(1) DEFINITIONS. In this section: (ab) “Child care center” has the meaning given in s. 49.136 (1) (ad). (am) “Child care provider” means a provider licensed under s. 48.65, certified under s. 48.651 or established or contracted for under s. 120.13 (14). (bd) “Family child care center” has the meaning given in s. 49.136 (1) (j). (c) “Family child care system” means a centralized administrative unit that offers technical assistance and support to a group of child care providers with the goal of improving child care services. (e) “Group child care center” has the meaning given in s. 49.136 (1) (k). (2) STAFF RETENTION GRANTS. (a) From the allocation under s. 49.155 (1g), the department may award grants to child care providers that meet the quality of care standards established under s. 49.155 (1d) to improve the retention of skilled and experienced child care staff. In awarding grants under this subsection, the department shall consider the applying child care provider’s total enrollment of children and average enrollment of children who receive or are eligible for publicly funded care from the child care provider. (b) A child care provider that is awarded a grant under this subsection shall contribute matching funds equal to 25 percent of the amount awarded under this subsection. The match may be in the form of money or in-kind goods or services, or both. (c) A child care provider that is awarded a grant under this subsection may use the funds to provide advanced training for the child care provider’s child care staff, to improve the salaries and benefits provided to the child care provider’s child care staff and to undertake other activities or projects to improve the retention of the child care provider’s child care staff. (3) QUALITY IMPROVEMENT GRANTS. (a) From the allocation under s. 49.155 (1g), the department may award grants to child care providers for assistance in meeting the quality of care standards established under s. 49.155 (1d). (b) A child care provider that is awarded a grant under this subsection shall contribute matching funds equal to 25 percent of the amount awarded under this subsection. The match may be in the form of money or in-kind goods or services, or both. (c) A child care provider that is awarded a grant under this subsection shall use the grant funds to attempt to meet the quality of care standards established under s. 49.132 (4) (e), 1995 stats., within 24 months after receipt of the grant. (4) TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CONTRACTS. From the allocation under s. 49.155 (1g), the department may contract with one or more agencies for the provision of training and technical assistance to improve the quality of child care provided in this state. The training and technical assistance activities contracted for under this subsection may include any of the following activities: (a) Developing and recommending to the department a system of higher payment rates or a program of grants for child care providers that meet the quality of care standards established under s. 49.132 (4) (e), 1995 stats. (b) Developing a plan for a uniform, statewide system of career development, credentialing and training for individuals who provide child care. (c) Disseminating to the public information about child care that meets the quality of care standards established under s. 49.132 (4) (e), 1995 stats. (d) Providing informational resources to child care providers. (e) Providing advanced training to child care providers and the staff of child care providers. (f) Developing family child care systems. (g) Developing resources to provide child care in a generic setting for children with special needs. (gm) Providing training to child care providers in providing child care for children with special needs and developing a network of child care providers who are qualified to provide child care for children with special needs. (h) Providing any other services to improve the availability and quality of child care in this state. (4m) LOCAL PASS-THROUGH GRANT PROGRAM. From the allocation under s. 49.155 (1g), the department shall award grants to local governments and tribal governing bodies for programs to improve the quality of child care. The department shall promulgate rules to administer the grant program, including rules that specify the eligibility criteria and procedures for awarding the grants. (5) LIMIT ON EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS. No funds provided under this section may be used for the purchase or improvement of land or for the purchase, construction or permanent improvement, other than minor remodeling, of any building or facility. (6) GRANT ADMINISTRATION. The department may administer the grant application processes under subs. (2) and (3) or contract for the administration of that process.
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