An act relating to child care and early childhood education

This bill establishes a Prekindergarten Education Study Committee to examine how Vermont can improve and expand access to high-quality prekindergarten education for three- and four-year-olds. The committee will analyze options including expanding services through public schools, adjusting the current mixed-delivery system, or allowing school districts to contract with private providers, while considering workforce needs, funding, and infrastructure requirements. The legislation also expands eligibility for the Child Care Financial Assistance Program, increases payment rates to participating providers, and creates a new noncitizen child benefit. Additionally, the bill repeals the existing child tax credit and introduces a parental leave benefit funded by child care and parental leave contributions.