8.3 Coordination with Child Care Resource and Referral Systems

Lead Agencies may use CCDF funds to establish or support a system or network of local or regional child care resource and referral (CCR&R) organizations that is coordinated, to the extent determined by the Lead Agency, by a statewide public or private non-profit, community-based or regionally based, lead child care resource and referral organization (such as a statewide CCR&R network). If Lead Agencies use CCDF funds for local CCR&R organizations, the local or regional CCR&R organizations supported by those funds must, at the direction of the Lead Agency: • Provide parents in the State with consumer education information concerning the full range of child care options (including faith-based and community-based child care providers), analyzed by provider, including child care provided during non-traditional hours and through emergency child care centers, in their area. • To the extent practicable, work directly with families who receive assistance to offer the families support and assistance to make an informed decision about which child care providers they will use to ensure that the families are enrolling their children in the most appropriate child care setting that suits their needs and one that is of high quality (as determined by the Lead Agency). • Collect data and provide information on the coordination of services and supports, including services under Part B, Section 619 and Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. • Collect data and provide information on the supply of and demand for child care services in areas of the State and submit the information to the Lead Agency. • Work to establish partnerships with public agencies and private entities, including faith- based and community-based child care providers, to increase the supply and quality of child care services in the State and, as appropriate, coordinate their activities with the activities of the Lead Agency and local agencies that administer funds made available through CCDF. 8.3.1 Funding a system or network of CCR&R organization(s) Does the Lead Agency fund a system or network of local or regional CCR&R organization(s)? [ ] No. The Lead Agency does not fund a system or network of local or regional CCR&R organization(s) and has no plans to establish one. [ ] No, but the Lead Agency has plans to develop a system or network of local or regional CCR&R organization(s). [x] Yes. The Lead Agency funds a system or network of local or regional CCR&R organization(s) with all the responsibilities outlined above. If yes, describe the activities outlined above carried out by the CCR&R organization(s), as directed by the Lead Agency: The Lead Agency houses the CCR&R State Network office and contracts and coordinates with the state’s 30 ELCs throughout the state to offer families and providers comprehensive CCR&R services at the local level, including consumer education, provider listings, information on financial and community resources, and provider training and technical assistance. CCR&R services help families make informed decisions regarding child care that meets their needs by offering customized child care listings of providers in their service area using the single statewide information system. In addition to the child care listings, CCR&R services offer DEL’s Family Guide, Quality Checklists for Child Care Home and Centers, monthly Parents’ Pages publication and a variety of information and consumer education resources on identifying quality care, program assessment, early intervention, best practices regarding child development, child care licensing inspection requirements/reports and the different types of early learning providers and programs available. In an effort to increase capacity, CCR&R organizations help new, potential and existing providers by offering information and benefits on contracting for School Readiness and/or VPK, optional registration in the Provider Portal so their business receives referrals. The technical assistance includes professional development and statutory requirements, and provider start up packets that contain information on opening a family child care home or child care center, child care licensing procedures, local zoning ordinances, participation in the USDA food program, serving special needs children, and dealing with challenging behaviors. Each CCR&R organization also maintains two provider representatives on their coalition board to advocate for providers. State network staff develop and provide local CCR&R agencies with consumer education resources to educate parents and providers on best practices in child development and early childhood care and education. This coordination links comprehensive services to children in child care settings. The CCR&R State Network operates a call center with a team of trained specialist that assist families when they contact DEL directly. These specialists, provide resources to families, such as consumer education, contact information for other agencies, information on health and safety and licensing, requirements for the SR and VPK programs and assist parents with concerns when it comes to their program eligibility. Specialists also provide information on developmental screenings and referrals to partner agencies that assist families when they have a concern about their child’s development. In addition, local CCR&Rs may utilize the Sunshine Portal. The portal provides extensive data and analysis to track local and statewide levels of capacity, quality, and the supply and demand of child care services. The CCR&R State Network Is also responsible for collecting data on providers to inform the single statewide information system. This system is used to provide parents profiles on providers when they contact their local CCR&R offices. Data from the system is also used to inform the states Market Rate Survey. The DEL network of lead trainers within the ELCs provides training on many early childhood topics to include promoting the social skills, emotional competency, physical, and cognitive development of children, including those efforts related to nutrition and physical activity, using scientifically based, developmentally appropriate, and age- appropriate strategies.