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: Barriers identified through the agency’s Market Rate Survey (MRS) include limited access to care for roughly half of Michigan’s families, especially for black and Hispanic/Latino families who are more likely to live in places where there are very few licensed providers in close proximity. Reduction in operating hours has also been identified as a barrier for both families and providers. This is attributed to nationwide staffing shortages and changes in demand. Another barrier is challenges with the CDC program itself. Challenges include the length of time eligibility determination takes, concerns with payment rates, and attendance rates. The final barrier is related to the cost of providing quality care. Concerns include expenses related to personnel costs and cost associated with progressing to the high quality levels. 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: Consumer education materials are available via the Great Start to Quality website for parents and provide information about choosing child care. The certificate provides information about the available choice of providers, including access to a 24/7 database with information on all licensed child care providers. e. Describe what information is included on the child care certificate: The parent receives the Child Development and Care Client Notice (DHS-198c), upon provider assignment. This serves as the child care certificate. The following information is included on the notice: Information explaining reporting changes, provider quality levels, how to file a complaints against licensed and license exempt providers, the overpayment process including repayment, where to find Child Development and Care (CDC) payment rules, where to find results of provider annual inspections and quality levels, the names of children approved for care, the number of biweekly need hours approved for attendance and billing, the family contribution amount, the assigned providers name, provider ID/license number (if licensed), and the 12-month eligibility period that is approved.