In addition to the powers and duties already conferred by law, the commissioner of education shall:
- (1) administer the child care fund, including the basic sliding fee program authorized under sections 119B.011 to 119B.16;
- (2) monitor the child care resource and referral programs established under section 119B.19; and
- (3) encourage child care providers to participate in a nationally recognized accreditation system for early childhood and school-age care programs. Subject to approval by the commissioner, family child care providers and early childhood and school-age care programs shall be reimbursed for one-half of the direct cost of accreditation fees, upon successful completion of accreditation.