18 MAC Pt. 5, Ch. 1
Division of Early Child Care and Development
Cite as 18 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 5, Ch. 1
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 1
Title 18: Human Services
Part 5: Division of Early Child Care and Development
Part 5 Chapter 1: Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Plan for Mississippi
Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Plan
For
State/Territory: Mississippi
FFY 2014-2015
This Plan describes the CCDF program to be administered by the State/Territory for
the period 10/1/2013 – 9/30/2015. 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 printed herein of
applicable laws and regulations are sometimes paraphrases of, or excerpts and
incomplete quotations from, the full text. The Lead Agency acknowledges its
responsibility to adhere to them regardless of these modifications.
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average
162.5 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 05/31/2016
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part 1: Administration
1.1. Contact Information
1.2. Estimated Funding
1.3. CCDF Program Integrity and Accountability
1.4. Consultation in the Development of the CCDF Plan
1.5. Coordination Activities to Support the Implementation of
CCDF Services
1.6. Child Care Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan
Part 2: CCDF Subsidy Program Administration
2.1. Administration of the Program
2.2. Family Outreach and Application Process
2.3. Eligibility Criteria for Child Care
2.4. Sliding Fee Scale and Family Contribution
2.5. Prioritizing Services for Eligible Children and Families
2.6. Parental Choice in Relation to Certificates, Grants or Contracts
2.7. Payment Rates for Child Care Services
Part 3: Health and Safety and Quality Improvement Activities
3.1. Activities to Ensure the Health and Safety of Children in Child
Care (Component #1)
3.2. Establishing Voluntary Early Learning Guidelines (Component
#2)
3.3. Creating Pathways to Excellence for Child Care Programs
through Program Quality Improvement Activities (Component
#3)
3.4. Pathways to Excellence for the Workforce – Professional
Development Systems and Workforce Initiatives (Component
#4)
Amendments Log
Appendix 1: Quality Performance Report
Appendix 2: CCDF Program Assurances and Certifications
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
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PART 1
ADMINISTRATION
This section provides information on how the CCDF program is administered,
including the designated Lead Agency, funding information, the administrative
structure, program integrity and accountability policies and strategies, coordination
efforts, and emergency preparedness plans and procedures.
1.1 Contact Information
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)
1.1.1 Who is the Lead Agency designated to administer the CCDF
program?
Identify the Lead Agency and Lead Agency’s Chief Executive Officer designated by
the State/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), §98.10)
Name of Lead Agency: Mississippi Department of Human Services
Address of Lead Agency: 750 North State Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39202
Name and Title of the Lead Agency’s Chief Executive Officer: Mr. Richard
Berry, Exectutive Director
Phone Number: 601-359-4480
Fax Number: 601-359-4910
E-Mail Address: Richard.Berry@mdhs.ms.gov
Web Address for Lead Agency (if any): www.MDHS.ms.gov
1.1.2. Who is the CCDF administrator?
Identify the CCDF administrator designated by the Lead Agency, the day-to-day
contact, with responsibility for administering the State/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 entity with administrative
responsibilities and include contact information. (§§98.16(a) and (c)(1))
a) Contact Information for CCDF Administrator:
Name of CCDF Administrator: Jill Dent
Title of CCDF Administrator: Director, MDHS Division of Early
Childhood Care & Development
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
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Address of CCDF Administrator: 750 North State Street, Jackson,
Mississippi 39202
Phone Number: 601-359-4555
Fax Number: 601-359-4422
E-Mail Address: Jill.Dent@mdhs.ms.gov
Phone Number for CCDF program information (for the public) (if any):
1-800-877-7882
Web Address for CCDF program (for the public) (if any):
www.childcareinfo.ms
Web address for CCDF program policy manual: (if any):
www.childcareinfo.ms
Web address for CCDF program administrative rules: (if any):
www.childcareinfo.ms
b) Contact Information for CCDF Co-Administrator (if applicable):
Name of CCDF Co-Administrator: NA
Title of CCDF Co-Administrator:
Address of CCDF Co-Administrator:
Phone Number:
Fax Number:
E-Mail Address:
Description of the role of the Co-Administrator:
1.2 Estimated Funding
1.2.1. What is your expected level of funding for the first year of the FY
2014 – FY 2015 plan period?
The Lead Agency estimates that the following amounts will be available for child care
services and related activities during the 1-year period from October 1, 2013 through
September 30, 2014. (§98.13(a)).
FY 2014 Federal CCDF allocation (Discretionary, Mandatory and Matching):
$55,376,741 (estimate includes Targeted Funds)
Federal TANF Transfer to CCDF: $Amount pending budget allocation
Direct Federal TANF Spending on Child Care: $0.00
State CCDF Maintenance-of-Effort Funds: $1,715,430
State Matching Funds: $5,467,153
Reminder – Lead Agencies are reminded that not more than 5 percent of the
aggregate CCDF funds, including federal funds and required State Matching funds,
shall be expended on administration costs (§98.52) once all FY2014 funds have been
liquidated. State Maintenance-of-Effort funds are not subject to this limitation.
1.2.2. Which of the following funds does the Lead Agency intend to use to
meet the CCDF Matching and maintenance-of-effort (MOE)
requirements described in 98.53(e) and 98.53(h)?
Check all that apply. Territories not required to meet CCDF Matching and MOE
requirements should mark
N/A here.
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Amended Effective: _____
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Note: The Lead Agency must check at least public and/or private funds as matching,
even if pre-kindergarten (pre-k) funds also will be used.
Public funds to meet the CCDF Matching Fund requirement. Public funds
may include any general revenue funds, county or other local public funds,
State/Territory-specific funds (tobacco tax, lottery), or any other public funds.
If checked, identify source of funds: State General Fund and fees/funds
collected by the Mississippi Department of Health for licensing and
regulatory infractions. These funds collected consiste of license
application and renewal fees.
If known, identify the estimated amount of public funds the Lead
Agency will receive: $7.6 M
Private donated funds to meet the CCDF Matching Funds requirement.
Only private funds received by the designated entities or by the Lead Agency
may be counted for match purposes. (98.53(f))
If checked, are those funds:
donated directly to the State?
donated to a separate entity(ies) designated to receive private
donated funds?
If checked, identify the number of entities designated to
receive private donated funds and provide name, address,
contact, and type
Children’s Defense Fund
Southern Regional Office Headquarters
2659 Livingston Road, Suite 200
Jackson, MS 39213
Director, Oleta Fitzgerald
601-321-1966
OFitzgerald@childrensdefense.org
Non-profit Agency
If known, identify the estimated amount of private donated funds the
Lead Agency will receive: $ Exact figure depends on availability of
funds, if utilized to draw down additional federal funding.
State expenditures for pre-k programs to meet the CCDF Matching Funds
requirement. If checked,
Provide the estimated percentage of Matching Fund requirement that
will be met with pre-k expenditures (not to exceed 30%):
If percentage is more than 10% of the Matching fund
requirement, describe how the State will coordinate its pre-k
and child care services:
If known, identify the estimated amount of pre-k funds the Lead
Agency will receive for Matching Funds requirement: $
Describe the Lead Agency efforts to ensure that pre-k programs meet
the needs of working parents:
State expenditures for pre-k programs to meet the CCDF Maintenance of
Effort (MOE) requirements. If checked,
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The Lead Agency 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 percentage of MOE Fund requirement that will be met with
pre-k expenditures (not to exceed 20%):
If percentage is more than 10% of the MOE requirement,
describe how the State will coordinate its pre-k and child care
services to expand the availability of child care:
If known, identify the estimated amount of pre-k funds the Lead
Agency will receive for MOE Fund requirement: $
Describe the Lead Agency efforts to ensure that pre-k programs meet
the needs of working parents:
1.2.3 Describe the activities for which quality funds (including targeted
quality funds for infants and toddlers, school-age children, and resource
and referral) will be used in FY 2014 - 2015. Note: Funding estimate is
limited to FY 2014. In as much detail possible, list the activities that will
be funded, the estimated amount of CCDF quality funds that will be used
for each activity, and how these activities relate to the Lead Agency’s
overall goal of improving the quality of child care for low-income
children.
Estimated
Amount of
CCDF
Quality
Funds For
FY 2014
Activity (Lead
Agency should
include
description of
quality activities
that cover FY
2014 and also
information
about activities
for FY 2015, if
available)
Purpose
Projected Impact
and Anticipated
Results (if
possible)
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Amended Effective: _____
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Estimated
Amount of
CCDF
Quality
Funds For
FY 2014
Activity (Lead
Agency should
include
description of
quality activities
that cover FY
2014 and also
information
about activities
for FY 2015, if
available)
Purpose
Projected Impact
and Anticipated
Results (if
possible)
Infant/Toddler
Targeted
Funds
$1,500,000
Activities funded
with
Infant/Toddler
Targeted funds
include
A) the provision of
child care at job
centers for parents
seeking
employment;
B) a portion of
child care licensure
activities;
C) on-site training
and technical
assistance to
unlicensed family
child care
providers; and
D) a pilot QRIS
program for
unlicensed family
child care
providers.
A) This program
provides child care
services for
individuals engaged
in job search
activities at a local
WIN Job Center.
B) A portion of the
Division of Child
Care Licensure, MS
Department of
Health is funded
with these targeted
funds
C) This program
provides
educational training
and
technical assistance
to unlicensed in-
home and
family daycare
childcare providers
that offer fullday,
full-year child care
services to eligible
families.
D) This program
assesses the level of
quality of
participating
unlicensed family
child care homes.
A) The Lead Agency
anticipates that this
program will support
parents in gaining
employment, thereby
increasing family
stability and self-
sufficiency.
B) The Lead Agency
anticipates that the
application of rules
and regulations
governing child care
centers will support
the provision of safe
care environments for
all children enrolled.
C) The Lead Agency
anticipates that this
program will result in
higher quality care in
unlicensed family
child care homes.
D) The Lead Agency
anticipates that this
program will evaluate
the level of care
offered in unlicensed
family child care
homes, and support
increases in program
quality.
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Estimated
Amount of
CCDF
Quality
Funds For
FY 2014
Activity (Lead
Agency should
include
description of
quality activities
that cover FY
2014 and also
information
about activities
for FY 2015, if
available)
Purpose
Projected Impact
and Anticipated
Results (if
possible)
School-
Age/Child
Care Resource
and Referral
Targeted
Funds
$273,000
Activities funded
with School Age
Targeted Funds
include a pilot Out-
of-school QRIS
program.
This program
assesses the level of
quality of
participating
programs serving
school-aged
children.
