equal-access-payment-rates

Reason(s) for non-compliance: • The Lead Agency did not consult with the State Advisory Council or similar coordinating body, local child care program administrators, local child care resource and referral agencies, or organizations representing child care caregivers, teachers, and directors prior to conducting a market rate survey or alternative methodology, as required by 98.45(e)(1). (Plan Questions 4.2.1ci, 4.2.1cii, 4.2.1ciii, and 4.2.1civ) • The Lead Agency’s payment rates for infants in center-based care, infants in family child care homes, 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: 07/31/2025 Action Step Number Action Step Description Target Completion Date 1 Plan Questions 4.2.1ci, 4.2.1cii, 4.2.1ciii, and 4.2.1civ - Prior to August 2026, Lead Agency will consult with the State Advisory Council or similar coordinating body, care resource and referral agencies, or organizations representing child care caregivers, prior to conducting a Market Rate 08/31/2026 Survey. 2 Plan Question 4.3.2a - Review updated data charts based on the most recent MRS with Division of Administration and Financial Management office and develop a plan for moving the identified child care provider type (certified­ preschool and school-age) to 75th percentile payment rate threshold. 10/30/2024 3 Plan Question 4.3.2a - Requested additional Technical Assistance for adjusting the payment rates. 11/01/2024 4 Plan Question 4.3.2a - Reviewing data in charts for question 4.3.2a to look at urban vs. rural or continue to use the regional populous vs. least populous with the Kentucky Child Care Aware (CCA) Market Rate Survey (MRS) data contact. 12/01/2024 5 Plan Question 4.3.2a - Amend state plan with the updated payment charts, if necessary, after changes are made. 07/31/2025 6 Plan Questions 4.2.1ci, 4.2.1cii, 4.2.1ciii, and 4.2.1civ and 4.3.2a - anticipated implementation no later than 7/31/2025. 07/31/2025