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: Among the facilities that reported they do not accept families receiving subsidies, the most common explanation for the decision was that the reimbursement rate was inadequate. The large administrative burden associated with accepting subsidized families was also reported to deter participation. For those who chose Other, common reasons include: - Unwilling or unable to participate in Early Achievers (21%) - Few requests for subsidized care (20%) - Unaware of the program or lack of specific information (12%) 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: At the time of application, DCYF informs parents that they are allowed to choose from a variety of Early Care and Education (ECE) categories. DCYF also refers them to CCA’s family center which supports them to seek care in a variety of ECE categories. DCYF's website provides information about state child care assistance and subsidy information, including information on the variety of ECE categories supported, at https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/earlylearning-childcare/getting-help. Finally, the eligibility documentation DCYF provides to parents is not linked to a specific provider, so parents can choose from among the variety of ECE categories supported. e. Describe what information is included on the child care certificate: DCYF provides families the child care award letter directly after they are determined eligible for child care subsidy programs. It describes the program they are approved for (Working Connections or Seasonal Child Care), their eligibility period, the activity they are participating in at the time of application that is the basis of their approval, their monthly copayment amount, how their income was determined (for eligibility and copayment determination purposes), a list of their rights and responsibilities, and contact information if they have any questions, concerns, or need to submit further information. It also includes the following: -A link to Child Care Check www.findchildcarewa.org Washington State’s licensed child care status and record database. Parents can view detailed information about a program’s licensing history, including licensing status, dates of inspections, monitoring reports, and licensing violations, plus basic staffing information, program philosophy, and level in Early Achievers, Washington’s QRIS. Families may also choose license-exempt Family, Friends, and Neighbors (FFN) care for their child. It also provides information on how to submit a provider complaint and directs parents to CCA for resource and referral. -A link to CCA, http://www.wa.childcareaware.org, Washington State’s child care referral resource. Parents can search for providers in their area based on hours’ care is available, type of care they seek, subsidy programs the provider participates in, and days and hours care is needed (including nonstandard hours). Search results indicate the provider’s Early Achievers rating, and program model. -A link to ParentHelp123, http://www.parenthelp123.org/child-development/help-me- grow-washington, providing information on child development screening.