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: Feedback from providers for participation includes capacity to serve additional children due to staffing shortages and turn-over. Cost of Care is higher than payment rates and rates providers will charge due to family’s ability to pay in neighborhoods / locations. Some providers reduce their overall rates for care to be able to serve more families, subsidy and non-subsidy, in their immediate neighborhood. Delays in processing of Care 4 Kids Child Care Certificates, have slowed for quick or timely turn-around, which has discouraged some providers from accepting Care 4 Kids. In addition, the requirements for Health and Safety training for staff, compensation costs, and increases in turn-over and difficulty finding new child care staff, have discouraged providers from seeking or maintaining participation in Care 4 Kids. The availability of Infant-Toddler care is limited. 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 Notice of Eligibility that families receive includes a statement: Care 4 Kids subsidy program is designed to promote equal access to families. You can find important information about how to select a provider that meets licensing and quality standards at 211 Child Care 1-800-505-1000 or www.211childcare.org. The 211 Child Care website includes links to program profiles with detailed information on quality, health and safety, and regulatory requirements for the program you will be choosing for your child. The following is the links are to the Care 4 Kids Application form and Parent-Provider Agreement Form with details on selection and types of care available across the state. https://www.ctcare4kids.com/wp- content/uploads/2020/02/Application-English-2020.pdf and https://www.ctcare4kids.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PPA-ENGLISH-NEW- 6.2023.pdf. Connecticut’s E-Licensing website gives additional details about providers which may be easily sorted on town or provider name. https://www.elicense.ct.gov/Lookup/GenerateRoster.aspx (Select Child Care Licensing Program). e. Describe what information is included on the child care certificate: The Care 4 Kids certificate is issued after the parent has selected a provider. The following information is listed on the certificate: (1) Family Name and Address; (2) Family Identification Number; (3) Case Manager; (4) Provider Identification Number; (5) Certificate Number; (6) Child Name; (7) Child’s date of birth; (8) Start and end date of the certificate; (9) Approved Level of Care; (10) Provider Name; (11) Child’s age group; (12) Reason the certificate is being issued along with the regulation number for the reason; (13) Family Fee listed in both weekly and monthly amounts; (14) Key with all levels of care; (15) C4K weekly reimbursement rate; (16) C4K monthly reimbursement rate; (17) Family Fee; (18) Total Payment Amount; (19) Information: if the provider charges more it is your responsibility to pay those amounts; (20) C4K contact information.