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 April 30, 2026. Overall Target Completion Date: 04/30/2026 Action Step Number Action Step Description Target Completion Date 1 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): A CCDF Final Rule Transitional and Legislative Waiver request was submitted to the ACF. 12/23/2024 2 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): MSDE will meet and work with state and federal partners to explore long￿term 01/31/2026 solutions in order to come into compliance with this requirement. Meetings and discussions will take place over the next year. 3 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): Once MSDE has a proposed solution, the plan of action will be discussed with stakeholders and leadership for additional guidance and feedback. 03/31/2026 4 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): MSDE will then implement the finalized plan of action. 04/30/2026