equal-access-provider-options-for-parents

Reason(s) for non-compliance: • The Lead Agency does not provide grants or contracts for direct services for infants and toddlers, for children in underserved geographic areas, and for children with disabilities, as required by 98.30(b)(1). (Plan Questions 4.1.1c and 4.5.1i). Please note the Lead Agency has an approved waiver for this requirement through August 1, 2026. Overall Target Completion Date: 08/01/2026 Action Step Number Action Step Description Target Completion Date 1 Budget- IDHW leadership will seek legislative approval, and incorporation into the agency's budget, to utilize historically underspent funding to develop contracted child care slots for infants and toddlers, children in underserved geographic areas of Idaho, and for children with disabilities. 07/01/2025 2 Contracts- Child care staff will work with Division Leadership and the Contracts and Procurement team to develop contracted opportunities for child care for infants and toddlers, children in underserved geographic areas of Idaho, and for children with disabilities. Child care staff, Division Leadership, and the Contracts and Procurement team will develop Requests for Information and Requests for Proposals to develop fair and accessible opportunities to provide child care to these populations. 06/30/2026 3 Automation- Child care staff will submit a White Paper requesting automation updates in the Idaho Benefits Eligibility System (IBES) to calculate, determine, and document a child's eligibility for a contracted slot and prevent duplication of eligibility with the Idaho Child Care Program. This update will not require policy changes or rule promulgation. Child care staff will work with Process Engineers and Automation Liaisons to develop updates to the IBES rules engine and benefit process manual and coordinate the timeline for automation development, testing, and implementation of eligibility determinations for contracted slots and prevent duplication of eligibility with the Idaho Child Care Program. 06/30/2026 4 Monitoring- Child care staff will work with the contacts monitoring team to develop tools and resources to ensure financial accountability and 08/01/2026 quality programming for children accessing contracted child care slots. 5 Technical assistance- Child care staff will request, access, and participate with technical assistance related to the development and procurement of contracts for child care for infants and toddlers, children with disabilities, and children in underserved geographic areas because Idaho has never contract for these services before. 12/31/2025