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State Plan AR FY26 - Original Submission Page of 46 112 Is dependent care provided? Select yes even if E&T funds are not being used. Yes No Provide a URL link or describe in a written response: the payment rates for childcare reimbursements, established in accordance with the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) based on local market rate surveys. In Arkansas, the child care reimbursement rates for providers participating in the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) are determined through periodic market rate surveys, such as the 2023 Arkansas Child Care Market Price Study. These surveys assess the prices charged by child care providers across the state. The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) uses this data to set reimbursement rates that reflect local market conditions. https://arbetterbeginnings.com/parents-families/how-to-choose-child-care/help-paying-for-child-care/child-car The federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF) recommends that lead agencies, like Arkansas DHS, set provider reimbursement rates at the 75th percentile of the market rate. This means that the reimbursement rates should cover the costs of care for 75% of child care providers in the state. However, there is often a significant gap between the reimbursement rates and the actual costs of providing care, which can impact the financial stability of child care providers. For detailed information on Arkansas's reimbursement rates and the findings of the 2023 market rate survey, you can refer to the official report: 2023 Arkansas Child Care Market Price Study How is childcare paid for? Direct payment to provider Reimbursement to participants Provider voucher Contract for dependent care Other If dependent care agencies have a waiting list or otherwise cap the number of enrolled dependents, how will the State agency ensure E&T participants with dependent care needs receive dependent care? The E&T provider will recognize childcare challenges as a potential barrier to program participation and will collaborate with the participant and community resources to identify suitable childcare solutions. If necessary, the provider will consult with the SNAP E&T unit to discuss the issue and jointly develop an appropriate resolution to address the participant’s childcare needs. How does the State agency ensure that the participant has the necessary participant reimbursements to begin participation in the E&T program?