4.1 Access to Full Range of Provider Options

Lead Agencies must provide parents a choice of providers and offer assistance with child care services through a child care certificate (or voucher) or with a child care provider that has a grant or contract for the provision of child care services. Lead Agencies are reminded that policies and procedures should not restrict parental access to any type or category of care or provider (e.g., center care, home care, in-home care, for-profit provider, non-profit provider, or faith-based provider, etc.). 4.1.1 Parent choice a. Identify any barriers to provider participation, including barriers related to payment rates and practices, (including for family child care and in-home providers), based on provider feedback, public comment, and reports to the Lead Agency: Maryland’s child care scholarship reimbursement rates are currently at the 70th percentile of the June 2021 Market Rate Survey. Likewise, providers receiving CCDF funds from the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program must participate in Maryland’s Quality Rating and Improvement System, Maryland EXCELS. Both the reimbursement rate and the requirement to participate in Maryland EXCELS have been noted as barriers to provider participation. Although the provider participation rate has increased since Maryland began paying child care providers who are participating in the CCS program prospectively, providers have expressed the true-up (payment reconciliation process) as a concern. Programs participating in Maryland EXCELS publish quality ratings from 1 to 5. Programs published at a quality rating 1 do not have professional development requirements. As programs increase ratings the programs are expected to hold a Maryland Child Care credential for levels 4 and 5 and for levels 2 and 3 if the provider does not have a credential, approved training that meets the requirements of the standards. Prior to June 30, 2024 providers participating in the Maryland Child Care Credential had access to $400.00 annually to reimburse for the cost of professional development. Programs participating in Maryland EXCELS have access to regional quality assurance specialists to assist with understanding and meeting the standard requirements. In addition, the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) provides technical assistance. There are multiple online resources that can be accessed by programs to support participation and increased quality ratings. The CCR&R also provides a parent support staff that will assist with navigating the Child Care Scholarship application process. In an effort to identify barriers for provider participation in Maryland EXCELS, Maryland’s quality rating and improvement system the Quality Improvement Initiatives branch conducts surveys, participates in stakeholder and state association meetings, provides information sessions, and conducts monthly analysis of participation data. Barries identified include limited access to technology, lack of understanding of participation and publish rating requirements, and providers who do not have established policies and procedures required to meet Maryland EXCELS standards. To support all participating program types, program specific resources such as tutorials, free approved professional development, supported cohort workshops and network activities, and assistance with referral for additional supports with specialists at regional childcare resource and referral centers. b. Does the Lead Agency offer child care assistance through vouchers or certificates? [x] Yes. [ ] No. c. Does the Lead Agency offer child care assistance through grants or contracts? [ ] Yes. [x] No. d. Describe how the parent is informed that the child care certificate allows the option to choose from a variety of child care categories, such as private, not-for-profit, faith-based providers; centers; family child care homes; or in-home providers: The Child Care Scholarship Application requires parents to specify whether they want their child to attend formal or informal child care programs. Once parents receive the scholarship, they will receive documentation detailing the types of care available and the requirement to choose a Maryland EXCELS participating program. Parents can locate child care programs through the LOCATE: Child Care services. The child care scholarship informs parents of the different care options by providing reimbursement amounts for different types of care, such as center-based, large family, or family care. If a parent selects informal care, the Maryland Child Care Scholarship vendor will provide the parent with information on how to choose this type of care. The Child Care Scholarship vendor, licensing specialist and the Maryland EXCELS Quality Assurance Special, and community partners are also available to inform parents about the various child care categories and their parental choice to select a care type that best meets their family’s needs. e. Describe what information is included on the child care certificate: The child care scholarship will contain information such as the parent's name and address, the child's name, the authorization period, the reimbursement amount, and the assigned parental copayment. If a parent chooses formal care, the child care scholarship will cover the reimbursement amounts assigned for the care units approved for both center care, large family care, and family child care. On the other hand, if the parent opts for informal care, the child care scholarship will cover the reimbursement amounts assigned for the care units approved for informal care (relative/non-relative care).