Section 50-11.1-14.1 - Workforce development - Quality improvement - Technical assistance - Capacity building1. The department shall provide voluntary, progressive training opportunities leading to credentials and shall provide supports for the early childhood workforce. The department shall implement a registry to track workforce participation.2. The department shall implement a voluntary quality improvement process for early childhood programs. The department may provide a quality incentive payment and a higher reimbursement rate for child care assistance program payments to a participating early childhood program. The department may provide technical assistance and support to an early childhood program that applies for quality improvement and may provide financial incentives to an early childhood program that sustains and increases program quality. The department may contract with a public or private nonprofit entity to provide technical assistance under this subsection.3. The department may provide supports and incentives to build child care capacity or quality, including:a. Technical assistance and support to individuals who want to establish a new program or expand existing capacity to include information on needs assessments, regulatory processes, facility design and furnishings, startup and operating budgets, staffing patterns, curriculum evaluation, and development of business plans.b. Direct payments to programs with a viable business plan and sustainable operations, to support early childhood program development, operation, and expansion in areas with a demonstrated need.c. Direct payments to staff to incentivize training and professional development in the manner prescribed by the department.4. The department shall coordinate with other state agencies as necessary to implement the provisions of this section.5. The requirements of chapter 54-44.4 do not apply to the selection of a recipient, award, or payments made under this section.Amended by S.L. 2023 , ch. 435( SB 2104 ), § 20, eff. 7/1/2023.