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: 08/31/2026 Action Step Number Action Step Description Target Completion Date 1 Meet with the Early Learning Council to discuss ways we can provide grants and contracts in Rhode Island and how to pilot it. Also, work with ACF on TA for states that are doing this successfully and if that is separate and apart from their eligibility system. 03/31/2025 2 Create a workplan for pilot of grants and contracts for one of the key direct service groups, infants and toddlers, due to funding priority for that area. 06/30/2025 3 Kickoff pilot of grants and contracts for infant and toddler anticipate a one year pilot to assess 06/30/2026 challenges, successes and tweak a workplan. Gather data during this time period. 4 Scale up pilot based on information gathers to focus on all three direct service types. 08/31/2026