CCDF State and Territories Plan Preprint |
Index: ACYF-PI-CC-03-04 | Guidance | Plan Preprint | Dear Colleague Letter (01/20/03) |
Related Items: ACF Regional Administrators | FFY 2002-2003 State Plan |
(Also available in Word and PDF) |
CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT
FUND PLAN
FOR
FFY 2004-2005
This Plan describes the CCDF program to be conducted by the State for the period 10/1/03 - 9/30/05. As provided for in the applicable statutes and regulations, the Lead Agency has the flexibility to modify this program at any time, including changing the options selected or described herein.
The official text of the applicable laws and regulations govern,
and the Lead Agency acknowledges its responsibility to adhere to them
regardless of the fact that, for purposes of simplicity and clarity,
the specific provisions printed herein are sometimes paraphrases of,
or excerpts and incomplete quotations from, the full text.
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 162.57 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and reviewing the collection of information. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a
person is not required to respond to, a collection of information
unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. (Form ACF 118 Approved OMB Number: 0970-0114 expires 02-29-2004) |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 2 DEVELOPING THE CHILD CARE PROGRAM
Section 2.1 - Consultation and Results of Coordination
Section 2.2 - Public Hearing Process
Section 2.3 - Public-Private Partnerships
PART 3 CHILD CARE SERVICES OFFERED
Section 3.1 - Description of Child Care Services
Section 3.2 - Payment Rates for Child Care
Section 3.3 - Eligibility Criteria for Child Care
Section 3.4 - Priorities for Serving Children and Families
Section 3.5 - Sliding Fee Scale for Child Care Services
Section 3.6 - Certificate Payment System
PART 5 ACTIVITIES & SERVICES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY AND AVAILABILITY OF CHILD CARE
Section 5.1 - Quality Earmarks and Set-Aside
Section 5.2 - Good Start, Grow Smart Planning & Development
PART
6 HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR PROVIDERS
(50 States & District of Columbia only)
Section 6.1 - Health and Safety Requirements for Center-based providers
Section 6.2 - Health and Safety Requirements for Group Home providers
Section 6.3 - Health and Safety Requirements for Family providers
Section 6.4 - Health and Safety Requirements for In-Home providers
Section 6.5 - Exemptions to Health and Safety Requirements
Section 6.6 - Enforcement of Health and Safety Requirements
Section 6.7 - Exemptions from Immunization Requirements
PART 7 HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IN THE TERRITORIES
APPENDIX
1 -- PROGRAM ASSURANCES & CERTIFICATIONS
APPENDIX
2 -- ELIGIBILITY AND PRIORITY TERMINOLOGY
APPENDIX 3 -- ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS (on file - not included here)
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
AMENDMENTS LOG (back to top)
Child Care and Development Services Plan for
For the period: 10/1/03 -- 9/30/05
SECTION AMENDED
|
EFFECTIVE/
PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE
|
DATE SUBMITTED
TO ACF
|
DATE APPROVED
BY ACF
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Instructions:
- Lead Agency completes the first 3 columns and sends a photocopy of this Log (showing the latest amendment sent to ACF) and the amended section(s) to the ACF Regional contact. A copy of the Log, showing the latest amendment pending in ACF, is retained in the Lead Agency's Plan.
- ACF completes column 4 and returns a photocopy of the Log to the grantee.
- The Lead Agency replaces this page in the Plan with the copy of
the Log received from ACF showing the approval date.
Note: This process depends on repeated subsequent use of the same
Log page over the life of the Plan. At any time the Log should reflect
all amendments, both approved and pending in ACF. The Lead Agency
is advised to retain those "old" plan pages that are superseded
by amendments in a separate appendix to its Plan.
PART 1 -- ADMINISTRATION (back to top)
The agency shown below has been designated by the Chief Executive Officer of the State (or Territory), to represent the State (or Territory) as the Lead Agency. The Lead Agency agrees to administer the program in accordance with applicable Federal laws and regulations and the provisions of this Plan, including the assurances and certifications appended hereto. (658D, 658E)
1.1 |
Lead Agency Information (as designated by State chief executive officer) Name of Lead Agency: Address of Lead Agency: Name and Title of the Phone & Fax Numbers:
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1.2 |
State Child Care (CCDF) Contact Information (day-to-day contact) Name and Title of the Address of Contact: Phone & Fax Numbers:
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1.3 |
Estimated Funding The Lead Agency estimates that the following amounts will be available for child care services and related activities during the 1-year period: October 1, 2003 through September 30, 2004. (§98.13(a)) -CCDF: $
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1.4 |
The Lead Agency estimates that the following amount (and percentage) of the CCDF will be used to administer the program (not to exceed 5 percent): $__________ ( %). (658E(c)(3), §§98.13(a), 98.52)
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1.5 |
Does the Lead Agency directly administer and implement all services, programs and activities funded under the CCDF Act, including those described in Part 5.1 - Activities & Services to Improve the Quality and Availability of Child Care, Quality Earmarks and Set-Aside? ( ) Yes. - GO to Section 1.8.
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1.6 |
For child care services funded under §98.50 (i.e., certificates,
vouchers, grants/contracts
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1.7 |
Is any entity named in response to section 1.6 a non-governmental entity?(See section 1.6 of the guidance). (658D(b), §§98.10(a), 98.11(a)) ( ) No.
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Section 1.8 - Use of Private Donated Funds
1.8.1 |
Will the Lead Agency use private donated funds to meet a part of the matching requirement of the CCDF pursuant to §98.53(e)(2) and (f)? ( ) No. GO TO 1.9
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Section 1.9 - Use of State Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) Expenditures for CCDF-Eligible Children
1.9.1 |
During this plan period, will State expenditures for Pre-K
programs be used to meet any of the CCDF maintenance
of effort (MOE) requirement? ______ The State assures that its level of effort in full day/full year child care services has not been reduced, pursuant to §98.53(h)(1). ______ Estimated % of the MOE requirement that will be met with pre-K expenditures. (It may not exceed 20%.) If the State uses Pre-K expenditures to meet more than
10% of the MOE requirement, the following describes how the
State will coordinate its Pre-K and child care services to expand
the availability of child care (§98.53(h)(4)):
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1.9.2 |
During this plan period, will State expenditures for Pre-K
programs be used to meet any of the CCDF Matching Fund
requirement? (§98.53(h)) ______ Estimated % of the Matching Fund requirement will be met with pre-K expenditures. (It may not exceed 20%.) If the State uses Pre-K expenditures to meet more than
10% of the Matching Fund requirement, the following describes
how the State will coordinate its Pre-K and child care services
to expand the availability of child care (§98.53(h)(4)):
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1.9.3 |
If the State answered yes to 1.9.1 or 1.9.2, the following
describes State efforts to ensure that pre-K programs meet the
needs of working parents (§98.53(h)(2)):
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PART 2 -- DEVELOPING THE CHILD CARE PROGRAM
(back
to top)
2.1 - Consultation and Coordination
2.1.1 |
Consultation. Describe the consultation the Lead Agency held in developing this Plan and the results of that consultation. At a minimum, the description must include the following:
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2.1.2 |
Coordination. Lead Agencies are required to coordinate with other Federal, State, local, tribal (if applicable), and private agencies providing child care and early childhood development services. Check any of the following services provided by agencies with which the Lead Agency coordinates. In each case identify the agency providing the service and describe the coordination and expected results:
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2.2 - Public Hearing
Describe the Statewide public hearing process held to provide the public an opportunity to comment on the provision of child care services under this Plan. At a minimum, the description must indicate:
- Date(s) of statewide notice of public hearing _________________________
- Manner of notifying the public about the statewide hearing ________________________
- Date(s) of public hearing(s) ________________________
- Hearing site(s) ___________________________________
- How the content of the plan was made available to the public in
advance of the public hearing(s) (658D(b)(1)(C), §98.14(c)):
2.3 - Public-Private Partnerships
- Describe the activities, including planned activities, to encourage
public-private partnerships that promote private-sector involvement
in meeting child care needs, including the results or expected
results.(658D(b)(1), §98.16(d)):
Section 3.1 - Description of Child Care Services
REMINDER: The Lead Agency must offer certificates for services funded under 45 CFR 98.50. (98.30) Certificates must permit parents to choose from a variety of child care categories, including center-based care, group home care, family child care and in-home care. (§98.30(e))
3.1.1 |
In addition to offering certificates, does the Lead Agency also have grants or contracts for child care slots?
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3.1.2 | The Lead Agency must allow for in-home care but
may limit its use. Does the Lead Agency limit the use of in-home
care in any way?
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3.1.3 |
Are all of the child care services described in 3.1.1 above (including certificates) offered throughout the State? (658E(a), §98.16(g)(3))
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Section 3.2 - Payment Rates for the Provision of Child Care
The statute at 658E(c)(4) and the regulations at §98.43(b)(1)
require the Lead Agency to establish payment rates for child care
services that ensure eligible children equal access to comparable
care. These rates are provided as Attachment __________. The attached
payment rates are effective as of _________________.
