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: N/A 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? [ ] Yes. [x] 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: Parents are informed that their child care certificate allows the option to choose from a variety of child care categories on the CCFAP application. The application informs parents that their provider must be registered, licensed, or certified by CDD but does not set any other parameters or limitations for child care provider selection. e. Describe what information is included on the child care certificate: The child care certificate is issued after the parent has selected a provider. It contains information on the total CDD rate paid to provider, and if a family share is due to the provider. The certificate will also contain the hours authorized (part time, full time, or extended care), name and address of provider, name and phone number of eligibility specialists, and how to appeal the decision if a parent is not satisfied.