The Lead Agency
anticipates that this
program will evaluate
the leve of care offered
in programs serving
school-aged children,
and support increases
in program quality.
Quality
Expansion
Targeted
Funds
$2,600,000
Activities funded
with Quality
Expansion
Targeted Funds
include
A) on-site training
and technical
assistance; and
B) project-based
programming for
school-aged
children.
A) These programs
offer on-site training
and technical
assistance to all staff
in licensed childcare
centers in the areas
of
classroom/instructio
nal quality, nutrition
& physical activity,
administration and
leadership skills.
B) This program
offers quality
programming for
school-aged children
with a community-
based approach.
A) The Lead Agency
anticipates that these
programs will support
lasting changes
leading to adoption of
best practices and
increased quality of
care.
B) The Lead Agency
anticipates that this
program will offer a
rich educational
program that expands
children’s knowledge
and increases their
skills in a variety of
areas.
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Amended Effective: _____
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Estimated
Amount of
CCDF
Quality
Funds For
FY 2014
Activity (Lead
Agency should
include
description of
quality activities
that cover FY
2014 and also
information
about activities
for FY 2015, if
available)
Purpose
Projected Impact
and Anticipated
Results (if
possible)
Quality Funds
(not including
Targeted
Funds)
Activities funded
with Quality Funds
include
A) professional
development;
B) training and
technical assistance
for children with
special needs; and
C) ) a portion of
child care licensure
activities.
A) These programs
offer professional
development
opportunities for
child care program
staff and directors
including CDA and
other professional
credentials and
professional
conferences.
B) This program
offers training and
technical assistance,
including a
professional
credential for child
care staff regarding
inclusion of children
with special needs.
C) A portion of the
Division of Child
Care Licensure, MS
Department of
Health is funded
with these targeted
funds.
A) The Lead Agency
anticipates that these
programs will increase
the educational level
of child care staff, and
overall professional
development. In
addition, a series of
professional
development
conferences designed
to support continued
education.
B) The Lead Agency
anticipates that this
program will increase
competency of child
care providers in
addressing the needs
of children with
special needs.
C) The Lead Agency
anticipates that the
application of rules
and regulations
governing child care
centers will support
the provision of safe
care environments for
all children enrolled.
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Amended Effective: _____
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1.2.4 Will the Lead Agency distribute quality funds to counties or local
entities?
Note: This question is to obtain information on whether the Lead Agency retains
decision making responsibilities regarding the quality dollars at the State/Territory
level or if funds are distributed to local entities.
Does the State maintain decisions at the State level, or are funds distributed to locals
that have some decisions on how funds are spent.
No, the Lead Agency will not distribute any quality funds directly to local
entities
Yes, all quality funds will be distributed to local entities
Yes, the Lead Agency will distribute a portion of quality funds directly to
local entities. Estimated amount or percentage to be distributed to
localities
Other. Describe. The Lead Agency does have slot contractors in place that
receive subsidy funds in reimbursement of care provided as a function of their
contract.
1.3. CCDF Program Integrity and Accountability
Program integrity is defined to include efforts that ensure effective internal controls
over the administration of CCDF funds. The Lead Agency is responsible for
monitoring programs and services, ensuring compliance with the rules of the
program, promulgating rules and regulations to govern the overall administration of
the plan and oversee the expenditure of funds by sub-grantees and contractors. (§
98.11(b)) Accountability measures should address administrative error, which
includes unintentional agency error, as well as address program violations, both
unintentional and intentional, that may or may not result in further action by the
Lead Agency, including those cases suspected of and/or prosecuted for fraud.
1.3.1. Describe the strategies the Lead Agency will utilize to ensure
effective internal controls are in place.
The description of internal controls may include, but is not limited to a description
of processes to ensure sound fiscal management, to identify areas of risk or to
establish regular evaluation of control activities.
Over the last four years, the Lead Agency has been dedicated to reducing errors in
reporting, administrative processes, and payment for services. Strategies adopted
under this plan will reflect a continuation of this ongoing effort. Strategies identified
to ensure effective internal controls include, but are not limited to:
1. Developing Case Review Assessment tool for use in monitoring case files.
2. Conducting quarterly reviews of case files using the Case Review Assessment to
ensure accuracy in adherence to administrative policies.
3. Holding targeted staff training to address errors identified by the Case Review
Assessment process.
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4. Conducting quarterly reviews of cases for Improper Payment Review.
5. Utilizing reports from CCIS to monitor program activity including additions,
terminations, expenditures, and obligations.
6. Monthly training offered to staff on policies and procedures.
7. Continued use of electronic systems to calculate face values for authorizations and
payments to providers.
The State’s Office of the State Auditor engages all divisions of the Mississippi
Department of Human Services in ongoing audits. These audits include reviews of
casefiles to ensure proper expenditure of funds. Upon compeletion of an audit, a
meeting is held to discuss findings and plan to address any weaknesses in program
operation before initiating the next audit.
1.3.2 Describe the processes the Lead Agency will use to monitor all sub-
recipients.
Lead Agencies that use other governmental or non-governmental sub-recipients to
administer the program must have written agreements in place outlining roles and
responsibilities for meeting CCDF requirements (98.11 (a) (3))
Definition: A sub-recipient (including a sub-contractor and or sub-grantee) is a
non-Federal entity that expends Federal awards (contract or grant) received from
another entity to carry out a Federal program, but does not include a vendor nor
does it include an individual who is a beneficiary of such a program. OMB Circular
A-133 Section 210 provides additional information on the characteristics of a sub-
recipient and vendor.
The description of monitoring may include, but is not limited to, a discussion of
written agreements, fiscal management, review of policies and procedures to ensure
compliance with CCDF regulations, monitoring/auditing contractors or grantees to
ensure that eligible children are served and eligibility documentation is verified, and
establishing performance indicators or measures related to improper payments.
The Lead Agency has in place subcontracts with various entities to provide child care
slots. These subcontractors are monitored by the Mississippi Department of Human
Services Division of Program Integrity in accordance with the regulations established
for all entities engaged in contract services for the Lead Agency. These regulations
can be found in the MDHS Subgrant/Contract Manual located at,
http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/pdfs/dpimanual/dpi_submanual.pdf.
Annual monitoring of subcontractors by the MDHS Division of Program Integrity
includes a review of eligibility processes and requests for payment to ensure
adherence to state and federal policies. Any findings as a result of the monitoring
are settled in accordance with the established policies in the MDHS
Subgrant/Contract Manual.
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1.3.3. Describe the activities the Lead Agency will have in place to
identify program violations and administrative error to ensure program
integrity using the chart below.
Program violations may include intentional and unintentional client and/or provider
violations as defined by the Lead Agency. Administrative error refers to areas
identified through the Error Rate Review process (98.100). Check which
activities, if any, the Lead Agency has chosen to conduct.
Type of Activity
Identify
Program
Violations
Identify
Administrative
Error
Share/match data from other programs (e.g. TANF,
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Food and
Nutrition Service (FNS), Medicaid))
Share/match data from other databases (e.g., State
Directory of New Hires, Social Security
Administration, Public Assistance Reporting
Information System (PARIS))
Run system reports that flag errors
Errors that would be identified through these reports
include, but are not limited to children who have
aged out of eligibility, authorizations attached to a
provider left incomplete, authorizations that have
expired but were not terminated, incomplete
provider profiles, and fraud reports.
Review of attendance or billing records
Audit provider records
Conduct quality control or quality assurance reviews
Conduct on-site visits to providers or sub-recipients
to review attendance or enrollment documents
Conduct supervisory staff reviews
Conduct data mining to identify trends
Train staff on policy and/or audits
Other. Describe
None
For any option the Lead Agency checked in the chart above other than
none, please describe
The Lead Agency will utilze the Child Care Information System (CCIS) to produce
reports querried to help identify trends in the data, staff performance, and error
rates. CCIS allows for case management and fiscal monitoring.
The Lead Agency’s CCIS interfaces daily with the information system housing TANF
data to collect referrals and terminations of child care subsidy. This interface helps
ensure timely and accurate access to subsidy services.
If the Lead Agency checked none, please describe what measures the
Lead Agency has or plans to put in place to address program integrity:
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1.3.4. What strategies will the Lead Agency use to investigate and collect
improper payments due to program violations or administrative error?
Check and describe in the chart below which strategies, if any, the Lead Agency will
use for each of the following areas: Unintentional program violations (UPV),
intentional program violations (IPV) and/or fraud, and administrative error as
defined in your State/Territory. The Lead Agency has the flexibility to recover
misspent funds as a result of errors. The Lead Agency is required to
recover misspent funds as a result of fraud (98.60(i)).
Strategy
UPV
IPV
and/or
Fraud
Administrative
Error
Require recovery after a minimum dollar
amount in improper payment. Identify
the minimum dollar amount
$100
Coordinate with and refer to other
State/Territory agency (e.g.
State/Territory collection agency, law
enforcement). Describe
Recover through repayment plans
Reduce payments in subsequent months
Recover through State/Territory tax
intercepts
Recover through other means. Describe
Establish a unit to investigate and collect
improper payments. Describe
composition of unit
The MS Department of Human Services,
Division of Program Integrity
investigates improper payments.
Other. Describe
None
For any option the Lead Agency checked in the chart above other than
none, please describe
Through the development and implementation of the Child Care Information System
(CCIS), transactional child care activity can easily be monitored and analyzed to
determine the possible misuse of funds, the existence of fraudulent behavior, and the
reduction and/or prevention of improper payments. The database system contains
several parameters and edit checks designed to reduce the possible occurrence of
improper payments.
The Lead Agency has also developed various internal control fiscal management
reports that allow the CCA to obtain a “bird’s eye” view of child care transactions
across the State of Mississippi. The reports are structured by federal regulatory
guidelines. Subgrantees prepare and submit a monthly report to the Lead Agency,
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which are used in the development of monthly internal reports. In addition, the
MDHS Department of Budgets and Accounting prepare reports quarterly. Thus, any
significant irregularities in child care activity can easily be spotted
and appropriate disciplinary actions immediately taken. Once possible improper
payments have been identified, the Lead Agency will enact one of the following
procedures:
1. If the improper payment is the result of Administrative Error, the CCA is notified
and corrective measures are taken to recoup funds. Recoupments are made in 100%
of findings related to administrative errors.
2. If the improper payment is the result of either intentional or inintentional
program violations, the CCA is notified and the case is forwarded to the MDHS
Division of Program Integrity for investigation. Recoupment efforts are made if it is
determined that improper payments exceeding $100.00 exist.
