4.1 Access to Full Range of Provider Options

Lead Agencies must provide parents a choice of providers and offer assistance with child care services through a child care certificate (or voucher) or with a child care provider that has a grant or contract for the provision of child care services. Lead Agencies are reminded that policies and procedures should not restrict parental access to any type or category of care or provider (e.g., center care, home care, in-home care, for-profit provider, non-profit provider, or faith-based provider, etc.). 4.1.1 Parent choice a. Identify any barriers to provider participation, including barriers related to payment rates and practices, (including for family child care and in-home providers), based on provider feedback, public comment, and reports to the Lead Agency: Based on the information received in the most recent market rate survey, the most common responses indicated by providers for lack of participation in the child care subsidy program were that applying for participation was an administrative burden and the program is not needed because the facility is always full. b. Does the Lead Agency offer child care assistance through vouchers or certificates? [x] Yes. [ ] No. c. Does the Lead Agency offer child care assistance through grants or contracts? [ ] Yes. [x] No. d. Describe how the parent is informed that the child care certificate allows the option to choose from a variety of child care categories, such as private, not-for-profit, faith-based providers; centers; family child care homes; or in-home providers: The certificate provides information about the choice of providers, consumer education materials are provided on choosing child care, referrals provided to child care resource and referral agencies, co- located resource and referral staff in eligibility offices and verbal communication at the time of the application e. Describe what information is included on the child care certificate: The child care certificate is issued at the point of approval and for any change during the certification period. The certificate includes information regarding eligibility period, children awarded, co-payments, care levels and unit of care.