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65 | P a g e FFY 2025–2027 CCDF State Plan

statewide values, and expanded values for each market rate zone from the 5th percentile to the 95th percentile. In addition, each rate view, shows rates by individual age level and by CAPS age group. Full-time CAPS rates are based on the following age categories: infant (birth - 12 months), toddler (1 - 2 years), preschool (3 - 5 years), and school-age (5 years & older).

The Lead Agency considered the views of those representing providers in the Total Cost Study which were not specific but generally supportive. The idea of a cost- based approach to setting rates is not well understood by all providers but their advocates are interested in knowing more. The Total Cost Study was able to collect data from a large majority of licensed providers and the provider community is receptive to stakeholder engagement on the topic and how it can be used to set rates in the future. Overall, the final reports were not significantly influenced in any specific way by any partner, but the reports and their content are aligned with stakeholders and will allow the Lead Agency to continue to actively engage with partners moving forward. 4.3 Adequate Payment Rates The Lead Agency must set CCDF subsidy payment rates in accordance with the results of the current MRS or ACF pre-approved alternative methodology and at a level to ensure equal access for eligible families to child care services comparable with those provided to families not receiving CCDF assistance. Lead Agencies are also required to provide a summary of data and facts to demonstrate how payment rates ensure equal access, which means the Lead Agency must also consider the costs of base level care and higher quality care as part of its rate setting. Finally, the Lead Agency must re-evaluate its payment rates at least every 3 years. The ages and types of care listed in the base payment rate tables are meant to provide a snapshot of the categories of rates and are not intended to be comprehensive of all categories that might exist or to reflect the terms used by the Lead Agency for particular ages. If rates are not statewide, please provide all variations of payment rates when reporting base payment rates below. Base rates are the lowest, foundational rates before any differentials are added (e.g., for higher quality or other purposes) and must be sufficient to ensure that minimum health, safety, quality, and staffing requirements are covered. These are the rates that will be used to determine compliance with equal access requirements. 4.3.1 Payment rates a. Are the payment rates that the Lead Agency is reporting in 4.3.2 set statewide by the Lead Agency? [x] Yes. i. If yes, check if the Lead Agency: [ ] Sets the same payment rates for the entire State or Territory. [x] Sets different payment rates for different regions in the State or Territory. [ ] No. ii. If no, identify how many jurisdictions set their own payment rates: