Child Care Start-Up Grants

Child Care Start-Up Grants is sponsored by Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) through Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies. These grants assist child care home and center providers who are in the process of becoming licensed with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). They provide financial support to offset start-up costs for child care programs.

IDHS: Illinois Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Plan FFY 2022-2024 --> Anyone, 6 months or older, is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Find your nearest vaccination location at vaccines. gov .

--> View up to date information on Illinois' (COVID-19) vaccine plan and vaccination eligibility from the State of Illinois Coronavirus Response Site View up to date information on how Illinois is handling the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) from the State of Illinois Coronavirus Response Site View up-to-date information for IDHS staff and providers on the IDHS Coronavirus Page Illinois Department of Human Services JB Pritzker, Governor · Dulce M.

Quintero, Secretary Early Childhood Reports, Plans & Surveys Illinois CCDF Annual State Plans Illinois Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Plan FFY 2022-2024 Illinois Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Plan FFY 2022-2024 (pdf) THE PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT OF 1995 (Pub. L.

104-13) The purpose of this information collection is the application for CCDF funds and provides ACF and the public with a description of, and assurance about, the States' and Territories' child care programs. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 200 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing the form.

This is a mandatory collection of information (Pub. L. 113-186), and 42 U.S.C 9858.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB # is 0970-0114 and the expiration date is 02/29/2024. If you have any comments on this collection of information, please contact ACF Office of Child Care.

Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Plan for State/Territory Illinois FFY 2022-2024 This Plan describes the Child Care and Development Fund program to be administered by the state or territory for the period from 10/1/2021 to 9/30/2024, as provided for in the applicable statutes and regulations. The Lead Agency has the flexibility to modify this program at any time, including amending the options selected or described.

For purposes of simplicity and clarity, the specific provisions of applicable laws printed herein are sometimes paraphrases of, or excerpts and incomplete quotations from, the full text. The Lead Agency acknowledges its responsibility to adhere to the applicable laws regardless of these modifications. Introduction and How to Approach Plan Development 1 Define Leadership and Coordination with Relevant Systems and Funding Sources 1.

2 CCDF Policy Decision Authority 1. 3 Consultation in the Development of the CCDF Plan 1. 4 Coordination with Partners to Expand Accessibility and Continuity of Care 1.

5 Optional Use of Combined Funds, CCDF Matching, and Maintenance-of-Effort Funds 1. 6 Public-Private Partnerships 1. 7 Coordination with Child Care Resource and Referral Systems 1.

8 Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan 2 Promote Family Engagement Through Outreach and Consumer Education 2. 1 Outreach to Families with Limited English Proficiency and Persons with Disabilities 2. 2 Parental Complaint Process 2.

3 Consumer Education Website 2. 4 Additional Consumer and Provider Education 2. 5 Procedures for Providing Information on Developmental Screenings 3 Provide Stable Child Care Financial Assistance to Families 3.

1 Eligible Children and Families 3. 2 Family Contribution to Payments 3. 3 Increasing Access for Vulnerable Children and Families 3.

4 Continuity for Working Families 4 Ensure Equal Access to Child Care for Low-Income Children 4. 1 Maximize Parental Choice and Implement Supply Building Mechanisms 4. 2 Assess Market Rates and Analyze the Cost of Child Care 4.

3 Establish Adequate Payment Rates 4. 4 Implement Generally Accepted Payment Practices and Ensure Timeliness of Payments 4. 5 Establish Affordable Co-Payments 5 Establish Standards and Monitoring Processes to Ensure the Health and Safety of Child Care Settings 5.

1 Licensing Requirements 5. 2 Standards for Ratios, Group Size and Qualifications for CCDF Providers 5. 3 Health and Safety Standards and Training for CCDF Providers 5.

4 Monitoring and Enforcement Policies and Practices for CCDF Providers 5. 5 Comprehensive Background Checks 5. 6 Exemptions for Relative Providers 6 Recruit and Retain a Qualified and Effective Child Care Workforce 6.

1 Professional Development Framework 6. 2 Training and Professional Development Requirements 6. 3 Supporting Training and Professional Development of the Child Care Workforce with CCDF Quality Funds 6.

4 Early Learning and Developmental Guidelines 7 Support Continuous Quality Improvement 7. 1 Quality Activities Needs Assessment for Child Care Services 7. 3 Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) or Another System of Quality Improvement 7.