1.3.5. What type of sanction, if any, will the Lead Agency place on clients
and providers to help reduce improper payments due to program
violations?
None
Disqualify client. If checked, please describe, including a description of the
appeal process for clients who are disqualified
Any dispute concerning a question of fact under application/agreement which
is not disposed of by agreement of the parties hereto shall be decided by the
DECCD Director. In the review by the DECCD Director, the parent/provider
shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard and offer evidence in support
of the questioned decision under review. This decision shall be reduced to
writing and a copy thereof mailed or furnished to the parent/provider and
shall be final and conclusive, unless, within thirty (30) days from the date of
the decision, the parent/provider mails or furnishes the Executive Director of
the Mississippi Department of Human Services a written request for review.
Pending final decision of the Executive Director or his designee, the Lead
Agency Staff will proceed in accordance with the decision of the DECCD
Director.
Disqualify provider. If checked, please describe, including a description of
the appeal process for providers who are disqualified
Any dispute concerning a question of fact under application/agreement which
is not disposed of by agreement of the parties hereto shall be decided by the
DECCD Director. In the review by the DECCD Director, the parent/provider
shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard and offer evidence in support
of the questioned decision under review. This decision shall be reduced to
writing and a copy thereof mailed or furnished to the parent/provider and
shall be final and conclusive, unless, within thirty (30) days from the date of
the decision, the parent/provider mails or furnishes the Executive Director of
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the Mississippi Department of Human Services a written request for review.
Pending final decision of the Executive Director or his designee, the Lead
Agency Staff will proceed in accordance with the decision of the DECCD
Director.
Prosecute criminally
Other. Describe.
1.3.6. Based on responses provided from Question 14 in the most recent
ACF-402 report, please describe those actions the Lead Agency has taken
or plans to take to reduce identified errors in the table below.
Territories not required to complete the Error Rate Review should mark
N/A
here.
Activities identified in ACF-
Cause/Type
of Error
(if known)
Actions Taken
or Planned
Completion
Date
(Actual or
planned)
(if known)
The Lead Agency
will perform internal
reviews of the child care
subsidy applications and all
related supporting
documentation, prior to
the issuance of a child care
certificate, to ensure accuracy and
completeness. In addition,
subgrantee training will be
conducted on the MDHS Child
Care Policy Manual, including
but not limited to compliance
with federal/state policies and
regulation related to the
subsidy program, procedures for
issuing child care certificates,
using CCIS and updated
policies/regulations/procedures.
Unknown
1. The Lead
Agency will
utilize CCIS to
review staff
workflow and
ensure proper
implementation
according to
established
program
policies.
2. Lead Agency
staff is engaged
in policy
training each
month at staff
meetings.
3. CCIS
prevents
program staff
from advancing
through the
eligibility
process until all
required
documentation
1. CCIS
updates were
completed in
January
2013.
2. This
process is
ongoing.
3. CCIS
updates were
completed in
January
2013.
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Activities identified in ACF-
Cause/Type
of Error
(if known)
Actions Taken
or Planned
Completion
Date
(Actual or
planned)
(if known)
has been
received and
entered.
1.4. Consultation in the Development of the CCDF Plan
Lead Agencies are required to consult with appropriate agencies in the development
of its CCDF Plan (§98.12, §98.14(a),(b), §98.16(d)).
Definition: Consultation involves the meeting with or otherwise obtaining input
from an appropriate agency in the development of the State or Territory CCDF Plan.
At a minimum, Lead Agencies must consult with representatives of general purpose
local governments. (§§98.12(b), 98.14(a)(1))
1.4.1. Identify and describe in the table below who the Lead Agency
consulted with in the development of the CCDF Plan (658D(b)(2),
§§98.12(b), 98.14(b)).
Agency/Entity
Describe how the Lead Agency
consulted with this Agency/entity
in developing the CCDF Plan
Representatives of general purpose local
government (required)
This may include, but is not limited to: representatives
from counties and municipalities, local human service
agencies, local education representatives (e.g., school
districts), or local public health agencies.
MDHS DECCD consulted with
representatives from the County
Board of Supervisors, Cities,
towns, and municipalities. Some
examples are the City of
Jackson, Hancock County Board
of Supervisors and the City of
Starkville to obtain
input on the development of the
Mississippi State Plan and other
policies and procedures relating
to child care. Coordination
involves child care and early
childhood development services,
utilizing
certified spending offered by
local or county government,
state agencies, and
municipalities as match for
CCDF funds.
For the remaining agencies, check and describe (optional) any which the Lead Agency
has chosen to consult with in the development of its CCDF Plan.
State/Territory agency responsible for public
Representatives are members of
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 17
Agency/Entity
Describe how the Lead Agency
consulted with this Agency/entity
in developing the CCDF Plan
education
This may include, but is not limited to, State/Territory
pre-kindergarten programs (if applicable), programs
serving school-age children (including 21st Century
Community Learning Centers), or higher education.
the Mississippi Early Childhood
Advisory Council. All Council
members were provided with
copies of the draft State Plan for
their comments and
recommendations.
State/Territory agency responsible for programs for
children with special needs
This may include, but is not limited to: State/Territory
early intervention programs authorized under the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Part C for
infants and toddlers and Section 619 for preschool), or
other State/Territory agencies that support children
with special needs
Representatives are members of
the Mississippi Early Childhood
Advisory Council. All Council
members were provided with
copies of the draft State Plan for
their comments and
recommendations.
State/Territory agency responsible for licensing (if
separate from the Lead Agency)
Representatives are members of
the Mississippi Early Childhood
Advisory Council. All Council
members were provided with
copies of the draft State Plan for
their comments and
recommendations.
State/Territory agency with the Head Start
Collaboration grant
Representatives are members of
the Mississippi Early Childhood
Advisory Council. All Council
members were provided with
copies of the draft State Plan for
their comments and
recommendations.
Statewide Advisory Council authorized by the Head
Start Act
All members of the Council were
provided with the link to the
draft State Plan in order to
collect feedback and input on
finalizing its development.
Other Federal, State, local, Tribal (if applicable),
and/or private agencies providing early childhood and
school-age/youth-serving developmental services
Representatives are members of
the Mississippi Early Childhood
Advisory Council. All Council
members were provided with
copies of the draft State Plan for
their comments and
recommendations.
State/Territory agency responsible for the Child and
Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
State/Territory agency responsible for implementing
the Maternal and Early Childhood Home Visitation
programs grant
The Lead Agency is the recipient
of these funds.
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
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Agency/Entity
Describe how the Lead Agency
consulted with this Agency/entity
in developing the CCDF Plan
State/Territory agency responsible for public health
(including the agency responsible for immunizations
and programs that promote children’s emotional and
mental health)
Representatives are members of
the Mississippi Early Childhood
Advisory Council. All Council
members were provided with
copies of the draft State Plan for
their comments and
recommendations.
State/Territory agency responsible for child welfare
Copies of the draft were
provided to the Director
of MDHS Division of Family &
Children's Services for
comments and
recommendations.
State/Territory liaison for military child care programs
or other military child care representatives
State/Territory agency responsible for employment
services/workforce development
State/Territory agency responsible for Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Copies of the draft were
provided to the Director
of MDHS Division of Field
Operations for comments and
recommendations.
Indian Tribes/Tribal Organizations
N/A: No such entities exist within the
boundaries of the State
Copies of the draft State Plan
were provided to the Tribla
Organization for comments and
recommendations. The Lead
Agency met with representatives
of the Tribe to discuss changes
and requirement of State Plan
submission.
Private agencies/entities including national initiatives
that the Lead Agency is participating in such as
BUILD, Strengthening Families, Mott Statewide After-
school Networks, Ready by 21
The State Administrator
attended two meetings hosted by
BUILD in which various policy
initiatives were discussed.
Provider groups, associations or labor organizations
Representatives are members of
the Mississippi Early Childhood
Advisory Council. All Council
members were provided with
copies of the draft State Plan for
their comments and
recommendations.
Parent groups or organizations
Local community organizations and institutions(child
care resource and referral, Red Cross)
Representatives are members of
the Mississippi Early Childhood
Advisory Council. All Council
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
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Agency/Entity
Describe how the Lead Agency
consulted with this Agency/entity
in developing the CCDF Plan
members were provided with
copies of the draft State Plan for
their comments and
recommendations.
Other
1.4.2. Describe the Statewide/Territory-wide public hearing process held
to provide the public an opportunity to comment on the provision of
child care services under this Plan. (658D(b)(1)(C), §98.14(c))
At a minimum, the description should include:
a) Date(s) of notice of public hearing: 05/21/2013
Reminder - Must be at least 20 days prior to the date of the public
hearing.
b) How was the public notified about the public hearing?
The notice was placed on the Lead Agency’s website on 05/21/2013. An
email notice was sent to SECAC members on 05/22/2013. An ad ran in 12
newspapers across the state on 05/28/2013 and 06/04/2013
c) Date(s) of public hearing(s): 06/17/2013
Reminder - Must be no earlier than 9 months before effective date of
Plan (October 1, 2013).
d) Hearing site(s): Mississippi Public Broadcasting
Auditorium
3825 Ridgewood Road
Jackson, MS 39211
e) How was the content of the Plan made available to the public in advance of
the public hearing(s)?
A draft of the Plan was made available to all parties throught the Lead
Agency’s website.
f) How will the information provided by the public be taken into
consideration in the provision of child care services under this Plan?
All comments received from the public will be compiled and reviewed by
the State Administrator. Any comments that can support the
strengthening of the Plan will be incorporated where possible.
1.4.3. Describe any strategies used by the Lead Agency to increase public
consultation on the Plan or access to the public hearing.
For example, translating the public hearing notice into multiple languages, using a
variety of sites or technology (e.g., video) for the public hearing, holding the hearing
at times to accommodate parent and provider work schedules.
Based on the Lead Agency’s experience with holding public hearings, those meetings
held in the afternoon have produced the greatest turnout. The public hearing to
collect comments from interested parties is scheduled from 1:00-4:00 PM in order to
offer adequate time for response. The Lead Agency also solicited comments on the
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 20
Plan from interested parties through email. This address was posted on the Lead
Agency’s website and in newspapers.
In accordance with the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office, the Lead Agency will
hold an additional hearing on the State Plan, as per usual filing procedures. At the
time of Plan submission, this meeting is scheduled for September 23, 2013 from
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Hinds County Extension Service Office in Jackson,
Mississippi.
1.5. Coordination Activities to Support the Implementation of CCDF
Services
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 (§98.12, §98.14(a),(b), §98.16(d)).
