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: Some challenges to participating in CCDF, as indicated by providers through regular surveying, include: that CCDF does not cover the entire child care bill which sometimes creates difficulties in collecting balances owed by low income families; explaining to families how their child care program integrates CCDF and how that impacts a family's child care bill; challenges caused when eligibility determination takes longer due to family responsiveness; and difficulties when the CCDF rate schedule or payment method does not fit the schedule or method they utilize for their child care program. These surveys include all regulated provider types. CCS also sees these issues reported across all provider types. CCS is actively evaluating ways to alleviate barriers for provider participation as we evaluate payment practices that will be implemented once CCS begins utilizing the new eligibility and enrollment system currently under development. Including development of a new rate structure and moving to enrollment-based and prospective payment practices. 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? [x] Yes. [ ] 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: The Child Care Application includes a list of provider types the family may choose from including licensed or registered child care providers including private, non-profit, faith based, centers, family child care, or licensed exempt in-home or informal care. The consumer education statement that is provided to families along with the child care certificate provides information on choosing child care as well as how to access provider inspection information. Resources referenced in that communication include. The local Helpline Center and Early Childhood Enrichment programs which provide resource materials for parents such as the Choosing Child Care brochure. Additionally Child Care staff respond to parent requests for provider listings by referring them to the online State website; e- mailing the listing to the parent or mailing a hard-copy of the listing and other resources which include: choosing safe and quality child care; CCS' phone number to obtain additional program information; the various categories of care which are regulated by the State; and information on how to access the Child Care Assistance program. e. Describe what information is included on the child care certificate: Information provided on each certificate that is issued after eligibility determination or a reported change includes: provider name; notification the provider has received a copy of the certificate; certificate start date; certificate expiration date; name of children receiving assistance; maximum hours authorized; rate payable; maximum amount paid for care; explanation of co-pay amount if applicable; certificate number; changes required to be reported; requirement for signing in and out of regulated programs; parental access to their child in care; and administrative hearing rights should they view an error has been made regarding benefits. The maximum authorized hours are determined based on the work/school need with additional supplemental time added in. The maximum hours are what is displayed on the child care certificate. Part-time/Full time is not specifically listed on the certificate; however, the hourly authorization is based on their need that could be FT or PT.