House File 563 - Introduced HOUSE FILE BY HEATON Passed House, Date Passed Senate, Date Vote: Ayes Nays Vote: Ayes Nays Approved A BILL FOR 1 An Act providing for implementation of a voluntary licensure 2 system for certain home=based child care providers. 3 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA: 4 TLSB 1323YH 83 5 jp/sc/8 PAG LIN 1 1 Section 1. Section 237A.12, Code 2009, is amended by 1 2 adding the following new subsection: 1 3 NEW SUBSECTION. 6. The department shall develop and 1 4 implement a voluntary system for licensing of child 1 5 development home providers in lieu of registration. All of 1 6 the requirements applicable to a registered child development 1 7 home, including but not limited to the record checks under 1 8 section 237A.5, shall apply to a child care provider that 1 9 elects to become a licensed child development home. However, 1 10 the requirements may be modified as deemed appropriate by the 1 11 department to improve quality while protecting the safety of 1 12 children. The standards under the voluntary licensing system 1 13 may include but are not limited to acceptance of a provider's 1 14 appropriate national accreditation, providing annual and 1 15 unannounced inspection visits, and requiring elements of the 1 16 voluntary child care quality rating system under section 1 17 237A.30. 1 18 EXPLANATION 1 19 This bill requires the department of human services to 1 20 develop and implement a voluntary system for licensing of 1 21 child development home providers in lieu of registration. The 1 22 requirements applicable to a registered child development home 1 23 remain applicable but may be modified as deemed appropriate by 1 24 the department to improve quality while protecting the safety 1 25 of children. The bill lists various elements that may be 1 26 addressed in the standards for licensure. 1 27 LSB 1323YH 83 1 28 jp/sc/8