Definition - Coordination involves child care and early childhood and
school-age development services efforts to work across multiple entities, both
public and private (such as in connection with a State Early Childhood
Comprehensive System (SECCS) grant or the State Advisory Council funded
under the Head Start Act of 2007). (658D(b)(1)(D), §§98.12(a), 98.14(a)(1))
Note: Descriptions of how governments are organized for each State are provided at
census.gov.
1.5.1. Identify and describe in the table below with whom the Lead
Agency coordinates in the delivery of child care and early childhood and
school-age services (§98.14(a)(1)).
Agency/Entity
(check all that apply)
Describe how the
Lead Agency will
coordinate with this
Agency/entity in
delivering child care
and early childhood
services
Describe results
expected from the
coordination
Examples might include
increased supply of full-
day/full-year services,
aligned eligibility policies,
blended funding, or access
to more training and
technical assistance
resources shared across
agencies.
Representatives of general
purpose local government
This may include, but is not
limited to: representatives
from counties and
municipalities, local
education representatives,
The Lead Agency is the
recipient of the
Maternal, Infant and
Child Health home
visiting funds. Through
the implementation of
this program,
The Lead Agency will
coordinate with these
entities to increase
access to community
resources such as
TANF, SNAP, WIC,
Medicaid, child care
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 21
Agency/Entity
(check all that apply)
Describe how the
Lead Agency will
coordinate with this
Agency/entity in
delivering child care
and early childhood
services
Describe results
expected from the
coordination
Examples might include
increased supply of full-
day/full-year services,
aligned eligibility policies,
blended funding, or access
to more training and
technical assistance
resources shared across
agencies.
or local public health
agencies.
coordination with LEAs,
county health
departments, county
DHS offices, local law
enforcement and local
government
representatives will be
imperative.
subsidy, CHiP,
immunizations, child
support, GED and
alternative education
options.
State/Territory agency
responsible for public
education (required)
This may include, but is not
limited to, State/Territory
pre-kindergarten programs
(if applicable), programs
serving school-age children
(including 21st Century
Community Learning
Centers), or higher
education;
The Lead Agency funds
the Out-of-School
Project which works
with public and private
school age care
providers to
offer mentoring and
quality evaluation.
The Lead Agency’s
support of this
program will result in
increased support for
and quality of existing
school age care
services.
Other Federal, State, local,
Tribal (if applicable),
and/or private agencies
providing early childhood
and school-age/youth-
serving developmental
services (required)
Coordination will be
achieved through the
Lead Agency’s
participation in the
Mississippi Department
of Health’s Expanding
Opportunities Initiative.
Through
participation, the
Lead Agency is
working to increase
the number of quality
inclusive learning
environments for
children with special
needs.
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 22
Agency/Entity
(check all that apply)
Describe how the
Lead Agency will
coordinate with this
Agency/entity in
delivering child care
and early childhood
services
Describe results
expected from the
coordination
Examples might include
increased supply of full-
day/full-year services,
aligned eligibility policies,
blended funding, or access
to more training and
technical assistance
resources shared across
agencies.
State/Territory agency
responsible for public
health (required)
This may include, but is not
limited to, the agency
responsible for
immunizations and
programs that promote
children’s emotional and
mental health
Coordination is achieved
through
participation on the MS
Department of
Health, Division of Child
Care Licensure
Baord and through
partnership on the
Maternal, Infant, and
Child Health Home
Visitation Grant. All
licensed providers
are required by MS
Dept. of Health
licensure regulations to
have copies of
immunizations for staff
and children.
This group monitors the
presence of
these records for the
Lead Agency
during onsite visits with
these programs.
Through this
collaboration, the
Lead
Agency is working to
strengthen the
health and safety of
home and child care
environments for
children across the
state.
State/Territory agency
responsible for
employment services /
workforce development
(required)
Coordination will
include the MSCCR&R’s
child care provider
professional
development registry,
CDA mentoring and
scholarship program,
child care director’s
credentialing program
and the Mississippi
Longitudinal Data
System. Currently, an
The Lead Agency
expects to examine
data across these
programs to
determine how
assistance in
workforce
development can be
provided.
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 23
Agency/Entity
(check all that apply)
Describe how the
Lead Agency will
coordinate with this
Agency/entity in
delivering child care
and early childhood
services
Describe results
expected from the
coordination
Examples might include
increased supply of full-
day/full-year services,
aligned eligibility policies,
blended funding, or access
to more training and
technical assistance
resources shared across
agencies.
agreement is
in place for students
who have earned a
CDA that includes an
alignment of CDA
credentials and
requirements for an AA
in state community
colleges.
State/Territory agency
responsible for providing
Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families (TANF)
including local human
service
agencies(required)
Currently, the Lead
Agency is
coordinating with the
MDHS Division of Field
Operations (formerly
Economic Assistance)
on the development of a
centralized application
for child care subsidy
and TANF.
Additionally, the Lead
Agency has created a
data interface with
TANF in order to receive
referrals and
terminations for subsidy
on a daily basis.
The Lead Agency
expects the use of a
centralized
application to
decrease the
enrollment period
and allow for
expedited service
delivery. The Lead
Agency has seen
reduced wait time for
new TANF client in
receipt of subsidy
services through the
implementation of
inter-divisional
system interfaces.
Indian Tribes/Tribal
Organizations (required)
N/A: No such
entities exist within
the boundaries of the
State
Coordination is achieved
by working with Tribal
Organization
representatives serving
on the Mississippi Early
Childhood Advisory
Council and through
meetings.
The Lead Agency’s
goal is to ensure all
populations’ needs
are represented
through the work of
the Council.
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 24
Agency/Entity
(check all that apply)
Describe how the
Lead Agency will
coordinate with this
Agency/entity in
delivering child care
and early childhood
services
Describe results
expected from the
coordination
Examples might include
increased supply of full-
day/full-year services,
aligned eligibility policies,
blended funding, or access
to more training and
technical assistance
resources shared across
agencies.
For the remaining agencies, check and describe (optional) any with
which the Lead Agency has chosen to coordinate early childhood
and school-age service delivery
State/Territory agency with
the Head Start
Collaboration grant
The Lead Agency
Coordinates with the
Head Start
Collaboration Office and
the Mississippi Head
Start Association.
The Lead Agency’s
goal is to create a
crosswalk comparison
of Head Start
standards with
licensing regulations
to identify any
differences. The Lead
Agency believes this
will allow for targeted
training and technical
assistance and
increased
participation of HS
programs in QRIS.
State/Territory agency
responsible for Race to the
Top – Early Learning
Challenge (RTT-ELC)
N/A: State/Territory
does not participate in
RTT-ELC
State/Territory agency
responsible for the Child
and Adult Care Food
Program (CACFP)
State/Territory agency
responsible for programs
for children with special
needs
This may include, but is not
limited to: State/Territory
early intervention
programs authorized under
the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act
The Lead Agency
Coordinates with the
Mississippi Department
of Health, Part C
Coordinator and funds
the Project PREPARE
program.
The Lead Agency’s
goal is to improve
the number of and
access to appropriate
inclusive learning
environments for
children with special
needs.
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
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Agency/Entity
(check all that apply)
Describe how the
Lead Agency will
coordinate with this
Agency/entity in
delivering child care
and early childhood
services
Describe results
expected from the
coordination
Examples might include
increased supply of full-
day/full-year services,
aligned eligibility policies,
blended funding, or access
to more training and
technical assistance
resources shared across
agencies.
(Part C for infants and
toddlers and Section 619
for preschool), or other
State/Territory agencies
that support children with
special needs
State/Territory agency
responsible for
implementing the Maternal
and Early Childhood Home
Visitation programs grant
The Lead Agency is the
recipient of these funds.
State/Territory agency
responsible for child
welfare
The Lead Agency
Coordinates with the
MDHS Division of Child
and Family
Services to serve
children in
foster/protective/preven
tive care.
The Lead Agency’s
goal is to provide
subsidy to all children
in protective and
preventive care and
foster children.
State/Territory liaison for
military child care
programs or other military
child care representatives
Private agencies/entities
including national
initiatives that the Lead
Agency is participating in
such as BUILD,
Strengthening Families,
Mott Statewide After-
school Networks, Ready by
Local community
organizations (child care
resource and referral, Red
Cross)
Provider groups,
associations or labor
organizations
Parent groups or
organizations
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 26
Agency/Entity
(check all that apply)
Describe how the
Lead Agency will
coordinate with this
Agency/entity in
delivering child care
and early childhood
services
Describe results
expected from the
coordination
Examples might include
increased supply of full-
day/full-year services,
aligned eligibility policies,
blended funding, or access
to more training and
technical assistance
resources shared across
agencies.
Other
1.5.2. Does the State/Territory have a formal early childhood and/or
school-age coordination plan?
Lead Agencies are not required to have an early childhood nor a school-age
coordination plan, but the State/Territory may have such plans for other purposes,
including fulfilling requirements of other programs.
Yes. If yes,
a) Provide the name of the entity responsible for the coordination
plan(s):
b) Describe the age groups addressed by the plan(s):
c) Indicate whether this entity also operates as the State Advisory
Council (as authorized under the Head Start Act of 2007):
Yes
No
d) Provide a web address for the plan(s), if available:
No
1.5.3. Does the State/Territory have a designated entity(ies) responsible
for coordination across early childhood and school-age programs?
(658D(b)(1)(D), §98.14(a)(1))
Check which entity(ies), if any, the State/Territory has chosen to designate.
State/Territory-wide early childhood and/or school-age cabinet/advisory
council/task force/commission.
If yes, describe entity, age groups and the role of the Lead Agency
State Advisory Council (as described under the Head Start Act of 2007).
If yes, describe entity, age groups and the role of the Lead Agency
In 2008, Governor Haley Barbour established the State Early
Childhood Advisory Council of Mississippi to develop a strategic plan
to coordinate efforts, programs, and resources supporting children
birth to five years and to identify opportunities for and barriers to
collaboration and coordination among programs and agencies.
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 27
The State Child Care Administrator was appointed by former Governor
Barbour to serve on this Council. The State Child Care Administrator’s
appointment was renewed by Governor Phil Bryant, the state’s current
governor.
Local Coordination/Council
If yes, describe entity, age groups and the role of the Lead Agency
Other.
