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TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO ENSURE PARTICIPATION OF CERTAIN GROUPS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A VOLUNTARY CHILDCARE ACCREDITATION RATING SYSTEM AND TO PROHIBIT THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES FROM IMPLEMENTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA TASK FORCE ON QUALITY EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION" RATING SYSTEM UNTIL THE SYSTEM IS APPROVED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT.
Whereas, the General Assembly recognizes the importance of promoting quality childcare; and
Whereas, the General Assembly desires that parents be well informed when selecting childcare for placing their children; and
Whereas, the General Assembly recognizes that providers of childcare programs are the true experts in the field; and
Whereas, the General Assembly acknowledges that the owners and operators of childcare facilities are in the best position to develop a meaningful and relevant rating system for childcare programs; and
Whereas, it is the intent of the General Assembly to assist and support childcare providers in developing a voluntary accreditation rating system. Now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. (A) In developing a voluntary accreditation rating system for childcare facilities, the Department of Health and Environmental Control shall ensure the participation of representatives of:
(1) childcare facilities;
(2) churches with licensed childcare centers;
(3) churches with registered childcare centers;
(4) licensed family childcare homes;
(5) registered family childcare homes; and
(6) group childcare homes.
(B) The Department of Social Services may not spend funds for implementing and may not implement the rating system proposed by the 'South Carolina Task Force on Quality Early Care and Education' until the rating system proposed by the task force has been approved through the regulatory process in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act.
SECTION 2. This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
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