HB 1259

The bill makes changes and clarifications in the provisions related to the department of early childhood (department). The bill: Eliminates the scheduled repeal of licensing exemptions for informal child care provided by family, friends, or neighbors in an in-home setting; Updates provisions related to early care and education provider reimbursement for services performed before final eligibility determinations in the Colorado child care assistance program; Lowers the age limit for children served by the early childhood mental health consultation program from 8 years old to 6 years old and adjusts that program's reporting requirements; Clarifies the role of school districts and charter schools in administering and determining certain funding priorities for 3-year-olds in the universal preschool program; Adds information about the sources of money appropriated to the universal preschool program; Clarifies that child care facilities approved, certified, or licensed by tribal governments are exempt from the department's licensing rules; and Adjusts the membership requirements and duties of the early childhood leadership commission and subcommittee membership requirements for the rules advisory council. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)