Describe
None
1.5.4. Does the Lead Agency conduct or plan to conduct activities to
encourage public-private partnerships that promote private sector
involvement in meeting child care needs? (§98.16(d))
Yes. If yes, describe these activities or planned activities, including
the tangible results expected from the public-private partnership
The Lead Agency plans to continue its non-competitive Child Care
Partnership Program. The Child Care Partnership Program is a special
initiative developed by DECCD to encourage partnerships in addressing
employee/community child care needs. This is a federal matching grant
program to encourage local commitment to child care through community-
generated financial resources that can be matched with federal funds.
Applicants eligible for consideration for a direct subgrant include local or
county government, state agencies and municipalities, industries,
consortiums and foundations. Some examples of current partnerships
include:
• City of Jackson public/public partnerships
• City of Starkville has a public/private partnership
• Hancock County Human Resources Agency public/public partnership
• Hinds Community College public/public partnership
• City of Vicksburg has a public/private partnership
These programs served 736 children last year and projections indicate service
to the same number for the upcoming year.
No.
1.6. Child Care Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan
It is recommended, but not required, that each Lead Agency develop a plan to
address preparedness, response, and recovery efforts specific to child care services
and programs. Plans should cover the following areas: 1) planning for continuation
of services to CCDF families; 2) coordination with other State/Territory agencies and
key partners; 3) emergency preparedness regulatory requirements for child care
providers; 4) provision of temporary child care services after a disaster; and 5)
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 28
rebuilding child care after a disaster. For further guidance on developing Child Care
Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans see the Information Memorandum
(CCDF-ACF-IM-2011-01) located on the Office of Child Care website.
1.6.1. Indicate which of the following best describes the current status of
your efforts in this area. Check only ONE.
Planning. 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 will be coordinated with other emergency
planning efforts within the State/Territory.
Developed. A plan has been developed as of 03/01/2009 and put into
operation as of 03/01/2009, if available. Provide a web address for this
plan, if available: www.mdhs.state.ms.us/eccd_providers1
Other. Describe:
1.6.2. Indicate which of the core elements identified in the Information
Memorandum are or will be covered in the Lead Agency child care
emergency preparedness and response plan.
Check which elements, if any, the Lead Agency includes in the plan.
Planning for continuation of services to CCDF families
Coordination with other State/Territory agencies and key partners
Emergency preparedness regulatory requirements for child care providers
Provision of temporary child care services after a disaster
Restoring or rebuilding child care facilities and infrastructure after a
disaster
None
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 29
PART 2
CCDF SUBSIDY PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
This section focuses on the child care assistance program. Lead Agencies are asked to
describe their efforts to inform parents about the CCDF subsidy program and
application policies and procedures, eligibility criteria, sliding fee scale, payment rate
policies and procedures, and how Lead Agencies ensure continuity of care and
parental choice of high quality settings for families.
2.1. Administration of the Program
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 other public or private local agencies as long as it retains overall
responsibility for the administration of the program. (658D(b), §98.11(a))
2.1.1. Which of the following CCDF program rules and policies are set or
established at the State/Territory versus the local level?
Identify the level at which the following CCDF program rules and policies are
established.
Eligibility rules and policies (e.g., income limits) are set by the:
State/Territory
Local entity. If checked, identify the type of policies the local
entity(ies) can set
Other. Describe:
Sliding fee scale is set by the:
State/Territory
Local entity. If checked, identify the type of policies the local
entity(ies) can set
Other. Describe:
Payment rates are set by the:
State/Territory
Local entity. If checked, identify the type of policies the local
entity(ies) can set
Other. Describe:
2.1.2. How is the CCDF program operated in your State/Territory?
In the table below, identify which agency(ies) performs these CCDF services and
activities.
Implementation of CCDF
Services/Activities
Agency (Check all that apply)
Who determines eligibility?
CCDF Lead Agency
TANF agency
Other State/Territory agency. Describe.
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 30
Implementation of CCDF
Services/Activities
Agency (Check all that apply)
Note: If different for families receiving TANF
benefits and families not receiving TANF benefits,
please describe:
Local government agencies such as county
welfare or social services departments
Child care resource and referral agencies
Community-based organizations
Other. Describe. Slot contractors use
eligibility guidelines established by the Lead
Agency to determine the eligibility of families for
a child care slot in their program.
Who assists parents in locating child care
(consumer education)?
CCDF Lead Agency
TANF agency
Other State/Territory agency. Describe.
The Mississippi Department of Health, Division
of Child Care Licensure
Local government agencies such as county
welfare or social services departments
Child care resource and referral agencies
Community-based organizations
Other. Describe.
Who issues payments?
CCDF Lead Agency
TANF agency
Other State/Territory agency. Describe.
Local government agencies such as county
welfare or social services departments
Child care resource and referral agencies
Community-based organizations
Other. Describe.
Describe to whom is the payment issued
(e.g., parent or provider) and how are
payments distributed (e.g., electronically,
cash, etc)
Payments are issued by paper check once per
month to providers.
Other. List and describe:
2.2. Family Outreach and Application Process
Lead Agencies must inform parents of eligible children and the general public of the
process by which they can apply for and potentially receive child care services.
(658D(b)(1)(A), 658E(c)(2)(D) & (3)(B), §§98.16(k), 98.30(a)-(e). Note - For any
information in questions 2.2.1 through 2.2.10 that differs or will differ for families
receiving TANF, please describe in 2.2.11.
2.2.1. By whom and how are parents informed of the availability of child
care assistance services under CCDF? (658E(c)(2)(A), §98.30(a))
Check all agencies and strategies that will be used in your State/Territory.
CCDF Lead Agency
TANF offices
Other government offices
Child care resource and referral agencies
Contractors
Community-based organizations
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
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Public schools
Internet (provide website): www.childcareinfo.ms
Promotional materials
Community outreach meetings, workshops or other in-person meetings
Radio and/or television
Print media
Other. Describe:
2.2.2. How can parents apply for CCDF services?
Check all application methods that your State/Territory has chosen to implement.
In person interview or orientation
By mail
By Phone/Fax
Through the Internet (provide website) www.childcareinfo.ms
By Email
Through a State/Territory Agency
Through an organization contracted by the State/Territory
Other. Describe:
2.2.3. Describe how the Lead Agency provides consumer education to
parents applying for CCDF assistance to promote informed choices.
about the quality of care provided by various providers in their
communities.
Lead Agencies must certify that the State/Territory 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)(G), §98.33).
For example, memorandums of understanding with resource and referral agencies to
provide consumer education to families applying for CCDF assistance, providing
parents with provider lists showing licensing history and/or Quality Rating and
Improvement System (QRIS) ratings, or informational brochures that address
importance of quality and different care options available.
The Lead Agency provides informational brochures that demonstrate high quality
child care. In addition, the Lead Agency funds the MSCCR&R which provides parent
education and referral services for selecting child care options. The Lead Agency
provides parents a way to search for providers on their website. This information
display’s a provider’s quality rating.
2.2.4. Describe how the Lead Agency will support child care programs to
increase the likelihood that CCDF-served children receive higher quality
care as defined in your State/Territory.
For example, methods used to promote upward movement in quality rating and
improvement system, methods used to encourage high quality programs to
participate in the subsidy program such as tiered reimbursement, or incentives used
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to support high quality programs in rural, suburban, urban, and low-income
communities.
The Lead Agency works to increase the likelihood that children receiving child care
subsidies have access to higher quality care by providing quality bonuses for every
child receiving subsidy to child care providers participating in the Mississippi Child
Care Quality Step System (QRIS). The QRIS is a five star system providing 7% (two
star), 17% (three star), 22% (four star) and 25% (five star) increases in total monthly
subsidies. In an effort to support the provider’s success in the QRIS, the Lead Agency
conducts an annual Child Care Facility Needs Assessment and responds with
resources, identified by providers and designed to increase star ratings. In addition,
the Lead Agency funds professional development and training and technical
assistance programs at no cost to participants.
2.2.5. Describe how the Lead Agency promotes access to the CCDF
subsidy program? Check the strategies implemented by your State/Territory.
Provide access to program office/workers such as:
Providing extended office hours
Accepting applications at multiple office locations
Providing a toll-free number for clients
Email/online communication
Other. Describe:
Using a simplified eligibility determination process such as:
Simplifying the application form (such as eliminating unnecessary
questions, lowering the reading level)
Developing a single application for multiple programs
Developing web-based and/or phone-based application procedures
Coordinating eligibility policies across programs. List the program
names
Streamlining verification procedures, such as linking to other
program data systems
Providing information multi-lingually
Including temporary periods of unemployment in eligibility criteria
(job search, seasonal unemployment). Length of time 60 days (Note:
this period of unemployment should be included in the Lead Agency’s
definition of working, or job training/educational program at 2.3.3).
Other. Describe:
Other. Describe:
None
2.2.6. Describe the Lead Agency’s policies to promote continuity of care
for children and stability for families.
Check the strategies, if any, that your State/Territory has chosen to implement.
Provide CCDF assistance during periods of job search. Length of time 60
days
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Establish two-tiered income eligibility to allow families to continue to
receive child care subsidies if they experience an increase in income but
still remain below 85% of State median income (SMI)
Synchronize review date across programs. List programs:
Longer eligibility re-determination periods (e.g., 1 year). Describe Eligibilty
periods are one year in length for working parents.
Extend periods of eligibility for families who are also enrolled in either
Early Head Start or Head Start and pre-k programs. Describe
Extend periods of eligibility for school-age children under age 13 to cover
the school year. Describe
Minimize reporting requirements for changes in family’s circumstances
that do not impact families’ eligibility, such as changes in income below a
certain threshold or change in employment
Individualized case management to help families find and keep stable child
care arrangements. Describe
Using non-CCDF Funds to continue subsidy for families who no longer
meet eligibility, such as for children who turn 13 years of age during the
middle of a program year
Other. Describe
None
2.2.7. How will the Lead Agency provide outreach and services to eligible
families with limited English proficiency?
Check the strategies, if any, that your State/Territory has chosen to implement.
Application in other languages (application document, brochures, provider
notices)
Informational materials in non-English languages
Training and technical assistance in non-English languages
Website in non-English languages
Lead Agency accepts applications at local community-based locations
Bilingual caseworkers or translators available
Outreach Worker
Other:
The Lead Agency has requested translation assistance from an internal
agency division for applications. This process is not complete at this time.
Additionally, the Lead Agency has developed brochures for non-English
and low-literacy individuals to assist them with identifying quality child
care environments. These can be viewed at:
http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/pdfs/eccd_0to2yrs_brochure.pdf
http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/pdfs/eccd_3to5yrs_brochure.pdf
Educational materials regarding the QRIS are printed in Spanish.
