equal-access-payment-rates

Reason(s) for non-compliance: • The Lead Agency does not sufficiently address the methodology used to complete the narrow cost analysis or estimated cost of care, the variations in analysis, or the assumptions and data included in the methodology, as required by 98.45(f)(1)(ii). (Plan Questions 4.2.2a, 4.2.2b, and 4.2.2c) • The Lead Agency’s payment rates for infants in center-based care, preschoolers in center-based care, and preschoolers in family child care homes are not sufficient to ensure equal access, as required by 98.45(a). (Plan Question 4.3.2a) Overall Target Completion Date: 07/01/2026 Action Step Number Action Step Description Target Completion Date 1 Child care staff will coordinate with the Self Reliance information/data team to add an appendix to the 2024 Local Market Rate study to better address the methodology used to complete the narrow cost analysis and estimated cost of care including the the variations in analysis and 12/31/2025 the assumptions and data included in the methodology. 2 Using the results of the 2024 Local Market Rate study, Idaho Child care staff will work with Automation Liaisons and the Self Reliance Communications team to coordinate updates to the IBES rules engine and Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) webpage with updated Local Market Rates set at the 65th percentile of the most recent study. Staff will complete automation development, testing, and implementation of the updated Local Market Rates to sufficiently ensure equal access to child care for ICCP participating families. 07/01/2025 3 Child care staff will work with Process Engineers and Automation Liaisons to develop a waitlist for families applying to participate with the Idaho Child Care Program. Processes and automation of a waitlist requires updates to the IBES rules engine and benefit process manual. Automation liaisons and process engineers will coordinate the timeline for automation development, testing, and implementation of an ICCP waitlist. 07/01/2025 4 Child care staff will coordinate review of vulnerable populations not subject to a subsidy waitlist with the Idaho Child Care Advisory Panel. 02/01/2025 5 Once the design is complete, and the process is detailed for the process manual, IDHW leadership will route the processes and policies associated to an ICCP waitlist for legal review to determine if rule promulgation is required for the Idaho Administrative Code or if existing policies fully support the implementation of waitlist. If necessary, IDHW child care program staff in partnership with the IDHW Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Office will coordinate an update to the Idaho Administrative Code (IDAPA) to support the implementation of an ICCP waitlist. If needed, rules will be promulgated for presentation to the legislature's germane committees during the 2026 Idaho Legislative Session. 07/01/2026