7.1 Quality Activities Needs Assessment

7.1.1 Needs assessment process and findings a. Describe the Lead Agency needs assessment process for expending CCDF funds on activities to improve the quality of child care, including the frequency of assessment, how a diverse range of parents and providers were consulted, and how their views are incorporated: The State of Montana has received three iterations of the Preschool Development Grant, PDG B-5. DPHHS has administered two, a planning grant in 2019 and a renewal grant 2023-25. Under the 2019 PDG B-5 Planning Grant the state completed a comprehensive ECE needs assessment and strategic plan. The assessment had a significant focus on engaging family and providers. Researchers employed a mixed methods approach, using administrative, secondary, and primary data to complete the needs assessment. Primary data was collected in three different ways: parent/family and provider survey (1217 responses), focus groups with families and providers (291 in-person participants in 13 locations plus virtual focus groups), and individual interviews. The two most common parts of the early childhood system used by survey respondents we're healthcare at 86% and early care and education at 66%. Additionally, 25% used early intervention, 22% home visiting 9% child welfare. Recommendations from the needs assessments, informed by families and providers, led to a full child care licensing evaluation in 2022 redesigned to improve the clarity and transparency of child care licensing for its customers ￿ child care providers, families, partner agencies, businesses, and communities. The assessment collected stakeholder input concerning gaps and opportunities related to the understanding and prioritization of licensed child care facility health requirements, child care staff qualifications, information sharing and data systems, and support and enforcement mechanisms. The following research questions drove the evaluation. (1) How well does Montana’s child care licensing program function for providers, staff, and families? (2) What are the gaps in the child care licensing program? (3) How do child care licensing strengths and gaps vary by provider characteristics? (4) How can child care licensing be improved to better support families, providers, and partners? (5) How can the child care licensing program reduce barriers to becoming licensed? An updated needs assessment and strategic plan will be finalized in June 2024 using the renewal grant. All quality related needs assessment questions were reviewed by Lead Agency quality staff. The question alignment will allow the Lead Agency to note changes over time and identify next steps. A QRS provider survey is administered annually to guide assessment decisions. In November of 2024, the annual provider survey provided relevant feedback for the Lead Agency’s CQI process and QRS redesign efforts. In February of 2023, the Lead Agency used federal technical assistance to facilitate a CCDF strategic planning process, whereby goals and outcomes for all compliance sections were set. Internal staff and key stakeholders were invited to provide suggestions on all aspects of the plan: Goals, Outcomes, Metrics, Action steps, Strategies, and Timeline. b. Describe the findings of the assessment, including any findings related to needs of different populations and types of providers, and if any overarching goals for quality improvement were identified: Key findings and recommendations from the needs assessment process described in 7.1.1 a. are provided in more detail below. Data clearly points to several overarching goals for quality improvement. First is to improve the supply and quality of care for infants and toddlers, a vulnerable population group. The Lead Agency will focus on this in 3 ways: (1) Relationship-based Care training, (2) the development of an Infant Toddler Network, and (3) an Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) pilot. Findings also indicate a redesign for the QRS framework leading to measurable quality improvements for all program types. QRS redesign goals were driven by assessment findings, leadership input, and strategic planning. Several changes within the Lead Agency’s quality system have occurred based on relevant findings and recommendations from the 2019 needs assessment. Based on findings or recommendations, the following quality initiatives are in progress or being planned: participate in the CCDF Impact Project to improve child care access in tribal communities, another vulnerable population, and exploration licensing reciprocity with tribal CCDF programs; QRS redesign will offer increased subsidy payments for greater participation in QRS and include all licensed providers; QRS will provide more choice/provider-type options and fewer requirements; the Lead Agency will re-evaluate Head Start’s participation in QRS; increase ￿family￿ consumer education; and increase contract deliverables to support the acquisition of a child care licensing. While the entire licensing project is important some of the following recommendations have a greater impact on CCDF quality initiatives and support key differences among child care providers: (1) Promoting and enhancing information about what it means to be a licensed child care provider. (2) Having a more inclusive approach to training content acceptance. (3) Reconsidering education and credential acceptance. (4) Implementing a centralized, consistent communication process. Additionally, several key findings related to workforce directed changes in the state’s training and registry system including more distance and advanced learning options, boarder training acceptance, and an updated career path. An annual survey sent to child care providers in to gather feedback from participants in the state’s current QRS captured data on technical assistance and support, the value of required trainings, coaching, and accreditation (interest, values, barriers). This year’s survey had a 52% response rate. Based on the data, Health and Safety and Relationships are the two standard areas most important to current providers. As the Lead Agency re- envisions how quality funding will support child care programs the data indicates program mini-grants as the most appreciated and beneficial strategy, at 59%.