Location of Meeting: virtual – Recap: BOCA: Member meeting Monday, May 18 | Meeting | Microsoft Teams
BOCA Membership Meeting Minutes – May 2026
Business Owners of Child Care Association (BOCA)
Legislative Update
Richard McAuliffe provided a legislative update on activity at the Rhode Island State House.
Key updates included:
- The General Assembly is expected to conclude session in mid-June.
- Rhode Island projected approximately $223 million in additional revenue following the May Revenue Estimating Conference.
- Continued discussion on:
- Increased CCAP funding and eligibility through the Child Care Essential Act
- A proposed Rhode Island wealth tax
- State healthcare funding concerns
- Leadership changes at the State House:
- K. Joseph Shekarchi stepping down as Speaker
- Christopher Blazejewski becoming the new Speaker
- Katherine Kazarian named Majority Leader
- Legislative priorities impacting child care include:
- A proposed sales tax exemption on meals for child care centers
- Regulatory concerns for before- and after-school programs
CollegeBound Saver Presentation
Melissa Bailey presented information about Rhode Island’s CollegeBound Saver 529 educational savings program.
Highlights included:
- Tax-advantaged education savings accounts with no minimum contribution requirement
- A “529 Day” promotion offering:
- $300 seed funding for children age 5 and under who open an account
- Funds may be used for:
- College
- Trade schools
- Vocational programs
- K–12 private education expenses
- Child care centers were encouraged to invite CollegeBound Saver representatives to:
- Graduations
- Moving-up ceremonies
- Family events
Melissa Bailey also shared information about the “What I Want to Be When I Grow Up” art contest, where children can win $1,529 toward educational savings.
Strolling Thunder & Child Care Advocacy
Rebecca Compton shared highlights from the Strolling Thunder event held at the Rhode Island State House on May 7.
The event focused on:
- Advocacy for child care and early education
- Networking with legislators and community organizations
- Raising awareness about child care issues
Amy Vogel thanked Rebecca for representing BOCA at the event.
DHS Regulation Discussion
Amy Vogel reviewed newly proposed DHS regulations and encouraged members to submit public comments before the May 23 deadline.
Discussion focused on:
- Proposed physical facility changes that could impact classrooms using skylights or windowed doors
- Concerns about potential loss of licensable classroom space
- Questions regarding new feeding plan language requiring consultation with a child’s primary health care provider
Missy Davis raised questions regarding how and when potential facility regulation changes would be enforced.
Amy Vogel shared that testimony had been submitted outlining concerns related to:
- Reduced child care access
- Staffing impacts
- Financial effects on providers
Members were encouraged to submit additional testimony and feedback.
Next meeting: June 22, 2206
https://bocari.org/upcoming-boca-meeting-dates/
Minutes submitted by Rebecca Compton