Governor signs bill to strengthen care & development of eligible minors

The measure aims to guarantee better quality in child care services, promoting the well-being of eligible minors and facilitating the operation of centers that offer such services. (Facebook via Governor Pierluisi)

By The Star Staff

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia on Tuesday signed House Bill 1041, a measure that amends Law 173-2016, known as the “Law for the Licensing of Child Care, Development and Learning Establishments in Puerto Rico.”

The measure seeks to temper the provisions of the law to recent social and legislative changes, in order to guarantee better quality in child care services, promoting the well-being of eligible minors and facilitating the operation of centers that offer such services.

House Bill 1041 introduces significant amendments such as the creation of new figures, such as the “caregiver,” who will be responsible for the care and development of minors. The measure also replaces the Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification with the “Child Development Course (CDN),” facilitating a more accessible and flexible certification for professionals in the field.

“The signing of this measure is a crucial step to ensure that child care and development centers in Puerto Rico operate under updated standards and that minors receive the best possible service, always focused on their safety, well-being and comprehensive development,” the governor said in a written statement.

The bill also creates a Review Board for Early Childhood Professional Development and Continuing Education Institutions, which will be appointed by the governor. The board will ensure that the entities that provide training comply with local and federal regulations, ensuring quality in the training of educators.

Another important aspect of the legislation is the creation of a “Qualified Residential Treatment Program” for minors who require specialized care due to their emotional or behavioral needs. In addition, the terms for obtaining provisional licenses are to be extended and a protocol is to be established for reporting establishments that operate without a license.

The governor stressed that the legislation also addresses the current realities of the child care system on the island, with the goal of making the processes more agile and accessible for those who operate the centers, without compromising safety and quality standards.