-102 (5), ora family child care home, as defined in section 26-6-102 (13), that holds an open license in good standing with the state department.
"Eligible entity" means a licensed child care provider or a neighborhood youth organization, as defined in section 26-6-102 (26), that is open and operating.
"Grant program" means the child care sustainability grant program created in subsection (2) of this section.
"Open and operating" means an eligible entity that is actively providing services orcare for children and that has updated its operational status with the state department's child care licensing and administration unit.
The child care sustainability grant program is created in the state department. Thepurpose of the grant program is to address the extent to which reduced enrollment and increased costs are impacting the sustainability of licensed child care in Colorado, including licensed child care capacity and quality level. The grant program will provide financial support to eligible entities, including those that are in danger of closing.
The state department shall create a process for soliciting, vetting, awarding, and monitoring grants, pursuant to the sole source procurement authority specified in section 24-103205.
(a) The state department shall develop a formula to allocate money from the grant program to all eligible entities. The key criteria for a grant award to an eligible entity is the eligible entity's licensed child care capacity. In determining grant awards, the department shall also take into consideration the criteria set forth in subsection (4)(b) of this section. The state department is responsible for communicating important dates and the criteria for grant awards to eligible entities in the state. Grant awards must range from at least five hundred dollars to no more than thirty-five thousand dollars.
(b) The state department shall consider, at a minimum:
Awarding grants to a wide array of eligible entities of varying types and sizes;
Ensuring that the grant money goes directly to eligible entities located in a variety ofregions throughout the state;
Requiring that the eligible entity has provided written commitment to submit anyreports required by the state department;
Supporting, as much as possible, eligible entities that are not already fully supported through existing state or federal funds, such as the head start program, as defined in section 26-2-802.5 (4), or the Colorado preschool program, created in article 28 of title 22; and
Considering an eligible entity's quality rating through the Colorado shines system,established in section 26-6.5-106 (5).
The department shall determine grant award amounts for eligible entities as soon aspossible, but no later than January 31, 2021, and distribute the money for grant awards no later than February 28, 2021.
This section is repealed, effective June 30, 2023.
Source: L. 2020, 1st Ex. Sess.: Entire part added, (HB 20B-1002), ch. 10, p. 53, § 1, effective December 7.