Training materials for MS eChildcare are available in Spanish and
Vietnamese. Lead Agency staff contains Spanish speakers that can assist
on calls to the office when needed.
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None
If the Lead Agency checked any option above related to providing
information or services in other non-English languages, please list
the languages offered
2.2.8. How will the Lead Agency overcome language barriers with
providers?
Check the strategies, if any, that your State/Territory has chosen to implement.
Informational materials in non-English languages
Training and technical assistance in non-English languages
CCDF health and safety requirements in non-English languages
Provider contracts or agreements in non-English languages
Website in non-English languages
Bilingual caseworkers or translators available
Collect information to evaluate on-going need, recruit, or train a culturally
or linguistically diverse workforce
Other:
None
If the Lead Agency checked any option above related to providing
information or services in other non-English languages, please list
the languages offered
The Lead Agency has some information available in Vietnamese and Spanish.
Addition materials such as Provider Agreements and website information are
currently being translated into Spanish.
2.2.9. Describe how the Lead Agency documents and verifies applicant
information using the table below. (§98.20(a))
Check the strategies that will be implemented by your State/Territory. Attach a
copy of your parent application for the child care subsidy program(s) as
Attachment 2.2.9 or provide a web address, if available
http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/pdfs/eccd_A_ElectronicApplicationForm.pdf,
http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/pdfs/eccd_B_ElectronicParentSOAForm.pdf,
http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/pdfs/eccd_C_EligibilityChecklist.pdf,
http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/pdfs/eccd_D_ElectronicGuardianshipForm.pdf,
http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/pdfs/eccd_E_ElectronicChildSupportVerificationFor
m.pdf,
http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/pdfs/eccd_parentsrights.pdf
Reminder – Lead Agencies are reminded that, for purposes of implementing the
citizenship verification requirements mandated by title IV of Personal Responsibility
and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, only the citizenship and immigration
status of the child, who is the primary beneficiary of the child care benefit, is relevant
for eligibility purposes. (ACYF-PI-CC-98-08) States may not deny child care benefits
to an eligible child because the parent(s), legal guardians, persons standing in loco
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parentis, or other household members have not provided information regarding
their immigration status.
The Lead Agency requires
documentation of:
Describe how the Lead Agency documents
and verifies applicant information:
Applicant identity
Current driver’s license or state issued ID,
birth certificate
Household composition
Applicant’s relationship to the child
Birth certificate, open child support case
Child’s information for determining
eligibility (e.g., identity, age, etc.)
Birth certificate
Work, Job Training or Educational
Program
Employment: check stubs, or letter from
employer if newly hired or paid in cash
Education: verification of full-time enrollment
from educational institution.
Income
Pay check stubs, and verification of receipt of
other income such as child support.
Other. Describe Verification of
cooperation with Child Support.
Verification from the MDHS, Division of
Child Support Enforcement that client is
cooperating.
2.2.10. Which strategies, if any, will the Lead Agency use to assure the
timeliness of eligibility determinations upon receipt of applications?
Time limit for making eligibility determinations. Describe length of time
Track and monitor the eligibility determination process
Other. Describe
None
2.2.11. Are the policies, strategies or processes provided in questions
2.2.1. through 2.2.10 different for families receiving TANF? (658E(c)(2)(H)
& (3)(D), §§98.16(g)(4), 98.33(b), 98.50(e))
Yes. If yes, describe:
No.
2.2.12. Informing parents who receive TANF benefits about the exception
to the individual penalties associated with the TANF work requirement
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. Lead Agencies must
coordinate with TANF programs to ensure, pursuant that TANF families with young
children will be informed of their right not to be sanctioned if they meet the criteria
set forth by the State TANF agency in accordance with section 407(e)(2) of the Social
Security Act.
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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 CCDF 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.
a) Identify the TANF agency that established these criteria or definitions:
State/Territory TANF Agency
Mississippi Department of Human Services, Division of Field Operations.
b) Provide the following definitions established by the TANF agency.
"appropriate child care":
Appropriate child care is defined as a licensed child care center or a family day care
(home or an individual) chosen by the parent/caretaker relative to care for the child.
The child care provider must be 18 years old or older.
"reasonable distance":
Appropriate child care must be within a reasonable distance (within a 20-mile
radius) of the parent/caretaker relative’s home or worksite.
"unsuitability of informal child care":
Unavailable or unsuitable child care shall be defined as a situation involving child
abuse, neglect or an unsafe environment. If the parent/caretaker relative refuses to
take the child to a particular day care center, he/she must inform the case manager
of the reason for the refusal. The case manager must investigate to verify and
substantiate the parent’s claim of unsuitable child care. Complaints involving child
abuse, neglect or an unsafe environment will be reported to the MS State Health
Department, Division of Child Care Facilities Licensure. The case manager must
contact the Office of Children and Youth's Designated Agent (now the Division of
Early Childhood Care and Development) to discuss the problem and determine what
other child care services are available in the area. The case manager will determine
good cause for non-participation based on the investigation and information
gathered.
"affordable child care arrangements":
Affordable formal child care is child care that is equal to or less than the established
rates for the type of care according to the OCY Child Care Policy Manual (now
Mississippi Child Care Payment Program Policy Manual).
c) How are parents who receive TANF benefits informed about the exception
to individual penalties associated with the TANF work requirements?
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In writing
Verbally
Other:
2.3. Eligibility Criteria for Child Care
In order to be eligible for services, children must (1) be under the age of 13, or under
the age of 19 if the child is physically or mentally disabled or under court
supervision; (2) reside with a family whose income is less than 85 percent of the
State’s median income for a family of the same size; and (3) reside with a parent or
parents who is working or attending job training or an educational program; or (4)
be receiving or needs to receive protective services. (658P(3), §98.20(a))
2.3.1. How does the Lead Agency define the following eligibility terms?
• residing with - living with, including taking meals and sleeping in the
same house.
• in loco parentis – in place of parent, for example, a guardian or a relative
or friend with whom the child resides if the child’s parent is unable to act
as the parent or has delegated his or her authority to someone else. The
term describes someone who provides care and supervision like a parent
but without going through the formalities of legal adoption or
guardianship.
2.3.2. Eligibility Criteria Based Upon Age
a) The Lead Agency serves children from six weeks to 12 years 11 mo. (may not
equal or exceed age 13).
b) Does the Lead Agency allow CCDF-funded child care for children age 13
and above but below age 19 years who are physically and/or mentally
incapable of self-care? (658E(c)(3)(B), 658P(3), §98.20(a)(1)(ii))
Yes, and the upper age is 18 years, 11 mo. (may not equal or exceed age 19) .
Provide the Lead Agency definition of physical or mental incapacity – a child under
age 19 who meets the SSI definition of disability by having medically proven physical
or mental condition(s) that cause marked and severe functional limitations expected
to last at least 12 months in duration.
No.
c) Does the Lead Agency allow CCDF-funded child care for children age 13
and above but below age 19 years who are under court supervision? (658P(3),
658E(c)(3)(B), §98.20(a)(1)(ii))
Yes, and the upper age is (may not equal or exceed age 19)
No.
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2.3.3. Eligibility Criteria Based Upon Work, Job Training or Educational
Program
a) How does the Lead Agency define “working” for the purposes of eligibility?
Provide a narrative description below, including allowable activities and if a
minimum number of hours is required.
Reminder – Lead Agencies have the flexibility to include any work-
related activities in its definition of working including periods of job
search and travel time. (§§98.16(f)(3), 98.20(b))
working – Performing duties to earn a wage (for a minimum of 25
hours per week) or complete educational/job training such as
practicums or internships (must be enrolled full time). Out of work
parents, or parents who lose their job are allowed 60 days of job search
time during which they are eligible for services.
b) Does the Lead Agency provide CCDF child care assistance to parents who
are attending job training or an educational program? (§§98.16(g)(5),
98.20(b))
Yes. If yes, how does the Lead Agency define “attending job training or
educational program” for the purposes of eligibility? Provide a
narrative description below.
Reminder – Lead Agencies have the flexibility to include any
training or education-related activities in its definition of job
training or education, including study time and travel time.
attending job training or educational program –Full time
enrollment of any applicant in an education and/or training
program resulting in any degree, diploma, or certificate designed
to promote job skills and employability. Full time status is
determined by the educational institution.
No.
2.3.4. Eligibility Criteria Based Upon Receiving or Needing to Receive
Protective Services
a) Does the Lead Agency provide child care to children in protective services?
(§§98.16(f)(7), 98.20(a)(3)(ii)(A) & (B))
Yes. If yes, how does the Lead Agency define “protective services”
for the purposes of eligibility? Provide a narrative description
below.
Reminder – Lead Agencies have the flexibility to define
protective services beyond formal child welfare or foster care
cases. Lead Agencies may elect to include homeless children and
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other vulnerable populations in the definition of protective
services.
Note – If the Lead Agency elects 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 for
CCDF purposes these children are considered to be in protective
services and should be included in this definition.
• protective services – Services provided to families in which
abuse or neglect or children has occurred and a finding of
substantiated abuse or neglect has been determined. The
purpose of service provision is to protect children within the
context of the family from further abuse or neglect.
No.
b) Does the Lead Agency waive, on a case-by-case basis, the co-payment and
income eligibility requirements for cases in which children receive, or need to
receive, protective services? (658E(c)(3)(B), 658P(3)(C)(ii),
§98.20(a)(3)(ii)(A))
Yes.
No.
2.3.5. Income Eligibility Criteria
a) How does the Lead Agency define “income” for the purposes of eligibility?
Provide the Lead Agency’s definition of “income” for purposes of eligibility
determination. (§§98.16(g)(5), 98.20(b))
income – funds received by all applicable individuals as described in policy
which are not supplemented by any public assistance other than food stamps
or medical assistance, and does not exceed 85 percent of the State Median
Income (SMI).
b) Which of the following sources of income, if any, will the Lead Agency
exclude or deduct from calculations of total family income for the purposes of
eligibility determination? Check any income the Lead Agency chooses to
exclude or deduct, if any.
Adoption subsidies
Foster care payments
Alimony received or paid
Child support received
Child support paid
Federal nutrition programs
Federal tax credits
State/Territory tax credits
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Housing allotments, Low-Income Energy Assistance Program
(LIHEAP) or energy assistance
Medical expenses or health insurance related expenses
Military housing or other allotment/bonuses
Scholarships, education loans, grants, income from work study
Social Security Income
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Veteran’s benefits
Unemployment Insurance
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Worker Compensation
Other types of income not listed above
None
c) Whose income will be excluded, if any, for purposes of eligibility
determination? Check anyone the Lead Agency chooses to exclude, if any.
