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 Lead Agency will apply for a transitional waiver from the Administration for Children and Families - Office of Child Care. 12/30/2024 2 The Child Care Solutions and Workforce Productivity report will be reviewed and additional data will be collected around supply gaps for infants and toddlers, children with disabilities and children in underserved geographic areas. Policy guidance and technical assistance will be 04/30/2025 received from federal partners around best practices as well as more information about how other states are meeting these requirements. 3 The Lead Agency will meet with interested and relevant internal and external stakeholders to review data and discuss budgeting and the development of these grants or contracts. 10/31/2025 4 Draft grant requirements, administrative rule, policy, consumer education materials and IT system business rules for changes will be developed. Feedback will be received from internal and external stakeholders and the Lead Agency’s Advisory Committee, and revisions will be made as needed. 01/31/2026 5 Administrative rule, policy, IT system changes will be implemented, and consumer education materials will be distributed. Grants or contracts will be available for eligible organizations or programs to apply. 08/01/2026