4 Improving the Supply and Quality of Child Care Programs and Services for Infants and Toddlers 7. 5 Child Care Resource and Referral 7. 6 Facilitating Compliance with State Standards 7.

7 Evaluating and Assessing the Quality and Effectiveness of Child Care Programs and Services 7. 8 Accreditation Support 7. 10 Other Quality Improvement Activities 8 Ensure Grantee Program Integrity and Accountability 8.

1 Internal Controls and Accountability Measures to Help Ensure Program Integrity Appendix A: MRS, Alternative Methodology and Narrow Cost Analysis Waiver Request Form Introduction and How to Approach Plan Development The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program provides resources to state, territory, and tribal grantees that enable low-income parents to work or pursue education and training so that they can better support their families while at the same time promoting the learning and development of their children.

The CCDF program also provides funding to enhance the quality of child care for all children. The CCDF Plan is how states and territories apply for CCDF funding (658E (a)) and is the primary mechanism that the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) uses to determine state and territory compliance with the requirements of the law and rule (98. 16).

ACF acknowledges that in the FY 2022 - 2024 Plan, states and territories may still be operating under approved waivers related to the COVID-19 pandemic and where appropriate plan responses should reflect the approved waivers.

The CCDF Plan allows states and territories to describe their implementation of the CCDF program and it is organized into the following sections: Define CCDF Leadership and Coordination with Relevant Systems and Funding Sources Promote Family Engagement Through Outreach and Consumer Education Provide Stable Child Care Financial Assistance to Families Ensure Equal Access to Child Care for Low-Income Children Establish Standards and Monitoring Processes to Ensure the Health and Safety of Child Care Settings Recruit and Retain a Qualified and Effective Child Care Workforce Support Continuous Quality Improvement Ensure Grantee Program Integrity and Accountability These organizational categories reflect key goals of an integrated system of child care for low-income working families.

Although the Plan is divided into sections for reporting and accountability purposes, ACF encourages Lead Agencies to approach the Plan in a cross-cutting, integrated manner. The intention is that grantees and the federal government will be able to use this information to track and assess progress, determine the need for technical assistance (TA), and determine compliance with specific requirements.

ACF recognizes that Lead Agencies use different mechanisms to establish policies, such as state statute, regulations, administrative rules, or policy manuals or policy issuances. When asked to provide a citation in the CCDF Plan, Lead Agencies should list the citation(s) for the policy that clearly identifies and establishes the requirement and that allows the Lead Agency to enforce the requirement.

Lead Agencies may list multiple sources as needed to cover all types of providers receiving CCDF (e.g., policies for licensed providers may be established in licensing regulations, and policies for license-exempt providers may be in subsidy rules). These citations are intended to provide documentation to support the requested information but not replace requested responses or descriptions.

Complete answers must include citations, responses, and descriptions. States and territories will submit their Plans electronically through the ACF-118 electronic submission site. The ACF-118 site will include all language and questions included in the final CCDF Plan Preprint template approved by the Office of Management and Budget.

Please note that the format of the questions on the ACF-118 site could be modified from the Word version of the document to ensure compliance with Section 508 policies regarding accessibility to electronic and information technology for individuals with disabilities. (See http://www. section508.

gov/ for more information.) In responding to questions, states and territories are asked to provide brief, specific summaries and/or bullet points only with specific language that responds to the question. Do not use tables or copy and paste charts, add attachments, or paste manuals into the Plan.

All information and materials developed to support CCDF implementation and information reported in the CCDF Plan are subject to review by ACF as part of ongoing oversight and monitoring efforts.

1 Define Leadership and Coordination with Relevant Systems and Funding Sources This section identifies the leadership for the CCDF program in each Lead Agency and the entities and individuals who will participate in the implementation of the program. It also identifies the stakeholders that were consulted to develop the Plan and who the Lead Agency collaborates with to implement services.

Respondents are asked to identify how match and maintenance-of-effort (MOE) funds are used. Lead Agencies explain their coordination with child care resource and referral (CCR&R) systems and describe their efforts on their disaster preparedness and response plans to support continuity of operations in response to emergencies.

The Governor of a state or territory must designate an agency (which may be an appropriate collaborative agency) or establish a joint interagency office 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(c)(1) and 98.

16 (a)). Note: An amendment to the CCDF State Plan is required if the Lead Agency changes or if the Lead Agency official changes. 1.

1. 1 Which Lead Agency is designated to administer the CCDF program Identify the Lead Agency or joint interagency office designated by the state or territory. ACF will send official grant correspondence, such as grant awards, grant adjustments, Plan approvals, and disallowance notifications, to the designated contact identified here (658D(a) and 98.

