Today’s episode of The Empty Office Podcast features a conversation with State Representative Julie Coulombe about the work of the Governor’s Task Force on Childcare. Rep. Coulombe and Senator Tobin served as ex-officio members of the Task Force, which wrapped up its work with a final report submitted to Governor Dunleavy on September 30. Key Recommendations include:

* Complete a comprehensive assessment for leveraging school spaces for child care.

* Provide technical assistance to school districts and municipalities that want to provide child care in schools.

* Expand licensed exempt provider types to include a non-relative provider type so that families who are eligible for subsidy can select their family, friend or neighbor as their child care provider.

* Streamline the process to become a license-exempt provider.

* Offer incentives for child care providers through the Child Care Grant Program for providers that operate during non-traditional hours, serve children with special needs, and serve children experiencing homelessness.

* Establish guaranteed eligibility for a child care subsidy and an increased reimbursement rate for children of parents who work in a licensed or approved child care setting.

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