Delaware House directs four public reports on child care aid

Delaware's health department must provide four reports on its Purchase of Care child care aid program. The reports cover children served, spending, and funding sources in fiscal years 2025 and 2026. The reports must add detailed attendance and household information if available. The reports are due in November 2026 and February, May, and August 2027.

The health department must include estimates of what it would cost to pay child care providers based on the estimated cost of quality care. The requested family estimates cover income levels at 300%, 350%, and 400% of the federal poverty level. If available, the reports must forecast fiscal year 2027 spending. They should also estimate costs for families at higher income levels and for higher provider rates. The provider cost estimates must appear in the reports due from November 2026 through August 2027.

The health and education departments must present the report data, and each report must be posted on a state website. The departments must present the data and how it is collected and put into practice to the Delaware Early Childhood Council and the Interagency Resource Management Committee. Reports also go to state budget officials and legislative finance leaders. Each report must be posted within one week of its publication date.