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SB 294

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE FOR FULL-TIME POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Cruce and 5 co-sponsors

SB 294 expands or refines state child care subsidies to help full-time postsecondary students participate in their programs.

Assigned to Finance Committee in Senate
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Bill Summary · SB 294

Summary of SB 294 (Session 153, Delaware)

Title

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE FOR FULL-TIME POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION

Purpose and Intent

SB 294 seeks to modify(s) how the state provides child care assistance to individuals enrolled in full-time post-secondary education. The bill is aimed at improving access to child care support for students pursuing higher education, thereby reducing barriers to completion and facilitating greater participation in the workforce post-graduation.

Key Provisions and Changes (as proposed)

  • Target Population: Individuals enrolled in full-time post-secondary education who require child care assistance to participate in their programs.
  • Assistance Scope: The bill would redefine or expand the eligibility framework, funding mechanisms, or service delivery for child care subsidies tied specifically to full-time students in post-secondary settings.
  • Funding and Resources: Potential adjustments to the appropriation levels, eligibility thresholds, or duration of support to ensure more students can receive timely child care help while in school.
  • Program Administration: Possible changes to how the program is administered (e.g., by specifying agency responsibilities, oversight, reporting requirements, or coordination with colleges/universities and child care providers).
  • Eligibility Criteria: May introduce or adjust criteria such as income limits, enrollment status, program of study, or other qualifications to determine eligibility for child care assistance.

Note: The bill’s text would provide the definitive details on the exact scope, eligibility, and funding changes. The summary above highlights typical areas such legislation tends to address.

Affected Parties

  • Students: Post-secondary students who are full-time and require child care to participate in their programs.
  • Higher Education Institutions: Colleges and universities that may coordinate with state programs to verify enrollment and assist in administering or referring eligible students.
  • Child Care Providers: Providers who would receive subsidies or reimbursements under the program.
  • State Agencies: Likely the Department of Education and/or Department of Health and Social Services (or equivalent), which administer and oversee child care assistance programs.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Introduced and Assigned: The bill was introduced on 2026-04-30 and assigned to the Education Committee in the Senate.
  • Next Steps: As a committee bill, it would be subject to hearings, potential amendments, and committee vote before moving to the full Senate for consideration. If approved, it would proceed to the House (and then to a conference if needed) for final passage and potential gubernatorial action.

Potential Impacts and Implications

  • Educational Access: By expanding or refining child care assistance, more full-time students may be able to pursue post-secondary education without devoting disproportionate personal resources to childcare.
  • Workforce Readiness: Improved child care support could help students complete degrees sooner, contributing to a more skilled workforce.
  • Budgetary Implications: Funding changes could affect state expenditures related to early childhood and higher education support programs. Details would be specified in the fiscal notes accompanying the bill.

Notes for Readers

  • The exact language of SB 294 will determine the precise eligibility thresholds, funding levels, and administrative processes. For detailed analysis, review the bill text, fiscal impact statement, and any committee amendments once released.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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