16(a)). Lead Agency or Joint Interagency Office Information: Name of Lead Agency: Illinois Department of Human Services Street Address: 100 South Grand Ave East, Harris II, Third Floor Web Address for Lead Agency: www. dhs.

state. il. us b.

Lead Agency or Joint Interagency Official Contact Information: Lead Agency Official First Name: Grace Lead Agency Official Last Name: Hou Phone Number: 312-793-1547 Email Address: Grace. Hou@illinois. gov 1.

1. 2 Who is the CCDF Administrator Identify the CCDF Administrator designated by the Lead Agency, the day-to-day contact, or the person with responsibility for administering the state's or territory's CCDF program. ACF will send programmatic communications, such as program announcements, program instructions, and data collection instructions, to the designated contact identified here.

If there is more than one designated contact with equal or shared responsibility for administering the CCDF program, please identify the Co-Administrator or the person with administrative responsibilities and include his or her contact information.

CCDF Administrator Contact Information: CCDF Administrator First Name: Bethany CCDF Administrator Last Name: Patten Title of the CCDF Administrator: Associate Director, Office of Early Childhood Phone Number: 312-793-1594 Email Address: Bethany. Patten@illinois. gov b.

CCDF Co-Administrator Contact Information (if applicable): CCDF Co-Administrator First Name: Kisha CCDF Co-Administrator Last Name: Davis Title of the CCDF Co-Administrator: Bureau Chief, Subsidy Description of the Role of the Co-Administrator: Day to day management of the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) Phone Number: 312-793-4131 Email Address: Kisha. D. Davis@illinois.

gov 1. 2 CCDF Policy Decision Authority The Lead Agency has broad authority to administer (i.e., establish rules) and operate (i.e., implement activities) the CCDF program through other governmental, non-governmental, or public or private local agencies as long as the Lead Agency retains overall responsibility for the administration of the program (658D(b) and 98. 16 (d)(1)).

Administrative and implementation responsibilities undertaken by agencies other than the Lead Agency must be governed by written agreements that specify the mutual roles and responsibilities of the Lead Agency and other agencies in meeting the program requirements. 1. 2.

1 Which of the following CCDF program rules and policies are administered (i.e., set or established) at the state or territory level or local level? Identify whether CCDF program rules and policies are established by the state or territory (even if operated locally) or whether the CCDF policies or rules are established by local entities, such as counties or workforce boards (98. 16(d)(1)).

Check one. [ X ] a. All program rules and policies are set or established at the state or territory level.

If checked, skip to question 1. 2. 2.

[ ] b. Some or all program rules and policies are set or established by local entities or agencies. If checked, indicate which entities establish the following policies.

i. Eligibility rules and policies (e.g., income limits) are set by the: A. [ X ] State or territory.

Identify the entity. The Lead Agency, the Illinois Department of Human Services. B.

[ ] Local entity (e.g., counties, workforce boards, early learning coalitions). If checked, identify the entity and describe the eligibility policies the local entity(ies) can set. ii.

Sliding-fee scale is set by the: [ X ] A. State or territory. Identify the entity.

The Lead Agency, the Illinois Department of Human Services. [ ] B. Local entity (e.g., counties, workforce boards, early learning coalitions).

If checked, identify the entity and describe the sliding fee scale policies the local entity(ies) can set. iii. Payment rates and payment policies are set by the: [ X ] A.

State or territory. Identify the entity. The Lead Agency, the Illinois Department of Human Services.

[ ] B. Local entity (e.g., counties, workforce boards, early learning coalitions). If checked, identify the entity and describe the payment rates and payment policies the local entity(ies) can set.

iv. Licensing standards and processes are set by the: A. [ X ] State or territory.

Identify the entity. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) is the governmental agency responsible for setting the rules and licensing standards for child care programs based on the type of program. B.

[ ] Local entity (e.g., counties, workforce boards, early learning coalitions). If checked, identify the entity and describe the type of licensing standards and processes the local entity(ies) can set. v.

Standards and monitoring processes for license-exempt providers are set by the: [ X ] State or territory. Identify the entity. The Lead Agency, the Illinois Department of Human Services.

[ ] Local entity (e.g., counties, workforce boards, early learning coalitions). If checked, identify the entity and describe the type of standards and monitoring processes for license-exempt providers the local entity(ies) can set. vi.