The following is a summary of the facts relied on by the State to
determine that the attached rates are sufficient to ensure equal access
to comparable child care services provided to children whose parents
are not eligible to receive child care assistance under the CCDF and
other governmental programs. Include, at a minimum:
- The month and year when the local market rate survey(s) was completed:
___________________ . (§98.43(b)(2)) A copy of the Market Rate
Survey instrument and a summary of the results of the survey are
provided as Attachment __________.
- How the payment rates are adequate to ensure equal access based
on the results of the above noted local market rate survey (i.e.,
the relationship between the attached payment rates and the market
rates observed in the survey): (§98.43(b))
- Additional facts that the Lead Agency relies on to determine that
its payment rates ensure equal access include: (§98.43(d))
- If the payment rates do not reflect individual rates for the full range of providers -- center-based, group home, family and in-home care -- explain how the choice of the full range of providers is made available to parents.
Section 3.3 - Eligibility Criteria for Child Care
By statute, all eligible children must be under the age of 13, or under age 19 if physically or mentally incapable of self-care, or under court supervision, and reside with a family whose income does not exceed 85% of the State Median Income (SMI) for a family of the same size and whose parent(s) are working or attending a job training or educational program or who receive or need to receive protective services. (658E(c)(3)(B), 658P(3), §98.20(a))
3.3.1 | Complete column (a) in the matrix below.
Complete Column (b) ONLY IF the Lead Agency is using income
eligibility limits lower than 85% of the SMI). |
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The Lead Agency uses the State Median Income (SMI) of the year _____________________. If applicable, the date on which the eligibility limits detailed in column (b) became effective: _____________________. |
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3.3.2 |
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3.3.3 |
Has the Lead Agency established additional eligibility conditions or priority rules, for example, income limits that vary in different parts of the State, special eligibility for families receiving TANF, or eligibility that differs for families that include a child with special needs? (658E(c)(3)(B), §98.16(g)(5), §98.20(b)) ( ) No
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3.3.4 |
Has the Lead Agency elected to waive, on a case-by-case basis, the fee and income eligibility requirements for cases in which children receive, or need to receive, protective services, as defined in Appendix 2? (658E(c)(3)(B), 658P(3)(C)(ii), §98.20(a)(3)(ii)(A)) ( ) Not Applicable, CCDF-funded child care is not provided
in cases in which children receive, or need to receive, protective
services.
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3.3.5 |
Does the Lead Agency allow child care for children above age 13 but below age 19 who are physically and/or mentally incapable of self-care? (Physical and mental incapacity must then be defined in Appendix 2.) (658E(c)(3)(B), 658P(3), §98.20(a)(1)(ii)) ( ) No
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3.3.6 |
Does the Lead Agency allow child care for children above age 13 but below age 19 who are under court supervision? (658P(3), 658E(c)(3)(B), §98.20(a)(1)(ii) ( ) No
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3.3.7 |
Does the State choose to provide CCDF-funded child care to children in foster care whose foster care parents are not working, or who are not in education/training activities? (§§98.20(a)(3)(ii), 98.16(f)(7)) ( ) Yes. (NOTE: This means that for CCDF
purposes the State considers these children to be in protective
services.) |
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3.3.8 |
Does the State choose to provide respite child care to children in protective services? (§§98.16(f)(7), 98.20(a)(3)(ii)(A) & (B)) ( ) Yes.
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Section 3.4 Priorities for Children
3.4.1 |
The following describes the priorities for serving CCDF-eligible children including how priority required by the statute is given to children of families with very low family income and children with special needs: (Terms must be defined in Appendix 2) (658E(c)(3)(B))
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3.4.2 |
The following describes how CCDF funds will be used to meet the needs of families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), those attempting to transition off TANF through work activities, and those at risk of becoming dependent on TANF. (658E(c)(2)(H), Section 418(b)(2) of the Social Security Act, §§98.50(e), 98.16(g)(4))
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3.4.3 |
The following describes how the Lead Agency addresses situations in which funding is not sufficient to serve all families that are technically eligible under State policies:
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Section 3.5 - Sliding Fee Scale for Child Care Services
3.5.1 |
A sliding fee scale, which is used to determine each family's contribution to the cost of child care, must vary based on income and the size of the family. A copy of this sliding fee scale for child care services and an explanation of how it works is provided as Attachment ___________________. The attached fee scale is effective as of _____________________. ( ) No.
