Dover, Del. – According to YMCA of Delaware officials, certain bills introduced in Legislative Hall could make child care more affordable and accessible.

Representatives of The Y in Delaware say they support two pieces of legislation that can make it easier for families to get child care. One of them, Senate Bill 278 would allow families pay a reduced copay for half days instead of having to pay the price for a full day. The other, Senate Bill 293, would open a pathway to license childcare summer camps to receive federal funds.

“The Y has been instrumental in advocating for Sussex County. We know that Sussex County is a child care desert,” Vice President of Youth Development YMCA Delaware Georganne Buccine said. “So one of the things that is most needed is just not only more providers providing quality child care, but also increasing access to those providers.”

Earlier this month, Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 278 was introduced. The substitution does not “codify the purchase of care eligibility for children in the custody of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families.” It also revises the requirement that a summer child care provider must be authorized “after January 1 so it clearly applies to all children receiving POC assistance.” The substitute also clarifies that “an authorization for a summer child care provider must be provided in addition to all provider authorizations for the child’s care during the school year.”

Both SS 1 for SB 278 and SB 293 have passed the Senate and will make their way to the House for consideration.