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 provider feedback, low reimbursement rates and inability to charge additional fees such as credit card convenience fees, late pick up fees, etc. are barriers to participation. 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? [x] Yes. [ ] 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 lead agency advises parents of their childcare options at intake. Additionally, the lead agency contracts with Children and Families First, a private agency that provides statewide resource and referral services to families who are searching for childcare. Families also have the option to visit MyChildDe, the state's comprehensive consumer education website to explore provider options. e. Describe what information is included on the child care certificate: The child care certificate provides information about the choice of providers including private, faith based, centers and family child care homes.