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 The lead agency has submitted a waiver with an expected completion date. 08/01/2026 2 The Department will request additional funding to support system modifications to support grant payments. 10/01/2025 3 Contract with a consultant to review pilot findings, review other state methods for grants/contracts, identify eligibility criteria (including definitions for children with disabilities and underserved geographic areas and newly created maps that demonstrate child care scholarship use), estimate additional costs, explore technology enhancements (if necessary), identify entity for grants/contracts, lead stakeholder engagement activities and formulate recommendations to the Department related to key aspects in regards to implementing grants/contracts. 09/01/2025 4 Utilize stakeholder recommendations to begin design recommendations for grants and contracts as needed for the billing system, reporting and the creation of an RFP for a lead entity (if applicable). 12/31/2025 5 Request a budget appropriation to implement some grants and contracts 09/01/2025