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3.5.2 |
Is the sliding fee scale provided in the attachment in response to question 3.5.1 used in all parts of the State? (658E(c)(3)(B)) ( ) Yes
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3.5.3 | The Lead Agency may waive contributions from families
whose incomes are at or below the poverty level for a family of
the same size, (§98.42(c)), and the poverty level used by
the Lead Agency for a family of 3 is: $_________________.
The Lead Agency must elect ONE of these options: ( ) ALL families with income at or below the poverty level
for a family of the same size ARE NOT required to pay a fee.
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3.5.4 |
Does the Lead Agency have a policy that prohibits a child care provider from charging families any unsubsidized portion of the provider's normal fees (in addition to the contributions discussed in 3.5.1)? (§98.43(b)(3)) ( ) No
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3.5.5 |
The following is an explanation of how the copayments required by the Lead Agency's sliding fee scale(s) are affordable: (§98.43(b)(3))
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Section 3.6 - Certificate Payment System
A child care certificate means a certificate, check, or other disbursement that is issued by the Lead Agency directly to a parent who may use it only to pay for child care services from a variety of providers including community and faith-based providers (center-based, group home, family and in-home child care), or, if required, as a deposit for services. (658E(c)(2)(A)), 658P(2), §§98.2, 98.16(k), 98.30(c)(3) & (e)(1))
Describe the overall child care certificate payment process, including,
at a minimum:
3.6.1 |
A description of the form of the certificate: (§98.16(k))
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3.6.2 | A description of how the certificate program permits
parents to choose from a variety of child care settings by explaining
how a parent moves from receipt of the certificate to the choice
of provider: (658E(c)(2)(A)(iii), 658P(2), §§98.2, 98.30(c)(4)
& (e)(1) & (2))
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3.6.3 |
If the Lead Agency is also providing child care services through grants and contracts, explain how it ensures that parents offered child care services are given the option of receiving a child care certificate. (§98.30(a) & (b))
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PART 4 - PROCESSES WITH PARENTS (back to top)
4.1 |
The following describes the process for a family to apply for and receive child care services (658D(b)(1)(A), 658E(c)(2)(D) & (3)(B), §§98.16(k), 98.30(a) through (e)). If the process varies for families based on eligibility category, for instance, TANF versus non-TANF, please describe. The description should include:
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4.2 |
The following is a detailed description of how the State maintains a record of substantiated parental complaints and how it makes the information regarding such parental complaints available to the public on request. (658E(c)(2)(C), §98.32))
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4.3 |
The following is a detailed description of the procedures in effect in the State for affording parents unlimited access to their children whenever their children are in the care of a provider who receives CCDF funds. (658E(c)(2)(B), §98.31))
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4.4 |
The regulations at §98.33(b) require the Lead Agency to inform parents who receive TANF benefits about the exception to the individual penalties associated with the work requirement for any single custodial parent who has a demonstrated inability to obtain needed child care for a child under 6 years of age. In fulfilling this requirement, the following criteria or definitions are applied by the TANF agency to determine whether the parent has a demonstrated inability to obtain needed child care: NOTE: The TANF agency, not the Child Care Lead Agency, is responsible
for establishing the following criteria or definitions. These
criteria or definitions are offered in this Plan as a matter
of public record. The TANF agency that established these criteria
or definitions is: __________________________________________.
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PART
5 - ACTIVITIES & SERVICES TO IMPROVE
THE QUALITY AND AVAILABILITY OF CHILD CARE
(back
to top)
5.1 - Quality Earmarks and Set-Asides
5.1.1 |
The Child Care and Development Fund provides earmarks for infant and toddler care and school-age care and resource and referral services as well as the special earmark for quality activities. The following describes the activities; identifies the entities providing the activities; and describes the expected results of the activities. Infants and toddlers:
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5.1.2 |
The law requires that not less than 4% of the
CCDF be set aside for quality activities (658E(c)(3)(B). 658G,
§§98.13(a), 98.16(h), 98.51). The Lead Agency estimates
that the following amount and percentage will be used for the
quality activities (not including earmarked funds):
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5.1.3 |
Check either "Yes" or "No" for each activity listed to indicate the activities the Lead Agency will undertake to improve the availability and quality of child care (include activities funded through the 4% quality set-aside as well as the special earmark for quality activities). (658D(b)(1)(D), 658E(c)(3)(B), §§98.13(a), 98.16(h))
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5.1.4 |
Describe each activity that is checked "Yes" above, identify the entity(ies) providing the activity, and describe the expected results of the activity.