Quality improvement activities, including QRIS are set by the: [ X ] State or territory. Identify the entity. The Lead Agency, the Illinois Department of Human Services.

[ ] Local entity (e.g., counties, workforce boards, early learning coalitions). If checked, identify the entity and describe the type of quality improvement activities the local entity(ies) can set. vii.

Other. List and describe any other program rules and policies that are set at a level other than the state or territory level: 1. 2.

2 The Lead Agency has broad authority to operate (i.e., implement activities) through other agencies, as long as it retains overall responsibility. Complete the table below to identify which entity(ies) implements or performs CCDF services. Check the box(es) to indicate which entity(ies) implement or perform CCDF services.

Who conducts eligibility determinations? Who assists parents in locating child care (consumer education) Who monitors licensed providers? Who monitors license-exempt providers?

Who operates the quality improvement activities? b. Other.

List and describe any other state or territory agencies or partners that implement or perform CCDF services and identify their responsibilities. The Lead Agency in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (IDCFS) to ensure the health and safety in child care programs and meets on an ongoing basis and ascertain the IDCFS's licensing regulations/standards follow the CCDF regulations.

IDCFS sets rules and standards for child care licensing, monitors licensed providers and ensures their compliance with health and safety standards, and is also contracted by the lead agency to coordinate all provider background checks, including those providers that are exempt from licensing. 1. 2.

3 Describe the processes the Lead Agency uses to oversee and monitor CCDF administration and implementation responsibilities performed by other agencies as reported above in 1. 2. 1 and 1.

2. 2 (98. 16(b)).

In the description include: Written agreements. Note: The contents of the written agreement may vary based on the role the agency is asked to assume or type of project but must include at a minimum the elements below (98. 11(a)(3)).

Schedule for completing tasks Budget which itemizes categorical expenditures in accordance with CCDF requirements Monitoring and auditing procedures Indicators or measures to assess performance of those agencies Any other processes to oversee and monitor other agencies.

The Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies are contracted to provide the following services: 1) Administration of the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) including but not limited to eligibility determination (initial and redeterminations), updates due to reported case or provider changes, pre-payment entry, and communication with clients and providers in their Service Delivery Areas (SDAs); 2) Assemble and maintain a child care provider database; 3) Provide consumer education and child care referrals to parents/guardians; 4) provide training and technical assistance to child care providers; 5) conduct recruitment and retention activities for child care providers and 6) data collection and analysis on child care supply and demand.

The contract includes deliverables, performance standards and performance measures. The CCR&Rs are required to submit an annual budget and program plan; quarterly program and fiscal reports; monthly expenditure reports and are monitored by the Lead Agency once every three years. In addition, the Lead Agency reviews quarterly program data to ensure deliverables are being met.

There are contracts with licensed child care centers located throughout the state known as Site Administered Child Care Providers (Sites) who also perform CCAP eligibility determinations and case management for families attending their centers.

The City of Chicago Department of Family Support Services (FSS) is also contracted by the lead agency to provide CCAP eligibility determination and case managements for families that utilize one of nearly 200 delegate licensed child care centers located throughout the city. Monitoring is conducted on all these contractors through on-site visits and through the on-going quarterly reports mentioned above.

Visits include entry and exit interviews with the contractor's management and a review of a statically significant sampling of CCAP cases to determine case action accuracy as well as other contract required activities. Budgets are submitted and reviewed according to GATA guidelines for all contracted agencies. Contractors are given a draft report of findings as well as corrective actions to address negative findings .

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is contracted to provide background checks for licensed exempt child care providers.

This Agreement delineates the respective roles, responsibilities and resources associated with conducting child abuse, sex offender and criminal history checks of child care providers who are not required to be licensed under the Child Care Act of 1969 and who wish to participate in the IDHS Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).

As part of the Checks, IDCFS receives Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) from the Illinois State Police (ISP), which is passed on to IDHS to assist in making a determination of eligibility. 1. 2.

4 Upon request, and to the extent practicable and appropriate, Lead Agencies must ensure any code or software for child care information systems or information technology for which a Lead Agency or other agency expends CCDF funds to develop must be made available to other public agencies. This includes public agencies in other states, for their use in administering child care or related programs (98. 15(a)(11)).

Assure by describing how the Lead Agency makes child care information systems (e.g., subsidy, registry, and QRIS systems) available to public agencies in other states.

