Study on the impact of OSSE's regulations that require increased education qualifications for staff members

(a) OSSE shall contract with an entity to conduct a study to assess the impact of 5A DCMR § 164 through 5A DCMR § 171 on staff members and the cost of child care in the District. (b) The entity completing the study shall: (1) Be nationally recognized; (2) Have expertise and knowledge of the child care industry, including costs, quality, and access; (3) Have a demonstrated understanding of best practices in workforce development; and (4) Have conducted a breadth of research in advancing affordable and accessible child care that supports the development and learning of children. (c) At a minimum the study shall, by ward: (1) Provide demographic data on staff members in the District, including: (A) Gender identification; (B) Race; (C) Ethnicity; (D) Language spoken; (E) Income level; and (F) Highest level of educational attainment; (2) Assess the impact of increased educational requirements on the cost of child care; (3) Determine the impact of increased educational requirements on staff members working in the District; and (4) Provide recommendations: (A) On ways to increase educational requirements without financially burdening staff members; and (B) That identify professional development support for staff members.