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team, and a steering committee composed of experts who are experienced with the MRS and child care in Nebraska.

4.2.3 Describe how the market rate survey is statistically valid and reliable. To be considered valid and reliable, the MRS must represent the child care market, provide complete and current data, use rigorous data collection procedures, reflect geographic variations, and analyze data in a manner that captures other relevant differences. For example, market rate surveys can use administrative data, such as child care resource and referral data, if they are representative of the market. If an alternative methodology, such as cost modeling, is used, demonstrate that the methodology used reliable methods. The survey was initiated with child care providers onFebruary 1, 2019 and data collection remained active through April 26, 2019, for a total of 12 weeks. Participation in the survey was voluntary and providers could selectively choose to respond to each question. After a data cleansing process, which excluded invalid responses and unlicensed providers, 1,695 valid responses were obtained for the use in data analyses, out of 3,220 licensed providers eligible to participate (52.66% participation). Surveys were sent to all of licensed child care providers (Family Child Care Home I, Family Child Care Home II, Child Care Centers, and accredited providers). License-exempt providers, which consist of the ‘family, friend, neighbor’ population, were not included in this survey. The sample size also included two geographic categories; urban and rural. Surveys were distributed in three phases using different methods to get a reprehensive sample. Phase I, was a mailing to all licensed child care providers in Nebraska, including pre-paid return postage and a $1 incentive. Phase II, was a reminder post card sent one week after the initial mailing. Phase II, were up to three phone calls reminiding providers to complete the survey. The data team conducted a series of data cleansing processes to prepare the data for analysis. To maximize sample size, conversion methodology of rates was utilized. Data analysis produced final rates by provider type, geographic location, age group of child, and percentiles (50th through 100th). Nebraska Page 113 of 314