HF2514: Child Care Assistance Eligibility

Establishes that children of parents, guardians, or custodians who work at participating child care facilities or homes are eligible for the state child care assistance program, provided certain conditions are met. These include hours worked, employment role, facility participation in the program, and other restrictions. The bill also addresses copayment requirements and directs the department to adopt administrative rules.

Key Points & Impact:

• Creates a new section (237A.13A) making children of child care workers eligible for the state child care assistance program, regardless of other eligibility provisions.

• Parent/guardian/custodian must work at a state-reimbursed child care facility or home, averaging at least 32 hours per week in direct child care duties and be counted in child-to-staff ratios.

• Eligibility excludes owners of the facility/home, substitutes, and assistants at child care homes or development homes.

• Parents working at child care homes/development homes cannot provide care to their own children under this provision, except for qualifying co-providers.

• Directors or administrative staff may qualify if regularly counted in the minimum child-to-staff ratio.

• Eligible participants must have their need for child care determined by the department and make copayments as set by departmental rules.

• Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to adopt rules to administer the new eligibility pathway.

Signed by Governor on April 9. Takes effect July 1, 2026.