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: Providers are reimbursed after providing services on a monthly basis so for some providers this delayed payment may be a barrier or discouragement to participate. Depressed market rates is also a barrier or discouragement to some providers to participating in the subsidy program along with the additional administrative tasks that are required for reimbursement. Information about barriers to participation has been obtained from feedback directly from child care providers and community agencies and stakeholders who work directly with child care providers at the local level. 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: Verbal communication with families as well as consumer education materials are given at the time of application. Additionally, referrals may be provided to child care resource and referral agencies. e. Describe what information is included on the child care certificate: Parent’s name and address; Child’s name; County case number; Eligibility period for services (this includes the beginning and ending dates of the 12-month eligibility period); Parental fee amount; Date the parental fee begins; Days and hours that care is needed; Comments (if needed); Provider name and contact information.