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: DFS is currently researching and exploring how to implement this requirement and will be submitting a waiver request. The Department will conduct research, review data identifying underserved geographic areas, number of CCDF eligible children with disabilities, number of CCDF eligible infants and toddlers, licensed capacity for infants and toddlers (including # of licensed slots, # of occupied slots, and identification of waitlists), and develop a plan to implement some contract or grants for the identified populations. Federal Technical Assistance may be required for successful implementation of this requirement. 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. [x] Restricted based on the in-home provider meeting a minimum age requirement. Describe: Minimum age of 18 years. iii. [ ] Restricted based on the hours of care (i.e., certain number of hours, non- traditional work hours). Describe: iv. [ ] 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: 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: The Department participated in a 25 state study conducted by the BiPartisan Policy Center focused on child care gaps. This valuable data provides a starting point for the Department and its many partners to work to close the child care gap. In addition to participation in this project, the Department has been actively engaged with ALIGN, WY Kids FIrst, the Wyoming Early Childhood State Advisory Council and many other partners on the Preschool Development Grant BIrth through 5 (Implementation). The Wyoming Early Childhood Statewide Strategic Plan identifies strategies to increase the availability of affordable quality early childhood education and birth through 5 services, including development of a centralized information hub with comprehensive information for families seeking early care and education and other services. The Department and the Wyoming Early Childhood State Advisory Council via the Preschool Development Grant BIrth through 5 will track progress by monitoring the increased number of families reporting knowledge of the information hub and easier access to available services and supports (family surveys, family and provider focus groups). Additionally, the Department’s ECARES system will allow data analysts to identify the ages of children parents are seeking care for. Family Resource Centers (FRCs) have been established in 22 of Wyoming’s 23 counties and are being supported with ARPA Discretionary funds. The FRCs will provide multiple services and resources to diverse families and children, increase protective factors, and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. FRCs are required to collaborate with local child care licensers to share information regarding child care subsidies with their community partners, develop an understanding of the Child Care Licensing requirements and community implementation, and understanding of the child care availability in the community. DFS is developing a Child Care Provider toolkit, which will guide a prospective child care provider on how to become licensed as well as how to continue to be licensed; this tool will be utilized by the FRCs. ii. Method of tracking progress: The Department will use its monthly licensing reports to monitor progress regarding increasing the number and capacity of child care providers. iii. What is the plan to address the child care shortages using family child care homes The Department is a recipient of the State Capacity Building Center Impact Project Grant and is utilizing the funds to create a provider toolkit to help providers become and continue being licensed in Wyoming to increase the number of providers and increase child care capacity. iv. What is the plan to address the child care shortages using child care centers? The Department is a recipient of the State Capacity Building Center Impact Project Grant and is utilizing the funds to create a provider toolkit to help providers become and continue being licensed in Wyoming to increase the number of providers and increase child care capacity. b. In different regions of the State or Territory: i. Data sources used to identify shortages: The Department participated in a 25 state study conducted by the BiPartisan Policy Center focused on child care gaps. This valuable data provides a starting point for the Department and its many partners to work to close the child care gap. In addition to participation in this project, the Department has been actively engaged with ALIGN, WY Kids FIrst, the Wyoming Early Childhood State Advisory Council and many other partners on the Preschool Development Grant BIrth through 5 (Implementation). The Wyoming Early Childhood Statewide Strategic Plan identifies strategies to increase the availability of affordable quality early childhood education and birth through 5 services, including development of a centralized information hub with comprehensive information for families seeking early care and education and other services. The Department and the Wyoming Early Childhood State Advisory Council via the Preschool Development Grant BIrth through 5 will track progress by monitoring the increased number of families reporting knowledge of the information hub and easier access to available services and supports (family surveys, family and provider focus groups). Additionally, the Department’s ECARES system will allow data analysts to identify the ages of children parents are seeking care for. Family Resource Centers (FRCs) have been established in 22 of Wyoming’s 23 counties and are being supported with ARPA Discretionary funds. The FRCs will provide multiple services and resources to diverse families and children, increase protective factors, and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. FRCs are required to collaborate with local child care licensers to share information regarding child care subsidies with their community partners, develop an understanding of the Child Care Licensing requirements and community implementation, and understanding of the child care availability in the community. DFS is developing a Child Care Provider toolkit, which will guide a prospective child care provider on how to become licensed as well as how to continue to be licensed; this tool will be utilized by the FRCs. ii. Method of tracking progress: The Department will use its monthly licensing reports to monitor progress regarding increasing the number and capacity of child care providers. iii. What is the plan to address the child care shortages using family child care homes? The Department is a recipient of the State Capacity Building Center Impact Project Grant and is utilizing the funds to create a provider toolkit to help providers become and continue being licensed in Wyoming to increase the number of providers and increase child care capacity. iv. What is the plan to address the child care shortages using child care centers? The Department is a recipient of the State Capacity Building Center Impact Project Grant and is utilizing the funds to create a provider toolkit to help providers become and continue being licensed in Wyoming to increase the number of providers and increase child care capacity. c. In care for special populations: i. Data sources used to identify shortages: The Department participated in a 25 state study conducted by the BiPartisan Policy Center focused on child care gaps. This valuable data provides a starting point for the Department and its many partners to work to close the child care gap. In addition to participation in this project, the Department has been actively engaged with ALIGN, WY Kids FIrst, the Wyoming Early Childhood State Advisory Council and many other partners on the Preschool Development Grant BIrth through 5 (Implementation). The Wyoming Early Childhood Statewide Strategic Plan identifies strategies to increase the availability of affordable quality early childhood education and birth through 5 services, including development of a centralized information hub with comprehensive information for families seeking early care and education and other services. The Department and the Wyoming Early Childhood State Advisory Council via the Preschool Development