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: Barriers include a two-touch eligibility and authorization system, insufficient number of high-quality providers that meet the needs of families, and Wisconsin statutes do not allow purchasing slots via contracts/grants. 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: During the authorization process, parents are informed by the local agency worker of their responsibility to select a child care provider, and they are provided with consumer education materials and information about the Lead Agency's Child Care Finder website and resources available through CCR&Rs. Parents may select any child care provider who is participating in Wisconsin's quality rating system, which includes private, non-for-profit, faith-based providers, centers, FCC homes, and in-home providers. e. Describe what information is included on the child care certificate: The Lead Agency authorizes child care by creating an authorization in the automated system and funds are loaded to the parent’s Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card each month. An authorization is created after the parent selects a provider. An authorization notice is sent to parents after the authorization is written. The authorization notice informs parents of the monthly authorized hours for the next three months and any additional authorized hours the parent requested for times that school is expected to be closed. The quarterly authorization notice contains the child’s name, monthly subsidy amount, and the months in that quarter for which the child has an authorization. The authorization notice also includes the name of the provider, provider number, and provider location. The authorization notice lists reporting requirements; provides information regarding overpayments, recoupments, and sanctions; informs parents that subsidy funds will drop off if not used within 90 days; and provides information regarding appeal rights.