Children under age 18
Children age 18 and over – still attending school
Teen parents
Unrelated members of household
All members of household except for parents/legal guardians
Other Any parent/guardian who is over the age of 65.
None
d) Provide the CCDF income eligibility limits in the table below. Complete
columns (a) and (b) based upon maximum eligibility initial entry into the
CCDF program. Complete Columns (c) and (d) ONLY IF the Lead Agency is
using income eligibility limits lower than 85% of the SMI.
Family
Size
(a)
100% of State Median
Income (SMI)
($/month)
(b)
85% of State Median
Income (SMI)
($/month)
[Multiply (a) by 0.85]
IF APPLICABLE
Income Level if lower than
85% SMI
(c)
$/month
(d)
% of SMI
[Divide (c) by (a),
multiply by 100]
Reminder - Income limits must be provided in terms of State Median
Income (SMI) (or Territory Median Income) even if federal poverty level is
used in implementing the program. (§98.20(a)(2)). FY 2013 poverty
guidelines are available at hhs.gov.
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e) Will the Lead Agency have “tiered eligibility” (i.e., a separate income limit
at re-determination to remain eligible for the CCDF program)?
Yes. If yes, provide the requested information from the table in
2.3.5d and describe .
Note: This information can be included in a separate table, or
by placing a “/” between the entry and exit levels in the above
table.
No.
f) SMI Year 2004
and
SMI Source U. S. Census Bureau
g) These eligibility limits in column (c) became or will become effective on:
October 2004
2.3.6. Eligibility Re-determination
a) Does the State/Territory follow OCC’s 12 month re-determination
recommendation? (See Program Instruction on Continuity of Care.)
Yes
No. If no, what is the re-determination period in place for most
families?
6 months
24 months
Other. Describe
Length of eligibility varies by county or other jurisdiction. Describe
b) Does the Lead Agency coordinate or align re-determination
periods with other programs?
Yes. If yes, check programs that the Lead Agency aligns
eligibility periods with and describe the redetermination period
for each.
Head Start and/or Early Head Start Programs. Re-determination
period
Pre-kindergarten programs. Re-determination period
TANF. Re-determination period
SNAP. Re-determination period
Medicaid. Re-determination period
SCHIP. Re-determination period
Other. Describe
No.
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c) Describe under what circumstances, if any, a family’s eligibility would be
reviewed prior to redetermination. For example, regularly scheduled
interim assessments, or a requirement for families to report changes.
Parents who are eligible because they are enrolled full time in an
educational program must be redetermined eligible each
semester/quarter. Clients who were referred from TANF, DFCS, and the
home visiting program (HHM) are subject to eligibility based on the
policies of the referring program.
d) Describe any action(s) the State/Territory would take in response to any
change in a family’s eligibility circumstances prior to re-determination
Parents and other clients as described in the previous response would be
terminated. A two-week notice of termination is provided when children
are enrolled in licensed child care programs.
e) Describe how these policies are implemented in a family-friendly manner
that promotes access and continuity of care for children. (See Information
Memorandum on Continuity of Care for examples).
The Lead Agency has adopted the following family-friendly policies to
support continuity of care:
o 12 month eligibility period
o Any out of work parent has 60 days to engage in job search
activities before losing eligibility. During that time, parent
co-payments are reduced to the lowest allowable amount.
o Income is averaged over the last two check stubs to obtain an
average income. Overtime pay and bonus payments are
considered irregular income and are also averaged to obtain
an accurate income.
o Children with court-ordered visitation are flagged in CCIS
and remain eligible during visitation periods, even extended
visitation periods.
o The Lead Agency pays licensed providers for 15 child
absences during the program year.
f) Does the Lead Agency use a simplified process at re-determination?
Yes. If yes, describe During redtermination, parents are asked
only to verify profile information and submit income/school
enrollment verification.
No.
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2.3.7. Waiting Lists
Describe the Lead Agency’s waiting list status. Select ONE of these
options.
Lead Agency currently does not have a waiting list and:
All eligible families who apply will be served under
State/Territory eligibility rules
Not all eligible families who apply will be served under
State/Territory eligibility rules
Lead Agency has an active waiting list for:
Any eligible family who applies when they cannot be served
at the time of application
Only certain eligible families. Describe those families:
Waiting lists are a county/local decision. Describe
Other. Describe
2.3.8. Appeal Process for Eligibility Determinations
Describe the process for families to appeal eligibility determinations
Families who wish to have their eligibility determination reviewed, must contact the
Lead Agency. Upon receipt of request for review, the Lead Agency reviews family
information and responds with a final determination.
2.4. Sliding Fee Scale and Family Contribution
The statute and regulations require Lead Agencies to establish a sliding fee scale that
varies based on income and the size of the family to be used in determining each
family's contribution (i.e., co-payment) to the cost of child care (658E(c)(3)(B)
§98.42).
2.4.1. Attach a copy of the sliding fee scale as Attachment 2.4.1.
Will the attached sliding fee scale be used in all parts of the State/Territory?
Yes. Effective Date October 2004
No. If no, attach other sliding fee scales and their effective date(s) as
Attachment 2.4.1a, 2.4.1b, etc.
2.4.2. What income source and year will be used in creating the sliding
fee scale? (658E(c)(3)(B))
Check only one option.
State Median Income, Year: 2004
Federal Poverty Level, Year:
Income source and year varies by geographic region. Describe
income source and year:
Other. Describe income source and year:
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2.4.3. How will the family’s contribution be calculated and to whom will
it be applied?
Check all that the Lead Agency has chosen to use. (§98.42(b))
Fee is a dollar amount and
Fee is per child with the same fee for each child
Fee is per child and discounted fee for two or more children
Fee is per child up to a maximum per family
No additional fee charged after certain number of children
Fee is per family
Fee is a percent of income and
Fee is per child with the same percentage applied for each child
Fee is per child and discounted percentage applied for two or more
children
No additional percentage applied charged after certain number of
children
Fee is per family
Contribution schedule varies by geographic area. Describe:
Other. Describe
If the Lead Agency checked more than one of the options above,
describe
2.4.4. Will the Lead Agency use other factors in addition to income and
family size to determine each family's contribution to the cost of child
care? (658E(c)(3)(B), §98.42(b))
Yes, and describe those additional factors: Clients who are referred for
service by TANF, DFCS, and HHM receive a zero (TANF) or reduced
co-payment amount (DFCS & HHM).
No.
2.4.5. 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)).
Select ONE of these options.
Reminder – Lead Agencies are reminded that the co-payments may be waived for
only two circumstances - for families at or below the poverty level or on a case-by-
case basis for children falling under the definition of “protective services” (as defined
in 2.3.4.a).
ALL families, including those with incomes at or below the poverty
level for families of the same size, ARE required to pay a fee.
NO families with income at or below the poverty level for a family of
the same size ARE required to pay a fee. The poverty level used by the
Lead Agency for a family of 3 is: $
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SOME families with income at or below the poverty level for a family of
the same size ARE NOT required to pay a fee. The Lead Agency waives
the fee for the following families: Clients participating in an approved
TANF activity.
2.5. Prioritizing Services for Eligible Children and Families
At a minimum, CCDF requires Lead Agencies to give priority for child care assistance
to children with special needs, or in families with very low incomes. Prioritization of
CCDF assistance services is not limited to eligibility determination (i.e.,
establishment of a waiting list or ranking of eligible families in priority order to be
served). Lead Agencies may fulfill priority requirements in other ways such as higher
payment rates for providers caring for children with special needs or waiving co-
payments for families with very low incomes (at or below the federal poverty level).
(658E(c)(3)(B), §98.44)
2.5.1. How will the Lead Agency prioritize child care services to children
with special needs or in families with very low incomes? (658E(c)(3)(B),
§98.44)
Lead Agencies have the discretion to define children with special needs and children
in families with very low incomes. Lead Agencies are not limited in defining
children with special needs to only those children with physical or mental disabilities
(e.g., with a formal Individual Education Plan (IEP) required under the Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)). Lead Agencies could consider children in
the child welfare system, children of teen parents, or homeless children as examples
of children with special needs.
How will the Lead Agency
prioritize CCDF services for:
Eligibility
Priority
(Check only
one)
Is there a time
limit on the
eligibility
priority or
guarantee?
Other Priority
Rules
Children with special needs
Provide the Lead Agency
definition of Children with Special
Needs Special Needs rates may be
applied for children through the
age of 18 who meet the SSI
definition of disability by having
medically proven physical or
mental condition(s) that cause
marked and severe functional
limitations expected to last at least
12 months in duration and render
the child(ren) incapable of self-
care. The condition(s) must be
documented by a physician. In the
Priority
over other
CCDF-eligible
families
Same
priority as
other CCDF-
eligible
families
Guaranteed
subsidy
eligibility
Other.
Describe
Yes. The time
limit is:
No
Different
eligibility
thresholds.
Describe
Higher rates
for providers
caring for
children with
special needs
requiring
additional care
Prioritizes
quality funds for
providers
serving these
children
Other.
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Amended Effective: _____
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How will the Lead Agency
prioritize CCDF services for:
Eligibility
Priority
(Check only
one)
Is there a time
limit on the
eligibility
priority or
guarantee?
Other Priority
Rules
absence of SSI benefits, medical
documentation should attest to
the degree of functional
limitation(s) and prescribe the
special care needed.
Describe
Children in families with very low
incomes
Provide the Lead Agency
definition of Children in Families
with Very Low Incomes Income at
or below the 50 percent of the
State Median Income (SMI).
Priority
over other
CCDF-eligible
families
Same
priority as
other CCDF-
eligible
families
Guaranteed
subsidy
eligibility
Other.
Describe
Yes. The time
limit is:
No
Different
eligibility
thresholds.
Describe
Waiving co-
payments for
families with
incomes at or
below the
Federal Poverty
Level
Other.
Describe None
2.5.2. How will CCDF funds be used to provide child care assistance 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))
Reminder - CCDF requires that not less than 70 percent of CCDF Mandatory and
Matching funds be used to provide child care assistance for 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.
Use priority rules to meet the needs of TANF families (describe in 2.5.1 or
2.5.3.)
Waive fees (co-payments) for some or all TANF families who are below
poverty level
Coordinate with other entities (i.e. TANF office, other State/Territory
agencies, and contractors)
Other:
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
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2.5.3. List and define any other eligibility conditions, priority rules and
definitions that will be established by the Lead Agency. (658E(c)(3)(B),
§98.16(g)(5), §98.20(b))
Reminder – Lead Agencies are reminded that any eligibility criteria and terms
provided below must comply with the eligibility requirements of §98.20 and
provided in section 2.2. Any priority rules provided must comply with the priority
requirements of §98.44 and provided in section 2.4.1.