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5.1.5 |
Is any entity identified in sections 5.1.1 or 5.1.4 a non-governmental entity? ( ) No. Name: |
5.2 - Good Start, Grow Smart Planning and Development
This section of the Plan relates to the President's Good Start, Grow Smart initiative which is envisioned as a Federal-State partnership that creates linkages between CCDF, including funds set-aside for quality, and State public and private efforts to promote early learning. In this section, each Lead Agency is asked to assess its State's progress toward developing voluntary guidelines on language, literacy, pre-reading, and numeracy, a plan for the education and training of child care providers, and a plan for coordination across at least four early childhood programs and funding streams.
5.2.1 - Voluntary Guidelines for Early Learning
- Indicate which of the following best describes the current status of the State's efforts to develop research-based early learning guidelines (content standards) regarding language, literacy, pre-reading, and numeracy for three to five year-olds:
- Describe the process that was used or is planned
for developing the State's early learning guidelines. Indicate who
or what entity provided (or is providing leadership) to the process
as well as the stakeholders involved. Was (or is) the process framed
by State legislation, research and/or guiding principles? If so,
please describe. How are (or will) the early learning guidelines
and the State's K-12 educational standards aligned? If they are
not aligned, what steps will be taken to align them? If the early
learning guidelines are in development, what is the expected date
of completion?
- Describe the domains of development that the
early learning guidelines address or are expected to address, e.g.,
social, emotional, cognitive, linguistic, and physical. States that
have completed early learning guidelines should include a copy as
an appendix to the plan. If the guidelines are available on the
web, provide the appropriate Web site address.
-
Describe the process the State used or expects to use in implementing its early learning guidelines, e.g., feedback and input processes, dissemination, piloting, training in the use of the guidelines, and linkages with other initiatives such as incentives for provider education and training. To what extent is (or was) implementation anticipated in the development of the guidelines? To which child care settings do (or will) the guidelines apply and are the guidelines voluntary or mandatory for each of these settings? How are (or will) community, cultural, linguistic and individual variations, as well as the diversity of child care settings (be) acknowledged in implementation?
- As applicable, describe the State's plan for assessing
its early learning guidelines. What will be the focus of the evaluation,
i.e., guideline development and implementation, programs or child
care settings, and/or outcomes related to children? Will young children's
progress be evaluated based on the guidelines? How will assessment
be used to improve the State's guidelines, child care programs,
plans and outcomes for individual children?
a)____ Preliminary thinking or planning.
b)____ Guidelines are being developed.
c)____ Guidelines are developed but need to be modified.
d)____ Guidelines are developed and implementation is in progress.
e)____ Guidelines are developed and implemented in pre-kindergarten programs but not in child care.
f)____ Guidelines are developed and implemented.
g)____ Other. Please describe:
Section 5.2.2 - State Plans for Professional Development
- Describe the provider training, technical assistance, and professional
development opportunities that are available to child care providers.
Are these opportunities available Statewide to all types of providers?
If not, please describe.
- Does the State have a child care provider professional development
plan?
( ) Yes. Identify the entities involved in the development of the plan and whether the plan addresses all categories of providers. As applicable, describe: how the plan includes a continuum of training and education, including articulation from one type of training to the next; how the plan addresses training quality including processes for the approval of trainers and training curriculum; how the plan addresses early language, literacy, pre-reading, and numeracy development. Indicate whether the plan is linked to early learning guidelines and, if so, how.
- Are program or provider-level incentives offered
to encourage provider training and education? If yes, please describe.
Include any links between the incentives and training relating to
early language, literacy, pre-reading, and numeracy.
- What are the expected outcomes of the State's
professional development plan and efforts to improve the skills
of child care providers? As applicable, how does (or will) the State
assess the effectiveness of its plan and efforts? If so, how does
(or will) the State use assessment to help shape its professional
development plan and training/education for child care providers?
( ) No. Indicate whether steps are under way to develop a plan. If so, describe the time frames for completion and/or implementation, the steps anticipated, and how the plan is expected to support early language, literacy, pre-reading and numeracy.
Section 5.2.3 - State Plan for Program Coordination
- Does the State have a plan for coordination across
early childhood programs?
( ) Yes.
Indicate whether there is an entity that is responsible for ensuring that such coordination occurs. Indicate the four or more early childhood programs and/or funding streams that are coordinated and describe the nature of the coordination.
( ) No.
Indicate what steps are under way to develop a plan for coordination.
- Describe the results or expected results of this
coordination. Discuss how these results relate to the development
and implementation of the State's early learning guidelines, plans
for professional development, and outcomes for children.
- Describe how the State's plan supports or will support continued coordination among the programs. Are changes anticipated in the plan?
