4.5 Supply Building

Building a supply of high-quality child care that meets the needs and preferences of parents participating in CCDF is necessary to meet CCDF’s core purposes. Lead Agencies must support parent choice by providing some portion of direct services via grants or contracts, including at a minimum for children in underserved geographic areas, infants and toddlers, and children with disabilities. 4.5.1 Child care services available through grants or contracts Does the Lead Agency provide direct child care services through grants or contracts for child care slots? [ ] Yes, statewide. Describe how the Lead Agency ensures that parents who enroll with a provider who has a grant or contract have choices when selecting a provider: [ ] Yes, in some jurisdictions, but not statewide. Describe how many jurisdictions use grants or contracts for child care slots and how the Lead Agency ensures that parents who enroll with a provider who has a grant or contract have choices when selecting a provider: [x] No. If no, describe any Lead Agency plans to provide direct child care services through grants and contracts for child care slots: CDD is currently not in compliance with this provision and intends to file a waiver to allow time to bring Vermont in compliance. If no, skip to question 4.5.2. i. If yes, identify the populations of children served through grants or contracts for child care slots (check all that apply). For each population selected, identify the number of slots allocated through grants or contracts for direct service of children receiving CCDF. [ ] Children with disabilities. Number of slots allocated through grants or contracts: [ ] Infants and toddlers. Number of slots allocated through grants or contracts: [ ] Children in underserved geographic areas. Number of slots allocated through grants or contracts: [ ] Children needing non-traditional hour care. Number of slots allocated through grants or contracts: [ ] School-age children. Number of slots allocated through grants or contracts: [ ] Children experiencing homelessness. Number of slots allocated through grants or contracts: [ ] Children in urban areas. Percent of CCDF children served in an average month: [ ] Children in rural areas. Percent of CCDF children served in an average month: [ ] Other populations. If checked, describe: ii. If yes, how are rates for slots funded by grants and contracts determined by the Lead Agency? 4.5.2 Care in the child’s home (in-home care) The Lead Agency must allow for in-home care (i.e., care provided in the child’s own home) but may limit its use. Will the Lead Agency limit the use of in-home care in any way? [x] Yes. [ ] No. If yes, what limits will the Lead Agency set on the use of in-home care? Check all that apply. i. [ ] Restricted based on the minimum number of children in the care of the in- home provider to meet the Fair Labor Standards Act (minimum wage) requirements. Describe: ii. [ ] Restricted based on the in-home provider meeting a minimum age requirement. Describe: iii. [ ] Restricted based on the hours of care (i.e., certain number of hours, non- traditional work hours). Describe: iv. [x] Restricted to care by relatives. (A relative provider must be at least 18 years of age based on the definition of eligible child care provider.) Describe: In-home care may be provided, but payment from child care financial assistance will only be made to Approved Relative Child Care ("ARCC") providers who are licensed with the State of Vermont. v. [ ] Restricted to care for children with special needs or a medical condition. Describe: vi. [ ] Restricted to in-home providers that meet additional health and safety requirements beyond those required by CCDF. Describe: vii. [ ] Other. Describe: 4.5.3 Shortages in the supply of child care Lead Agencies must identify shortages in the supply of child care providers that meet parents’ needs and preferences. What child care shortages has the Lead Agency identified in the State or Territory, and what is the plan to address the child care shortages? a. In infant and toddler programs: i. Data sources used to identify shortages: CDD relies on a needs assessment conducted by BBF to identify gaps, challenges, and barriers faced by Vermont’s children, families, and early childhood system. Let’s Grow Kids ("LGK") publishes a bi-annual Stalled at the Start report which details a region-by-region analysis of the supply and demand for child care throughout the state. The allows us to target efforts in capacity building through capacity building grant programs, business technical assistance, and professional development outreach. In addition, CDD maintains a dashboard that tracks the licensed capacity and regulated child care in Vermont and offers an extensive view of the trends in each age group and license type. ii. Method of tracking progress: CDD utilizes the Vermont Early Childhood Action Plan ("VECAP") to establish shared accountability and to achieve statewide priorities. BBF has released The State of Vermont’s Children: 2023. This document reflects on the long term VECAP goals and measures the 2022-2023 data against the metrics established by VECAP. This report is reviewed yearly to align quality improvement efforts. iii. What is the plan to address the child care shortages using family child care homes Vermont, like many states, continues to struggle with the shortage of infant and toddler care . The division invests CCDF funds to build the supply of high quality infant and toddler care across the state in partnership with First Children’s Finance. Funds are sub-granted to FCCPs that intend to increase or maintain infant and toddler slots through a partnership with First Children’s Finance. Vermont has also established a Quality and Capacity earmark to target infant and toddler capacity building, among other priorities. iv. What is the plan to address the child care shortages using child care centers? Much like with the targeting of FCCPs in partnership with First Children's Finance, CDD invests CCDF funds to build the supply of high quality infant and toddler care across the state through funds that are sub-granted to CBCCPPs and intend to increase or maintain infant and toddler slots. Vermont has also established a Quality and Capacity earmark to target infant and toddler capacity building among other priorities. b. In different regions of the State or Territory: i. Data sources used to identify shortages: CDD relies on a needs assessment conducted by BBF to identify gaps, challenges, and barriers faced by Vermont’s children, families, and early childhood system. Let’s Grow Kids ("LGK") publishes a bi-annual Stalled at the Start