Department of Early Childhood Clean-Up

     The act makes changes and clarifications in the provisions related to the department of early childhood (department). The act:

• Eliminates the scheduled repeal of licensing exemptions for certain in-home child care arrangements in which the children are related to the caregiver, are siblings, or number fewer than five;
• Updates provisions related to early care and education provider reimbursement for services performed before final eligibility determinations in the Colorado child care assistance program;
• Lowers the age limit for children served by the early childhood mental health consultation program from 8 years old to 6 years old and adjusts that program's reporting requirements;
• Clarifies the sources of money appropriated to the universal preschool program;
• Requires the department to keep confidential identifying records and facts regarding children and their relatives;
• Clarifies that child care facilities approved, certified, or licensed by tribal governments are exempt from the department's licensing rules; and
• Adjusts the membership requirements and duties of the early childhood leadership commission and subcommittee membership requirements for the rules advisory council.
  
  (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)