PART 6 - HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR PROVIDERS (back to top)
(ONLY THE 50 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COMPLETE PART 6. ONLY TERRITORIES COMPLETE PART 7.)The National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care (NRCHSCC) of DHHS's Maternal and Child Health Bureau supports a comprehensive, current, on-line listing of the licensing and regulatory requirements for child care in the 50 States and the District of Columbia. In lieu of requiring a State Lead Agency to provide information that is already publicly available, ACF accepts this compilation as accurately reflecting the States' licensing requirements. The listing, which is maintained by the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, is available on the World Wide Web at: http://nrc.uchsc.edu/ |
Section 6.1 - Health and Safety Requirements for Center-Based
Providers (658E(c)(2)(F), §§98.41, §98.16(j))
6.1.1 |
Are all center-based providers paid with CCDF funds subject to licensing under State law that is indicated in the NRCHSCC's compilation? If: ( ) YES, answer 6.1.2 and proceed to 6.2.
|
6.1.2 |
Have center licensing requirements as relates to staff-child ratios, group size, or staff training been modified since approval of the last State Plan? (§98.41(a)(2) & (3)) ( ) NO
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6.1.3 |
For center-based care that is NOT licensed, and therefore not reflected in NRCHSCC's compilation, the following health and safety requirements apply to child care services provided under the CCDF for:
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Section 6.2 - Health and Safety Requirements for Group Home Providers (658E(c)(2)(F), §§98.41, 98.16(j))
6.2.1 |
Are all group home providers paid with CCDF funds subject to licensing under State law that is indicated in the NRCHSCC's compilation? If: ( ) YES, answer 6.2.2 and proceed to 6.3.
|
6.2.2 |
Have group home licensing requirements that relate to staff-child ratios, group size, or staff training been modified since the approval of the last State Plan? (§98.41(a)(2) & (3)) ( ) NO
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6.2.3 |
For group home care that is NOT licensed, and therefore not reflected in NRCHSCC's compilation, the following health and safety requirements apply to child care services provided under the CCDF for:
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Section 6.3 - Health and Safety Requirements for Family Providers (658E(c)(2)(F), §§98.41, 98.16(j))
6.3.1 |
Are all family child care providers paid with CCDF funds subject to licensing under State law that is indicated in the NRCHSCC's compilation? If: ( ) YES, answer 6.3.2 and proceed to 6.4.
|
6.3.2 |
Have family child care provider requirements that relate to staff-child ratios, group size, or staff training been modified since the approval of the last State Plan? (§98.41(a)(2) & (3)) ( ) NO
|
6.3.3 |
For family care that is NOT licensed, and therefore not reflected in NRCHSCC's compilation, the following health and safety requirements apply to child care services provided under the CCDF for:
|
Section 6.4 - Health and Safety Requirements for In-Home Providers (658E(c)(2)(F), §§98.41, 98.16(j))
6.4.1 |
Are all in-home child care providers paid with CCDF
funds subject to licensing under the State law reflected in
the NRCHSCC's compilation referenced above? If: |
6.4.2 |
Have in-home health and safety requirements that relate to
staff-child ratios, group size, or training been modified since
the approval of the last State Plan? (§98.41(a)(2) &
(3)) |
6.4.3 |
For in-home care that is NOT licensed, and therefore not reflected in NRCHSCC's compilation, the following health and safety requirements apply to child care services provided under the CCDF for:
|
Section 6.5 - Exemptions to Health and Safety Requirements
At Lead Agency option, the following relatives: grandparents, great
grandparents, aunts, uncles, or siblings (who live in a separate residence
from the child in care) may be exempted from health and safety requirements
(658P(4)(B), §98.41(a)(1)(ii)(A)). Indicate the Lead Agency's
policy regarding these relative providers:
( ) | All relative providers are subject to the same requirements as described in sections 6.1 - 6.4 above, as appropriate; there are no exemptions for relatives or different requirements for them. |
( ) | All relative providers are exempt from all health and safety requirements. |
( ) |
Some or all relative providers are subject to different
health and safety requirements from those described in sections
6.1 - 6.4. The following describes those requirements and identifies
the relatives they apply to: |
Section 6.6 - Enforcement of Health and Safety Requirements
Each Lead Agency is required to certify that procedures are in effect to ensure that child care providers of services for which assistance is provided comply with all applicable health and safety requirements. (658E(c)(2)(E), §§98.40(a)(2), 98.41(d)) The following is a description of how health and safety requirements are effectively enforced:
- Are child care providers subject to routine unannounced
visits (i.e., not specifically for the purpose of complaint investigation
or issuance/renewal of a license)?
( ) No
( ) Yes, and the following indicates the providers subject to routine unannounced visits and the frequency of those visits.
