H.F. 224 Section 1. Section 237A.12, Code 2011, is amended by adding 1 the following new subsection: 2 NEW SUBSECTION . 6. The department shall develop 3 and implement a voluntary system for licensing of child 4 development home providers in lieu of registration. All of 5 the requirements applicable to a registered child development 6 home, including but not limited to the record checks under 7 section 237A.5, shall apply to a child care provider that 8 elects to become a licensed child development home. However, 9 the requirements may be modified as deemed appropriate by the 10 department to improve quality while protecting the safety 11 of children. The standards under the voluntary licensing 12 system may include but are not limited to acceptance of a 13 provider’s appropriate national accreditation, providing annual 14 and unannounced inspection visits, and requiring elements of 15 the voluntary child care quality rating system under section 16 237A.30. 17 EXPLANATION 18 This bill requires the department of human services to 19 develop and implement a voluntary system for licensing of 20 child development home providers in lieu of registration. 21 The existing requirements applicable to a registered child 22 development home remain applicable but may be modified as 23 deemed appropriate by the department to improve quality while 24 protecting the safety of children. The bill lists various 25 elements that may be addressed in the standards for licensure. 26 -1- LSB 1136YH (2) 84 jp/sc 1/ 1