Only CCDBG funds are used by contractor (INCCRRA) as per contract deliverables approved by IDHS to provide services for: a) statewide quality improvement and workforce professional development programs for CCDF child care providers, b) supports the work of IDHS contracted child care resource and referral agencies (CCR&Rs), c) develops, maintain, enhances and supports data systems that track data, produces reports requested by IDHS.

Software funded by CCDF will be available to other states/agencies to the extent practicable. 1. 2.

5 Lead Agencies must have in effect policies to govern the use and disclosure of confidential and personally identifiable information about children and families receiving CCDF assistance and child care providers receiving CCDF funds (98. 15(b)(13)). Certify by describing the Lead Agency's policies related to the use and disclosure of confidential and personally identifiable information.

IDHS Policy 07. 01. 01 - Confidentiality, states: The Illinois Department of Human Services, Office of Early Childhood, considers all information contained in a child care case record confidential.

The use of or disclosure of parent or provider information for commercial, personal, or political purposes is strictly prohibited. All contracted staff are required to take State-developed trainings on HIPAA and computer security to help ensure understanding of what constitutes protected information and best practices to ensure its security.

CCR&Rs may disclose information about child care providers related to CCAP requirements (training, monitoring reports) and information to contact the provider when searching for child care services. 1. 3 Consultation in the Development of the CCDF Plan The Lead Agency is responsible for developing the CCDF Plan, which serves as the application for a 3-year implementation period.

As part of the Plan development process, Lead Agencies must consult with the following: Appropriate representatives of units of general purpose local government-(658D(b)(2); 98. 10(c); 98. 12(b); 98.

14(b)). General purpose local governments are defined by the U.S. Census The State Advisory Council (SAC) on Early Childhood Education and Care (pursuant to 642B(b)(I)(A)(i) of the Head Start Act) (658E(c)(2)(R); 98. 15(b)(1)) or similar coordinating body pursuant to 98.

14(a)(1)(vii). Indian tribe(s) or tribal organization(s) within the state. This consultation should be done in a timely manner and at the option of the Indian tribe(s) or tribal organization(s) (658D(b)(1)(E)).

Consultation involves meeting with or otherwise obtaining input from an appropriate agency in the development of the state or territory CCDF Plan. Describe the partners engaged to provide services under the CCDF program as described in question 1. 4.

1. 1. 3.

1 Describe the Lead Agency's consultation efforts in the development of the CCDF Plan. Note: Lead Agencies must describe in a. - c.

consultation efforts with required partners listed in Rule and Statute. ACF recognizes that there is great value in consulting with other entities and has provided element d. for Lead Agencies to identify consultation efforts with other agencies or organizations.

Describe how the Lead Agency consulted with appropriate representatives of general purpose local governments. The draft Plan was presented to the Early Learning Council, a public-private partnership created by Public Act 93-380 and to the Child Care Advisory Council, both of which include representatives of general purpose local government. Input was reviewed and incorporated as appropriate.

Each of these advisory bodies includes representatives from state and local agencies and general purpose governments focusing on education, public health, child welfare, etc. Specific examples include but are not limited to: Head Start agencies, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, the Illinois State Board of Education (including the McKinney-Vento representative), the Illinois Division of Specialized Care for Children (state's Title V of the Social Security Act agency), Regional Offices of Education, and county and local public health department.

Describe how the Lead Agency consulted with the State Advisory Council or similar coordinating body. The draft Plan was presented to the Early Learning Council, Illinois' State Advisory Council, prior to final submission. Input was reviewed and incorporated as appropriate.

Describe, if applicable, how the Lead Agency consulted with Indian tribes(s) or tribal organizations(s) within the state. Note: The CCDF regulations recognize the need for states to conduct formal, structured consultation with Tribal governments, including Tribal leadership. Many states and tribes have consultation policies and procedures in place.

N/A Describe any other entities, agencies, or organizations consulted on the development of the CCDF Plan. The draft Plan was presented to the Professional Development Advisory Council (which includes members from Head Start Association and Higher Education) prior to final submission. Input was reviewed and incorporated as appropriate.

1. 3. 2 Describe the statewide or territory-wide public hearing process held to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on the provision of child care services under this Plan (658D(b)(1)(C); 98.

16(f)). Reminder: Lead Agencies are required to hold at least one public hearing in the state or territory, with sufficient statewide or territory-wide distribution of notice prior to such a hearing to enable the public to comment on the provision of child care services under the CCDF Plan. At a minimum, this description must include: Date of the public hearing.