- Are child care providers subject to background checks?
( ) No
( ) Yes, and the following types of providers are subject to background checks (indicate when such checks are conducted):
- Does the State require that child care providers report serious
injuries that occur while a child is in care? ( Serious injuries
are defined as injuries requiring medical treatment by a doctor,
nurse, dentist, or other medical professional.)
( ) No
( ) Yes, and the following describes the State's reporting requirements and how such injuries are tracked (if applicable).
- Other methods used to ensure that health and safety requirements
are effectively enforced:
Section 6.7 - Exemptions from Immunization Requirements
The State assures that children receiving services under the CCDF are age-appropriately immunized, and that the health and safety provisions regarding immunizations incorporate (by reference or otherwise) the latest recommendations for childhood immunizations of the State public health agency. (§98.41(a)(1))
The State exempts the following children from immunization (check
all that apply):
____ | Children who are cared for by relatives (defined as grandparents, great grandparents, siblings (if living in a separate residence130 aunts and uncles). |
____ | Children who receive care in their own homes. |
____ | Children whose parents object to immunization on religious grounds. |
____ | Children whose medical condition contraindicates immunization. |
PART 7 - HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IN THE TERRITORIES (back to top)
Section 7.1 - Health and Safety Requirements for Center-Based Providers in the Territories (658E(c)(2)(F), §98.41(a), §98.16(j))
For all center-based care, the following health and safety requirements apply to child care services provided under the CCDF for:
- The prevention and control of infectious disease (including age-appropriate
immunizations)
- Building and physical premises safety
- Health and safety training
Section 7.2 - Health and Safety Requirements for Group Home Providers in the Territories (658E(c)(2)(F), §98.41(a), §98.16(j))
For all group home care, the following health and safety requirements apply to child care services provided under the CCDF for:
- The prevention and control of infectious disease (including age-appropriate
immunizations)
- Building and physical premises safety
- Health and safety training
Section 7.3 - Health and Safety Requirements for Family Providers in the Territories (658E(c)(2)(F), §98.41(a), §98.16(j))
For all family child care, the following health and safety requirements apply to child care services provided under the CCDF for:
- The prevention and control of infectious disease (including age-appropriate
immunizations)
- Building and physical premises safety
- Health and safety training
Section 7.4 - Health and Safety Requirements for In-Home Providers in the Territories (658E(c)(2)(F), §98.41(a), §98.16(j))
For all in-home care, the following health and safety requirements apply to child care services provided under the CCDF for:
- The prevention and control of infectious disease (including age-appropriate
immunizations)
- Building and physical premises safety
- Health and safety training
Section 7.5 - Exemptions to Territorial Health and Safety Requirements
At Lead Agency option, the following relatives may be exempted from health and safety requirements: grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, or siblings (who live in a separate residence from the child in care) (658P(4)(B), §98.41(a)(1)(ii)(A)). Indicate the Lead Agency's policy regarding these relative providers:
( ) | All relative providers are subject to the same requirements as described in sections 7.1 - 7.4 above, as appropriate; there are no exemptions for relatives or different requirements for them. |
( ) | All relative providers are exempt from all health and safety requirements. |
( ) | Some or all relative providers are subject to different
health and safety requirements from those described in sections
7.1 - 7.4 and the following describes those different requirements
and which relatives they apply to: |
Section 7.6 - Enforcement of Health and Safety Requirements
Each Lead Agency is required to certify that procedures are in effect to ensure that child care providers of services for which assistance is provided comply with all applicable health and safety requirements. (658E(c)(2)(E), §§98.40(a)(2), 98.41(d)) The following is a description of how Territorial health and safety requirements are effectively enforced:
- Are child care providers subject to routine unannounced visits
(i.e., not specifically for the purpose of complaint investigation
or issuance/renewal of a license)?
( ) No
( ) Yes, and the following indicates the providers subject to routine unannounced visits and the frequency of those visits.
- Are child care providers subject to background checks?
( ) No
( ) Yes, and the following types of providers are subject to background checks (indicate when such checks are conducted):
- Does the Territory require that child care providers report serious
injuries that occur while a child is in care? ( Serious injuries
are defined as injuries requiring medical treatment by a doctor,
nurse, dentist, or other medical professional.)
( ) No
( ) Yes, and the following describes the Territory's reporting requirements and how such injuries are tracked (if applicable).