report which details a region-by-region analysis of the supply and demand for child care throughout the state. The allows us to target efforts in capacity building through capacity building grant programs, business technical assistance, and professional development outreach. In addition, CDD maintains a dashboard that tracks the licensed capacity and regulated child care in Vermont and offers an extensive view of the trends in each age group and license type. ii. Method of tracking progress: CDD utilizes the Vermont Early Childhood Action Plan ("VECAP") to establish shared accountability and to achieve statewide priorities. BBF has released The State of Vermont’s Children: 2023. This document reflects on the long term VECAP goals and measures the 2022-2023 data against the metrics established by VECAP. This report is reviewed yearly to align quality improvement efforts. iii. What is the plan to address the child care shortages using family child care homes? Vermont is a rural state and especially struggles with supply of child care providers in the rural part of the state. The division has invested and will continue to invest CCDF funds to build the supply of high quality child care across the state in partnership with First Children’s Finance. Funds are sub-granted to providers that intend to increase capacity across the state, with special consideration for providers in areas of the state that have significant childcare shortages. In addition, in 2024, Vermont increased the CCFAP state rates for Registered Family Child Care Programs ("FCCP") by 50% of the difference between registered family child care and licensed program state rates to encourage an increase of Registered FCCP, which is key to increasing child care supply in the areas of the state with shortages. iv. What is the plan to address the child care shortages using child care centers? Much like with the targeting of FCCPs in partnership with First Children's Finance, CDD invests CCDF funds to build the supply of high quality care across the state through funds that are sub-granted to CBCCPPs and intend to increase or maintain child care slots. Funds are sub-granted to providers that intend to increase capacity across the state, with special consideration for providers in areas of the state that have significant childcare shortages. c. In care for special populations: i. Data sources used to identify shortages: CDD relies on a needs assessment conducted by BBF to identify gaps, challenges, and barriers faced by Vermont’s children, families, and early childhood system. This assessment includes identifying gaps, challenges, and barriers faced by Vermont families with needs for special services. ii. Method of tracking progress: CDD utilizes the Vermont's Early Childhood Action Plan ("VECAP") to establish shared accountability and to identify and achieve statewide priorities. BBF has released "The State of Vermont’s Children: 2023." This document reflects on the long term VECAP goals and measures the 2022- 2023 data against the metrics established by VECAP. The four set goals of VECAP include: Goal 1 - All children have a healthy start; Goal 2 - Families and communities play a leading role in children's well-being; Goal 3 - Children have access to high-quality opportunities that meet their needs; and Goal 4 - The early childhood system will be integrated, well-resourced, and data informed. This report is reviewed yearly to align our quality improvement efforts. iii. What is the plan to address the child care shortages using family child care homes? Vermont, like many states, continues to struggle with the shortage of care for special populations. CDD supports Specialized Child Care Programs through STARS and SPARQS and those are both funded by CCDF. iv. What is the plan to address the child care shortages using child care centers? CDD invests CCDF funds to build the supply of high quality child care and care for children with special needs. As with all efforts to increase child care across the state, CDD works in partnership with First Children’s Finance to distribute funds to CBCCPPs that intend to increase or maintain slots. In recent years, with the use of America Rescue Plan Act ("ARPA") funds, CDD also has been able to invest additional funds in the Special Accommodations Grants ("SAG") program, to increase the number of grants and the total amount of funding to support Specialized Child Care Providers' efforts to increase their ability to provide care for children with special needs. The funds have been used to increase staffing, purchase necessary equipment, and provide targeted professional development to aid in the increase in available child care to children with special needs. Moving forward, Vermont will utilize Preschool Development Grant ("PDG") funds to continue to provide increased opportunities to the Specialized Child Care Providers to serve more children with special needs. In addition, Vermont has also established a Quality and Capacity earmark to target infant and toddler capacity building among other priorities. 4.5.4 Strategies to increase the supply of and improve quality of child care Lead Agencies must develop and implement strategies to increase the supply of and improve the quality of child care services. These strategies must address child care in underserved geographic areas; infants and toddlers; children with disabilities, as defined by the Lead Agency; and children who receive care during non-traditional hours. How does the Lead Agency identify any gaps in the supply and quality of child care services and what strategies are used to address those gaps for: a. Underserved geographic areas. Describe: LGK, a statewide non-profit organization that focuses on supporting affordable access to high-quality child care for all Vermont families and works in partnership with CDD, publishes a yearly "Stalled at the Start" report which details a region-by-region analysis of the supply and demand for child care throughout the state. The allows us to target efforts in capacity building through capacity building grant programs, business technical assistance and professional development outreach. The division invests CCDF funds to build the supply of high quality child care across the state in partnership with First Children’s Finance. Funds are sub-granted to providers that intend to increase capacity across the state, with special consideration for underserved areas of the state. b. Infants and toddlers. Describe: Vermont utilizes VECAP to establish shared accountability and to achieve statewide priorities. BBF has released "The State of Vermont’s Children: 2023." This document reflects on the