Introduction

102 CMR 12.00, adopted in accordance with St. 1990, c. 521, § 7, as amended by St. 1991, c. 329, stress the commitment of state government to provide employees with affordable child care for the purpose of allowing employees to be gainfully employed. Pursuant to St. 1990, c. 521, § 7, as amended by St. 1991, c. 329, on and after July 1, 1992, no contract for goods and services of any type shallbe awarded bythe State or anyof its authorities to an employer having 50 or more full-time employees unless the employer has established a dependent care assistance program ("DCAP") or cafeteria plan whose benefits include a DCAP. As alternatives to a cafeteria plan whose benefits include a DCAP, an employer may offer its employees child care tuition assistance or on-site or near-site subsidized child care placements. Infulfillingits mandate to develop minimum standards for child care tuition assistance and on-site or near-site subsidized child care placements, the Office for Children has developed 102 CMR 12.00.