- Other methods used to ensure that health and safety requirements
are effectively enforced:
Section 7.7 - Exemptions from Immunization Requirements
The Territory assures that children receiving services under the CCDF are age-appropriately immunized, and that the health and safety provisions regarding immunizations incorporate (by reference or otherwise) the latest recommendations for childhood immunizations of the Territorial public health agency. (§98.41(a)(1))
The Territory exempts the following children from immunization (check all that apply):
____ | Children who are cared for by relatives (defined as grandparents, great grandparents, siblings (if living in a separate residence), aunts and uncles). |
____ | Children who receive care in their own homes. |
____ | Children whose parents object to immunization on religious grounds. |
____ | Children whose medical condition contraindicates immunization. |
APPENDIX 1 -- PROGRAM ASSURANCES AND CERTIFICATIONS (back to top)
The Lead Agency, named in Part 1 of this Plan, assures that:
- upon approval, it will have in effect a program that complies
with the provisions of the Plan printed herein, and is administered
in accordance with the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act
of 1990 as amended, Section 418 of the Social Security Act, and
all other applicable Federal laws and regulations. (658D(b), 658E(a))
- the parent(s) of each eligible child within the State who receives
or is offered child care services for which financial assistance
is provided is given the option either to enroll such child with
a child care provider that has a grant or contract for the provision
of the service; or to receive a child care certificate. (658E(c)(2)(A)(i))
- in cases in which the parent(s) elects to enroll the child with
a provider that has a grant or contract with the Lead Agency, the
child will be enrolled with the eligible provider selected by the
parent to the maximum extent practicable. (658E(c)(2)(A)(ii))
- the child care certificate offered to parents shall be of a value
commensurate with the subsidy value of child care services provided
under a grant or contract. (658E(c)(2)(A)(iii)
- with respect to State and local regulatory requirements, health
and safety requirements, payment rates, and registration requirements,
State or local rules, procedures or other requirements promulgated
for the purpose of the Child Care and Development Fund will not
significantly restrict parental choice among categories of care
or types of providers. (658E(c)(2)(A), §98.15(p), §98.30(g),
§98.40(b)(2), §98.41(b), §98.43(c), §98.45(d))
- that children receiving services under the CCDF are age-appropriately
immunized, and that the health and safety provisions regarding immunizations
incorporate (by reference or otherwise) the latest recommendation
for childhood immunizations of the State public health agency. (§98.41(a)(1))
- that CCDF Discretionary funds are used to supplement, not supplant, State general revenue funds for child care assistance for low-income families. (P.L. 106-554)
The Lead Agency also certifies that:
- it has procedures in place to ensure that providers of child
care services for which assistance is provided under the Child Care
and Development Fund afford parents unlimited access to their children
and to the providers caring for their children during the normal
hours of operations and whenever such children are in the care of
such providers. (658E(c)(2)(B))
- it maintains a record of substantiated parental complaints and
makes information regarding such complaints available to the public
on request. (658E(c)(2)(C))
- it will collect and disseminate to parents of eligible children
and the general public, consumer education information that will
promote informed child care choices. (658E(c)(2)(D))
- it has in effect licensing requirements applicable to child care
services provided in the State. (658E(c)(2)(E))
- there are in effect within the State (or other area served by
the Lead Agency), under State or local law, requirements designed
to protect the health and safety of children; these requirements
are applicable to child care providers that provide services for
which assistance is made available under the Child Care and Development
Fund. (658E(c)(2)(E))
- procedures are in effect to ensure that child care providers
of services for which assistance is provided under the Child Care
and Development Fund comply with all applicable State or local health
and safety requirements. (658E(c)(2)(G))
- payment rates under the Child Care and Development Fund for the provision of child care services are sufficient to ensure equal access for eligible children to comparable child care services in the State or sub-State area that are provided to children whose parents are not eligible to receive assistance under this program or under any other Federal or State child care assistance programs. (658E(c)(4)(A))
APPENDIX 2 - ELIGIBILITY AND PRIORITY TERMINOLOGY: (back to top)
For purposes of determining eligibility and priority for CCDF-funded child care services, lead agencies must define the following italicized terms. (658P, 658E(c)(3)(B))
- job training and educational program -
- attending (a job training or educational program; include
minimum hours if applicable) -
- in loco parentis -
- physical or mental incapacity (if the Lead Agency provides
such services to children age 13 and older) -
- protective services -
- residing with -
- special needs child -
- very low income -
- working (include minimum hours if applicable) -
- Additional terminology related to conditions of eligibility or
priority established by the Lead Agency:
Index: ACYF-PI-CC-03-04 | Guidance | Plan Preprint | Dear Colleague Letter (01/20/03) |
Related Items: ACF Regional Administrators | FFY 2002-2003 State Plan |