6.3 Ongoing Training and Professional Development

6.3.1 Required hours of ongoing training Provide the number of hours of ongoing training required annually for CCDF-eligible providers in the following settings: a. Licensed child care centers: 32 hours biannually. The 32 training credits requirement is currently considered to be non-compliant pursuant to the Preliminary Notice of Non- Compliance dated 3/08/2024. As such, the department is revising its rules to convert this to a 16 hour per year annual requirement; however, these rules will not be in effect until after October 1, 2024 so the Department will need additional time to meet this requirement. b. License-exempt child care centers: 8 hours per year. This requirements is clearly identified in the Wyoming Purchase of Service Rules for license-exempt providers, Section 14(a)vi) which states (a) the selected child care provider shall: (vi) complete a pre-service health and safety orientation training and eight (8) credits of health and safety training annually thereafter. c. Licensed family child care homes: 32 hours biannually. The 32 training credits requirement is currently considered to be non-compliant pursuant to the Preliminary Notice of Non-Compliance dated 3/08/2024. As such, the department is revising its rules to convert this to a 16 hour per year annual requirement; however, these rules will not be in effect until after October 1, 2024 so the Department will need additional time to meet this requirement. d. License-exempt family child care homes: 8 hours per year. This requirements is clearly identified in the Wyoming Purchase of Service Rules for license-exempt providers, Section 14(a)vi) which states (a) the selected child care provider shall: (vi) complete a pre-service health and safety orientation training and eight (8) credits of health and safety training annually thereafter. e. Regulated or registered in-home child care: 8 hours per year. This requirements is clearly identified in the Wyoming Purchase of Service Rules for license-exempt providers, Section 14(a)vi) which states (a) the selected child care provider shall: (vi) complete a pre-service health and safety orientation training and eight (8) credits of health and safety training annually thereafter. f. Non-regulated or registered in-home child care: N/A 6.3.2 Accessibility of professional development for Tribal organizations Describe how the Lead Agency’s training and professional development are accessible to providers supported through Indian tribes or Tribal organizations receiving CCDF funds (as applicable). All trainings that are state approved are placed on a training calendar accessible to all providers across the state, including providers from both Tribes. Surveys are conducted to analyze the training needs of providers across the state, including providers from both Tribes. Once specific trainings are identified to meet the needs, the Department works with STARS and other stakeholders to target trainings in areas across the state. Additionally, there are trainings offered around the state on a regular basis to meet required training subjects provided by state and local entities. There are approved web based training available on a regular basis. The training and professional development requirements are applicable to all providers across the state. The Department works with STARS and other stakeholders to identify specialized training opportunities addressing children with disabilities, Native Americans, and English language learners. In addition, the Department and other stakeholders (STARS, Parents As Teachers, Uplift, University of Wyoming, PIC/PEN, etc.) provide specialized training focusing on children of different age groups, including infant/toddler training. Training opportunities include face-to-face training as well as online training and books to ensure that the rural areas of Wyoming are covered. 6.3.3 Professional development appropriate for the children, families, and child care providers Describe how the Lead Agency’s training and professional development requirements reflect the range of children, families, and child care providers participating in CCDF. To the extent practicable, how does professional development include specialized training or credentials for providers who care for infants or school-age children; individuals with limited English proficiency; children who are bilingual; children with developmental delays or disabilities; and/or Native Americans, including Indians, as the term is defined in Section 900.6 in subpart B of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (including Alaska Natives) and Native Hawaiians? The Wyoming Statewide Training and Resource System (STARS) contains courses related to all of the identified groups of individuals; however, there is currently only one (1) approved course for Native Americans, including Indians. With the exception of the required health and safety training, providers develop training plans or identify needed training to meet their needs and the needs of the children they serve (elective hours for training). Specialized professional development opportunities are identified specific to the developmental stage and age of the children in care recognizing that children have distinct needs in behavioral supports, mental, physical, social and academic development, including infants, school age children and children with developmental delays or disabilities. As part of the Department’s development of its modernized ECARES system, the department is undergoing an extensive review of all currently approved courses to transition to the updated learning management system module as well as identifying courses to add that meet the remaining requirements for serving children with developmental delays or disabilities, children who are Native Americans, including Indians, as the term is defined in Section 900.6 in subpart B of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (including Alaska Natives) and Native Hawaiians. The Department will also be looking to include additional trainings related to the other identified categories of children and families. 6.3.4 Child developmental screening Describe how all providers receive, through training and professional development, information about: (1) existing resources and services the State/Territory can make available in conducting developmental screenings and providing referrals to services when appropriate for children who receive assistance under this part, including the coordinated use of the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment program (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) and developmental screening services available under section 619 and part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1419, 1431 et seq.); and (2) how child care providers may utilize these resources and services to obtain developmental screenings for children who receive assistance and who may be at risk for cognitive or other developmental delays, which may include social, emotional, physical, or linguistic delays: The Wyoming Department of Health is responsible for the Child Development Centers, which are the entities providing developmental screenings. The Department coordinates with the Wyoming Department of Health to ensure their recommendations about developmental screenings are readily accessible to all child care providers, parents, and consumers. All families and providers, regardless of CCDF, are able to utilize the resources and services available. As such, The Department does not describe a process or procedure in policy. However, the Department has developed a resource pamphlet for all parents and providers which contains information regarding developmental screening services including the entities providing the screenings across the state with their contact information and Medicaid (to access the EPSDT). These pamphlets are provided to all persons requesting a child care assistance application through the Department’s Child Care Assistance workers and/or support staff. Additionally, Child Care Providers participate in annual statewide training and receive information related to developmental screening. The Department’s Child Care Resource & Referral staff also e- blasts the information to all providers, including licensing staff, on a quarterly basis.