8.3 Coordination with Child Care Resource and Referral Systems

Lead Agencies may use CCDF funds to establish or support a system or network of local or regional child care resource and referral (CCR&R) organizations that is coordinated, to the extent determined by the Lead Agency, by a statewide public or private non-profit, community-based or regionally based, lead child care resource and referral organization (such as a statewide CCR&R network). If Lead Agencies use CCDF funds for local CCR&R organizations, the local or regional CCR&R organizations supported by those funds must, at the direction of the Lead Agency: • Provide parents in the State with consumer education information concerning the full range of child care options (including faith-based and community-based child care providers), analyzed by provider, including child care provided during non-traditional hours and through emergency child care centers, in their area. • To the extent practicable, work directly with families who receive assistance to offer the families support and assistance to make an informed decision about which child care providers they will use to ensure that the families are enrolling their children in the most appropriate child care setting that suits their needs and one that is of high quality (as determined by the Lead Agency). • Collect data and provide information on the coordination of services and supports, including services under Part B, Section 619 and Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. • Collect data and provide information on the supply of and demand for child care services in areas of the State and submit the information to the Lead Agency. • Work to establish partnerships with public agencies and private entities, including faith- based and community-based child care providers, to increase the supply and quality of child care services in the State and, as appropriate, coordinate their activities with the activities of the Lead Agency and local agencies that administer funds made available through CCDF. 8.3.1 Funding a system or network of CCR&R organization(s) Does the Lead Agency fund a system or network of local or regional CCR&R organization(s)? [ ] No. The Lead Agency does not fund a system or network of local or regional CCR&R organization(s) and has no plans to establish one. [ ] No, but the Lead Agency has plans to develop a system or network of local or regional CCR&R organization(s). [x] Yes. The Lead Agency funds a system or network of local or regional CCR&R organization(s) with all the responsibilities outlined above. If yes, describe the activities outlined above carried out by the CCR&R organization(s), as directed by the Lead Agency: CCR&R is available to assist families in selecting child care providers who best meet the needs of a child and their family, by providing information concerning the full range of child care options in the state. CCR&R also provides resources and consultation to licensed child care providers. CCR&R program staff collects data including the demand for child care services in the state. CCR&R offers to Families: Information about child care options, quality, and referrals to child care programs that are licensed, certified or registered; Questionnaire resource for guidance for selecting quality child care; newsletters; Information about financial assistance; and Health and Social Services resources and information. Providers: Listing on the CCR&R referral database; Referrals to program; Help with business, child care, and regulatory questions; Information about professional development opportunities; Technical assistance consultants; and Statewide training. In addition, the CCR&R collects data regarding the demand for child care across the state, including ages of children needing care, setting, hours, etc. The Department uses the data to work with child care licensers and others in the local Department field offices to develop strategies to meet the identified needs of consumers.