54-06-23. Child care services provided by state agency or institution

54-06-23. Child care services provided by state agency or institution A state agency or institution may provide for child care services to the children of employees, students, or clients of the agency or institution in accordance with this section. Child care services may be provided by the institution only after the head of the agency or institution determines there is a need for the services and that the services will be provided at rates that are not less than the average rates charged by private child care providers providing comparable services in the community. Child care services may be provided in space available within the facility housing the agency or institution. An agency or institution may operate a child care center in available space or contract with a child care provider for child care services. Within the limits of legislative appropriations, the agency or institution may provide utilities and custodial and maintenance services for the child care center. Additional operating costs, including the salaries for a director and staff and the cost of supplies, must be borne by the center. A child care center provided for by an agency or institution may provide child care services to the children of employees, students, or clients of the agency or institution and, to the extent space is available, to any other children.