May 17, 2021 Reminder: Must be no earlier than January 1, 2021, which is 9 months prior to the October 1, 2021, effective date of the Plan. If more than one public hearing was held, please enter one date (e.g., the date of the first hearing, the most recent hearing or any hearing date that demonstrates this requirement). Date of notice of public hearing (date for the notice of public hearing identified in a.

April 27, 2021 Reminder: Must be at least 20 calendar days prior to the date of the public hearing. If more than one public hearing was held, enter one date of notice (e.g., the date of the first notice, the most recent notice or any date of notice that demonstrates this requirement). Hearing site or method, including how geographic regions of the state or territory were addressed.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the Public Hearing was held via webinar to reach statewide audience. How the content of the Plan was made available to the public in advance of the public hearing. (e.g., the Plan was made available in other languages, in multiple formats, etc.) The content of the Plan was posted in the Lead Agency's website; web and pdf formats.

How was the information provided by the public taken into consideration regarding the provision of child care services under this Plan? Comments and questions received from the public are discussed internally by the Lead Agency (State Child Care Program Administrator and program staff) first. The conversations are taken to the Lead Agency's advisory bodies, if necessary.

Appropriate changes are made to the State Plan. 1. 3.

3 Lead Agencies are required to make the submitted and final Plan, any Plan amendments, and any approved requests for temporary relief (i.e., waivers) publicly available on a website (98. 14(d)). Please note that a Lead Agency must submit Plan amendments within 60 days of a substantial change in the Lead Agency's program.

Provide the website link to where the Plan, any Plan amendments, and/or waivers are available. Note: A Plan amendment is required if the website address where the Plan is posted is changed. Describe any other strategies that the Lead Agency uses to make the CCDF Plan and Plan amendments available to the public (98.

14(d)). Check all that apply and describe the strategies below, including any relevant website links as examples. [ X ] Working with advisory committees.

Describe: The Lead Agency relies on the Child Care Advisory Council for input, feedback, and recommendations regarding the State Plan and dissemination of the State Plan to members' respective constituencies. The draft plan was shared with the Child Care Advisory Council prior to the public hearing. [ X ] Working with child care resource and referral agencies.

Describe: Child Care Resource and Referral agencies are notified when State Plan amendments and revisions are made to post the announcement in bulletin board located ate their agency's lobby. [ ] Providing translation in other languages. Describe: [ X ] Providing notification to stakeholders (e.g., parent and family groups, provider groups, advocacy groups).

Describe: The draft plan was made available on the Lead Agency's website prior to the Public Hearing. [ ] Working with statewide afterschool networks or similar coordinating entities for out-of-school time. 1.

4 Coordination with Partners to Expand Accessibility and Continuity of Care Lead Agencies are required to describe how the state or territory will efficiently, and to the extent practicable, coordinate child care services supported by CCDF with programs operating at the federal, state/territory, and local levels for children in the programs listed below.

This includes programs for the benefit of Indian children, infants and toddlers, children with disabilities, children experiencing homelessness, and children in foster care (98. 14(a)(1)). 1.

4. 1 Describe how the Lead Agency coordinates the provision of child care services with the following programs to expand accessibility and continuity of care and to assist children enrolled in early childhood programs in receiving full-day services that meet the needs of working families (658E(c)(2)(O); 98. 12(a); 98.

14(a)). This list includes agencies or programs required by law or rule, along with a list of optional partners that Lead Agencies potentially would coordinate with over the next 3 years to expand accessibility and continuity of care and to assist children enrolled in early childhood programs in receiving full-day services.

Include in the descriptions the goals of this coordination, such as: extending the day or year of services for families. smoothing transitions for children between programs or as they age into school. enhancing and aligning the quality of services for infants and toddlers through linking comprehensive services to children in child care or school-age settings.

developing the supply of quality care for vulnerable populations (as defined by the Lead Agency) in child care and out-of-school time settings. The Lead Agency is required to coordinate with the following agencies. Provide a description for how coordination occurred.

Appropriate representatives of the general purpose local government, which can include counties, municipalities, or townships/towns. Describe the coordination goals, processes, and results: The Child Care Advisory Council (CCAC) is a group of invited stakeholders who assist the Lead Agency by providing input on specific issues, questions, and concerns related to child care.

These meetings are held quarterly with the option for more frequent meetings as necessary to meet internal and external deadlines. This committee includes representation form the city, county, and state level, such as representatives from individual county government and county public health departments, as well as