Grant BIrth through 5 will track progress by monitoring the increased number of families reporting knowledge of the information hub and easier access to available services and supports (family surveys, family and provider focus groups). Additionally, the Department’s ECARES system will allow data analysts to identify the ages of children parents are seeking care for. Family Resource Centers (FRCs) have been established in 22 of Wyoming’s 23 counties and are being supported with ARPA Discretionary funds. The FRCs will provide multiple services and resources to diverse families and children, increase protective factors, and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. FRCs are required to collaborate with local child care licensers to share information regarding child care subsidies with their community partners, develop an understanding of the Child Care Licensing requirements and community implementation, and understanding of the child care availability in the community. DFS is developing a Child Care Provider toolkit, which will guide a prospective child care provider on how to become licensed as well as how to continue to be licensed; this tool will be utilized by the FRCs. ii. Method of tracking progress: The Department will use its monthly licensing reports to monitor progress regarding increasing the number and capacity of child care providers. iii. What is the plan to address the child care shortages using family child care homes? The Department is a recipient of the State Capacity Building Center Impact Project Grant and is utilizing the funds to create a provider toolkit to help providers become and continue being licensed in Wyoming to increase the number of providers and increase child care capacity. iv. What is the plan to address the child care shortages using child care centers? The Department is a recipient of the State Capacity Building Center Impact Project Grant and is utilizing the funds to create a provider toolkit to help providers become and continue being licensed in Wyoming to increase the number of providers and increase child care capacity. 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: The Department's child care licensing staff, program staff, and Child Care Resource and Referral staff participate in local community job fairs, conferences and workshops, and Workforce Development opportunities to provide information related to becoming a child care provider. Based on the Department's recruiting efforts, the Department staff provide follow-up and technical assistance to individuals interested in becoming a child care provider. Family Resource Centers (FRCs) have been established in 22 of Wyoming’s 23 counties and are being supported with ARPA Discretionary funds. The FRCs will provide multiple services and resources to diverse families and children, increase protective factors, and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. FRCs are required to collaborate with local child care licensers to share information regarding child care subsidies with their community partners, develop an understanding of the Child Care Licensing requirements and community implementation, and understanding of the child care availability in the community. DFS is developing a Child Care Provider toolkit, which will guide a prospective child care provider on how to become licensed as well as how to continue to be licensed; this tool will be utilized by the FRCs. b. Infants and toddlers. Describe: The Department may provide Infant and Toddler set aside funds for targeted grants to improve the supply and quality of early care and education for infants and toddlers in Wyoming. Grants may be available to provide financial support and technical assistance for the planning and development of viable, quality infant and toddler programs; the expansion of quality services for infants and toddlers; and/or improvement or sustainability of the quality of infant and toddler programs. Based on the Department's recruiting efforts, the Department staff provide follow-up and technical assistance to individuals interested in becoming a child care provider. Family Resource Centers (FRCs) have been established in 22 of Wyoming’s 23 counties and are being supported with ARPA Discretionary funds. The FRCs will provide multiple services and resources to diverse families and children, increase protective factors, and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. FRCs are required to collaborate with local child care licensers to share information regarding child care subsidies with their community partners, develop an understanding of the Child Care Licensing requirements and community implementation, and understanding of the child care availability in the community. DFS is developing a Child Care Provider toolkit, which will guide a prospective child care provider on how to become licensed as well as how to continue to be licensed; this tool will be utilized by the FRCs. c. Children with disabilities. Describe: The Department's child care licensing staff, program staff, and Child Care Resource and Referral staff participate in local community job fairs, conferences and workshops, and Workforce Development opportunities to provide information related to becoming a child care provider. Based on the Department's recruiting efforts, the Department staff provide follow-up and technical assistance to individuals interested in becoming a child care provider. Family Resource Centers (FRCs) have been established in 22 of Wyoming’s 23 counties and are being supported with ARPA Discretionary funds. The FRCs will provide multiple services and resources to diverse families and children, increase protective factors, and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. FRCs are required to collaborate with local child care licensers to share information regarding child care subsidies with their community partners, develop an understanding of the Child Care Licensing requirements and community implementation, and understanding of the child care availability in the community. DFS is developing a Child Care Provider toolkit, which will guide a prospective child care provider on how to become licensed as well as how to continue to be licensed; this tool will be utilized by the FRCs. The Department may reimburse up to $250.00 more per month for children with special needs d. Children who receive care during non-traditional hours. Describe: The Department's child care licensing staff, program staff, and Child Care Resource and Referral staff participate in local community job fairs, conferences and workshops, and Workforce Development opportunities to provide information related to becoming a child care provider. Based on the Department's recruiting efforts, the Department staff provide follow-up and technical assistance to individuals interested in becoming a child care provider. Family Resource Centers (FRCs) have been established in 22 of Wyoming’s 23 counties and are being supported with ARPA Discretionary funds. The FRCs will provide multiple services and resources to diverse families and children, increase protective factors, and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. FRCs are required to collaborate with local child care licensers to share information regarding child care subsidies with their community partners, develop an understanding of the Child Care Licensing requirements and community implementation, and understanding of the child care availability in the community. DFS is developing a Child Care Provider toolkit, which will guide a prospective child care provider on how to become licensed as well as how to continue to be licensed; this tool will be utilized by the FRCs. e. Other. Specify what population is being focused on to increase supply or improve quality. Describe: 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. Wyoming as a state does not experience concentrated areas of poverty and unemployment. The poverty rate for Wyoming in the most recent data (2022) is 11.8% and the unemployment rate is 3.6% (2022). Based on the low poverty and unemployment rates in Wyoming, the Department does not prioritize access to care in a particular area. 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.