equal-access-provider-options-for-parents

Reason(s) for non-compliance: • The Lead Agency does not provide grants or contracts for direct services for infants and toddlers, for children in underserved geographic areas, and for children with disabilities, as required by 98.30(b)(1). (Plan Questions 4.1.1c and 4.5.1i). Please note the Lead Agency has an approved waiver for this requirement through August 1, 2026. Overall Target Completion Date: 08/01/2026 Action Step Number Action Step Description Target Completion Date 1 The Department of Children and Youth (DCY) will incorporate the use of grants and contracts for direct services for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children in underserved geographic areas. DCY will request the additional funds required to cover the increased cost of utilizing grants and contracts and to implement needed system changes. These funds will be requested in the next budget cycle, beginning July 1, 2025. Ohio's budget requires legislative approval and operates on a biennial basis. 07/01/2025 2 DCY will create new grants and/or contracts available to programs in Ohio that are targeted to increase the supply as well as quality of child care and access for families. The grants or contracts created for this purpose must go through a competitive procurement process. The procurement process can take six months to a year depending on the path (contract vs grant). 08/01/2026 3 Changes to IT systems supporting publicly funded child care in Ohio may also need to be made to both the OB system and the TAP system. 08/01/2026