equal-access-provider-options-for-parents

Reason(s) for non-compliance: • The Lead Agency does not provide grants or contracts for direct services for infants and toddlers, for children in underserved geographic areas, and for children with disabilities, as required by 98.30(b)(1). (Plan Questions 4.1.1c and 4.5.1i). Please note the Lead Agency has an approved waiver for this requirement through August 1, 2026. Overall Target Completion Date: 09/30/2026 Action Step Number Action Step Description Target Completion Date 1 Develop a plan with timelines for providing grants and contracts for direct services, to include technology implementation as well as fiscal, program, policy. 07/31/2025 2 Align with DES Financial Services Administration on cost implications and children served 09/30/2025 3 Conduct Stakeholder engagement, including internal partners, child care providers, family and community advocates, state agency partners 07/31/2025 4 Submit agency request for State Fiscal Year 2027 Budget 09/30/2025 5 Conduct SFY 2027 State Budget Process 06/30/2026 6 Implementation of contracts/grants 07/31/2026 7 Submit State Plan amendment 09/30/2026