long-term VECAP goals, and measures the 2022- 2023 data against the metrics established by VECAP. This report is reviewed yearly to align our quality improvement efforts. Vermont also tracks the number of child care programs that receive sub grants through the Infant and Toddler Capacity Building Program and monitors the number of infant and toddler child care slots that are added in each region c. Children with disabilities. Describe: Children with disabilities and other specialized child care needs are eligible to apply for Special Accommodations Grants (SAG) which can be used for supports such as increased staffing, training and support for specialized child care staff; and purchase of equipment in order to maintain the placement for the child. CDD also supports an additional 10% differential in CCDF reimbursement for specialized child care. We are currently conducting a survey regarding the use of the SAG funds and inclusion and will have that data for future reporting. d. Children who receive care during non-traditional hours. Describe: Vermont’s rural nature makes it challenging to understand and meet the needs for non-traditional hours. We continue identifying non-traditional care needs through the BBF Needs Assessment, our Licensing data, and our Infant and Toddler Capacity Building Program. We work to create opportunities for non-traditional care where the need has been identified by offering sub grants to programs that can meet the need in a specific geographic area. e. Other. Specify what population is being focused on to increase supply or improve quality. Describe: Building the supply and capacity of school age care is also a priority for Vermont. We support an Afterschool capacity building grant program through Vermont Afterschool, as well as specific credit bearing professional development target to afterschool professionals. 4.5.5 Prioritization of investments in areas of concentrated poverty and unemployment Lead Agencies must prioritize investments for increasing access to high-quality child care and development services for children of families in areas that have significant concentrations of poverty and unemployment and do not currently have sufficient numbers of such programs. Describe how the Lead Agency prioritizes increasing access to high-quality child care and development services for children of families in areas that have significant concentrations of poverty and unemployment and that do not have access to high-quality programs. CDD relies on a needs assessment conducted by BBF to identify gaps, challenges, and barriers faced by Vermont’s children, families, and early childhood system. Let’s Grow Kids ("LGK") publishes a bi-annual Stalled at the Start report which details a region-by-region analysis of the supply and demand for child care throughout the state. CDD partners with First Children’s Finance and Vermont After School to provide child care building and capacity grants. These grants, which totaled roughly $2.5 million in 2023-2024, were dispersed to help providers increase capacity for both infant and toddler slots and Afterschool capacity. Both First Children’s Finance and Vermont After School worked closely with providers in underserved communities to recruit and support programs for these grants and monitor the increase or decrease of supply. Strategies used by First Children’s Finance and Vermont After School include adding specific questions in grant applications about the needs in the community and prioritization for programs that accept CCFAP and Specialized Child Care programs. In addition, our partners use their relationships and advertising of grant opportunities to help target investments in underserved areas and ensure providers in areas with significant concentrations of poverty and unemployment. In addition, CDD maintains a licensed capacity and registered program totals dashboard that reflects the totality of licensed and registered capacity for each age group and license type. The dashboard offers an extensive view of the increase and decrease in capacity since 2017. CDD also maintains a close relationship with the Head Start Collaborative Office to maintain connections with Head Start clients. CDD also partners with the Parent Child Center ("PCC") Network to support their comprehensive education and family support. 5 Health and Safety of Child Care Settings Child care health and safety standards and enforcement practices are essential to protect the health and safety of children while out of their parents’ care. CCDF provides a minimum threshold for child care health and safety policies and practices but leaves authority to Lead Agencies to design standards that appropriately protect children’s safety and promote nurturing environments that support their healthy growth and development. Lead Agencies should set standards for ratios, group size limits, and provider qualifications that help ensure that the child care environment is conducive to safety and learning and enable caregivers to promote all domains of children’s development. CCDF health and safety standards help set clear expectations for CCDF providers, form the foundation for health and safety training for child care workers, and establish the baseline for monitoring to ensure compliance with health and safety requirements. These health and safety requirements apply to all providers serving children receiving CCDF services – whether the providers are licensed or license-exempt, must be appropriate to the provider setting and age of the children served, must include specific topics and training on those topics, and are subject to monitoring and enforcement procedures by the Lead Agency. CCDF-required annual monitoring and enforcement actions help ensure that CCDF providers are adopting and implementing health and safety requirements. Through child care licensing, Lead Agencies set minimum requirements, including health and safety requirements, that child care providers must meet to legally operate in that State or Territory. In some cases, CCDF health and safety requirements may be integrated within the licensing system for licensed providers and may be separate for CCDF providers who are license- exempt. This section addresses CCDF health and safety requirements, Lead Agency licensing requirements and exemptions, and comprehensive background checks. When responding to questions in this section, OCC recognizes that each Lead Agency identifies and defines its own categories of care. OCC does not expect Lead Agencies to change their definitions to fit the CCDF-defined categories of care. For these questions, provide responses that best match the CCDF categories of care.