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of child care, provide quality programs for low-income children, and to increase the availability of early childhood development programs, before, and after school programs. Applicants can apply to expand their existing center to serve an increase number of children with disabilities. The grant can fund modifications homes and centers need to make to care for children with disabilities.

Technical assistance support. Describe: The Lead Agency offers technical assistance support through Resource Developer Workers, Child Care Licensing Specialist, and CCDF/Subsidy Program staff. Lead Agency staff also collaborate with staff from the CR&R and Coaching Specialist to provide technical assistance to providers across the state. Technical assistance supports include assisting providers through current license and license exempt regulations, navigation for available trainings, QRIS, other quality initiatives supports, and assisting families identify a child care provider who provides care for children with disabilities.

Recruitment of providers. Describe:

Tiered payment rates (as discussed in 4.3.2). Describe: A higher rate may be negotiated for children with special needs once proper documentation has been provided. The rate is based on what is needed outside typical child care needs rather than being based on the child's actual diagnosis and set by the Lead Agency and the child care provider. As part of Step Up to Quality, non-accredited programs will receive an increase of 5% in their subsidy rates at Step 3, Step 4, and Step 5. Accredited programs will receive an increase of 5% in their subsidy rates at Step 4 and Step 5. In-home providers who provide child care during nontraditional hours (weekends, holidays, and evenings after 6 p.m.), for a child has a special need or childhood illness, and/or for families with three or more children are paid federal minimum wage. This is currently $9.00 per hour.

Support for improving business practices, such as management training, paid sick leave, and shared services. Nebraska Page 134 of 314