Section 103-H - Child Care Stabilization Program(a) Establishment.--The Child Care Stabilization Program is established within the department.(b) Applications.--The department shall develop an application for qualified child-care providers to apply for program funding under this section. The application shall be made available and posted on the department's publicly accessible Internet website. The department shall accept and process applications on a rolling basis until either funding for the program has been exhausted, or the Federal deadline for the use of child care stabilization funds under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2, 135 Stat. 4), whichever occurs first. The department shall approve or deny an application no later than 30 days after the receipt of the application.(c) Funding methodology.--The department shall develop a methodology for determining the operating costs of qualified child-care providers that is allowable under Federal law and guidance. Funding under the program shall, to the extent practicable, cover sufficient operating expenses to ensure continuous operations for the intended period of the funding.(d) Infant and toddler supplemental payment.--The department shall provide additional funds to qualified child-care providers serving infants or toddlers.(e) Distribution of funds.--In accordance with Federal law or guidance, the department may not require qualified child-care providers to incur expenses to receive funding under the program. Qualified child-care providers may use funding to reimburse expenses incurred since January 31, 2020. The department shall distribute program funding to qualified child-care providers within 30 days of an application being approved.(f) Eligible uses of funding.--Program funding shall be in accordance with Federal law and guidance and may include the following: (1) Personnel costs, including payroll and salaries or similar compensation for an employee, including a sole proprietor or independent contractor, employee benefits, premium pay or costs for employee recruitment and retention.(2) Rent or payment on a mortgage obligation, utilities, facilities maintenance or improvements and insurance.(3) Personal protective equipment, cleaning and sanitation supplies and services and health and safety practices.(4) Purchases of or updates to equipment and supplies to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.(5) Goods or services necessary to maintain or resume child-care services.(6) Mental health supports for children and employees.1929, April 9, P.L. 343, No. 176, art. I-H, §103-H, added by 2021 , June 30, P.L. 62, No. 24, § 7, 7/1/2021