Term(s)
Definition(s)
2.6. Parental Choice In Relation to Certificates, Grants or Contracts
The parent(s) of each eligible child who receives or is offered financial assistance for
child care services has the option of either enrolling such child with a provider that
has a grant or contract for the provision of service or receiving a child care
certificate. (658E(c)(2)(A), §98.15(a)).
2.6.1. Child Care Certificates
a) When is the child care certificate (also referred to as voucher or
authorization) issued to parents? (658E(c)(2)(A)(iii), 658P(2), §98.2,
§98.30(c)(4) & (e)(1) & (2))
Before parent has selected a provider
After parent has selected a provider
Other. Describe
All referred clients are supported in selecting an approved provider at
the time of referral. This supports the Lead Agency in providing the
fastest service possible for the state’s most vulnerable populations.
Non-referred clients who are determined eligible are mailed a
certificate and asked to return it with provider information.
b) How does the Lead Agency inform parents that the child care certificate
permits them to choose from a variety of child care categories, including child
care centers, child care group homes, family child care homes, and in-home
providers? (§98.30(e)(2))
Certificate form provides information about choice of providers
Certificate is not linked to a specific provider so parents can choose
provider of choice
Consumer education materials (flyers, forms, brochures)
Referral to child care resource and referral agencies
Verbal communication at the time of application
Public Services Announcement
Agency Website: www.childcareinfo.ms
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Amended Effective: _____
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Community outreach meetings, workshops, other in person
activities
Multiple points of communication throughout the eligibility and
renew process
Other. Describe
c) What information is included on the child care certificate? Attach a copy
of the child care certificate as Attachment 2.6.1. (658E(c)(2)(A)(iii))
Authorized provider(s)
Authorized payment rate(s)
Authorized hours
Co-payment amount
Authorization period
Other. Describe Parent and child identifying information. See
attachment.
d) What is the estimated proportion of services that will be available for child
care services through certificates?
Approximately 75% of subsidy funds are dispersed through certificates.
Remaining subsidy funds are dispersed through slots.
2.6.2. Child Care Services Available through Grants or Contracts
a) In addition to offering certificates, does the Lead Agency provide child
care services through grants or contracts for child care slots? (658A(b)(1),
658P(4), §§98.16(g)(1), 98.30(a)(1) & (b)). Note: Do not check “yes” if
every provider is simply required to sign an agreement in order to be paid
in the certificate program.
Yes. If yes, describe the type(s) of child care services available
through grants or contracts, the process for accessing grants or
contracts, and the range of providers that will be available through
grants or contracts: The Lead Agency has non-competitive subgrants
with various entities to provide child care slots to children and families.
These subgrants are administered by the City of Jackson, City of
Starkville, City of Vicksburg, Hancock County Human Resources
Agency, Hinds Community College, (Sanderson Farms, Inc., - Business
Sponsored), Midtown Partners and the United Way of the Capital Area.
No. If no, skip to 2.6.3.
b) Will the Lead Agency use grants or contracts for child care services to
achieve any of the following? Check the strategies, if any, that your
State/Territory chooses to implement.
Increase the supply of specific types of care
Programs to serve children with special needs
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
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Wrap-around or integrated child care in Head Start, Early
Head Start, pre-k, summer or other programs
Programs to serve infant/toddler
School-age programs
Center-based providers
Family child care providers
Group-home providers
Programs that serve specific geographic areas
Urban
Rural
Other. Describe
Support programs in providing higher quality services
Support programs in providing comprehensive services
Serve underserved families. Specify:
Other. Describe
c) Are child care services provided through grants or contracts offered
throughout the State/Territory? (658E(a), §98.16(g)(3))
Yes.
No, and identify the localities (political subdivisions) and
services that are not offered:
d) How are payment rates for child care services provided through
grants/contracts determined?
All rates are based on rates published by the Lead Agency and are determined
based on total budget allotment and cost of care.
e) What is the estimated proportion of direct services that will be available for
child care services through grants/contracts?
Approximately 25% of subsidy funds are dispersed through grants/contracts.
2.6.3. How will the Lead Agency inform parents and providers of policies
and procedures 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))
Check the strategies that will be implemented by your State/Territory.
Signed declaration
Parent Application
Parent Orientation
Provider Agreement
Provider Orientation
Other. Describe:
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
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2.6.4. The Lead Agency must allow for in-home care (i.e., care provided
in the child’s own home) but may limit its use. (§§98.16(g)(2),
98.30(e)(1)(iv))
Will the Lead Agency limit the use of in-home care in any way?
No
Yes. If checked, what limits will the Lead Agency set on the use of in-home
care? Check all limits the Lead Agency will establish.
Restricted based on minimum number of children in the care of the
provider to meet minimum wage law or Fair Labor Standards Act
Restricted based on provider meeting a minimum age requirement
Restricted based on hours of care (certain number of hours, non-
traditional work hours)
Restricted to care by relatives
Restricted to care for children with special needs or medical condition
Restricted to in-home providers that meet some basic health and safety
requirements
Other. Describe
2.6.5. Describe how the Lead Agency maintains a record of substantiated
parental complaints about providers and makes substantiated parental
complaints available to the public on request. (658E(c)(2)(C), §98.32)
The Lead Agency maintains records of provider complaints. Substaniated reports
are available upon request to the Lead Agency.
2.7. Payment Rates for Child Care Services
The statute at 658E(c)(4) and the regulations at §98.43(b)(1) require the Lead
Agency to establish adequate payment rates for child care services that ensure
eligible children equal access to comparable care.
2.7.1 Attach a copy of your payment rates as Attachment 2.7.1.
Will the attached payment rates be used in all parts of the State/Territory?
Yes. Effective Date: October 2007
No. If no, attach other payment rates and their effective date(s) as
Attachment 2.7.1a, 2.7.1b, etc.
2.7.2. Which strategies, if any, will the Lead Agency use to ensure the
timeliness of payments?
Policy on length of time for making payments. Describe length of time
Track and monitor the payment process
Other. Describe
None
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
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2.7.3. Market Rate Survey
Lead Agencies must complete a local Market Rate Survey (MRS) no earlier than two
years prior to the effective date of the Plan (no earlier than October 1, 2011). The
MRS must be completed prior to the submission of the CCDF Plan (see Program
Instruction CCDF-ACF-PI-2009-02 for more information on the MRS deadline).
a) Provide the month and year when the local Market Rate Survey(s) was
completed (§98.43(b)(2)): March 2013.
b) Provide a summary of the results of the survey. The summary should include a
description of the sample population, data source, the type of methodology used, response
rate, description of analyses, and key findings.
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), Bureau of Licensure and
Regulations, periodically provided a list of licensed child care facilities in
Mississippi. The most recent populated list indicated 1,640 facilities. A list of
family/in-home providers was developed using records from the Nurturing Homes
Initiative (NHI) project and other MSU School of Human Sciences resources. A total
of 419 family/in-home providers were identified. All 1,640 licensed centers and 419
family/in-home providers were selected for inclusion in the survey. Selected
findings are provided below using frequencies, percentages, means and standard
deviations. Where appropriate, comparisons are made between licensed centers and
family/in-home providers.
CCDF Certificates
Overall, 3,739 licensed and family/in-home centers accept CCDF certificates. Of
these 3,739 centers, 1,236 are licensed centers and 2,504 are family/in-home
providers. Of the licensed centers, 747 (60.4%) are in Tier 1, 482 (39.0%) are in Tier
2, and seven (0.01%) are Tier 3. Of the family/in-home providers, 2,461 (98.2%) are
in Tier 3, and 20 (0.01%) are in each Tiers 1 and 2.
Vacancies
The current MSDH licensed center list indicates there are 35,762 total vacancies of a
total maximum capacity of 132,512. The NACCRRAware database shows there are
255 vacancies in family/in-home care facilities.
Weekly and Monthly Childcare Rates
Child care rates reported by licensed centers were generally higher than those
reported by family/in-home providers. However, these differences were minimal
across all categories of time and age. Rates reported for weekly part-time for children
age five to 12 and monthly part-time for two-, three- and four-year-old children were
the same for licensed centers and family/in-home providers. The 75th percentile by
center type, time, and age are provided in Table 2.
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
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2.7.4. Describe the payment rate ceilings in relation to the current MRS
using the tables below.
Because of the flexibility that Lead Agencies have in setting payment rate ceilings,
the following tables have been developed to simplify Lead Agency reporting on how
their payment rate ceilings compare to their most recent MRS. These tables are not
meant to collect comprehensive payment rate ceilings within a State/Territory and
ACF recognizes that Lead Agencies are not required to set their payment rate ceilings
at the 75th percentile. These tables allow Lead Agencies to use a common metric –
the 75th percentile – as a reference point against which the Lead Agency can report
their percentiles for three selected age groups in two geographic areas for licensed
child care centers and licensed family child care homes.
In table 2.7.4a and 2.7.4b, highest rate area refers to the State or Territory’s area or
geographic region with the highest maximum payment rate ceiling for child care
centers (2.7.4a) and the lowest maximum payment rate ceiling for child care centers
(2.7.4b). Identify the highest rate area in the box provided. In column (a), provide
the full-time monthly rate at the 75th percentile from the most recent MRS, even if
the most recent MRS is not used to set rates. In column (b), provide the maximum
monthly payment rate ceiling from your CCDF payment rate table. Complete column
(c) ONLY IF the percentile for the monthly maximum payment rate ceiling is lower
than the 75th percentile of the most recent MRS.
Note - Report the “base” maximum reimbursement rate ceiling, not including any
rate add-ons or tiered reimbursements. For example, if maximum reimbursement
rate ceilings are tiered based on level of quality (e.g., accreditation, or rating within a
quality rating system such as gold, silver and bronze), report the rates for the lowest
level in the tables below (e.g., bronze), only if there is no lower “base” rate paid for
child care services by providers not participating in the quality rating system.
If your State/Territory has hourly, daily and/or weekly maximum payment rate
ceiling, Lead Agencies can use the following assumptions to calculate monthly
maximum payment rate ceiling for column (b) – 9 hours a day, 5 days per week, 4.33
weeks per month.
OCC recognizes that States and Territories use a wide variety of age ranges and
categories in setting payment rate ceilings. In these charts, report rates for the
following ages only – 11 months, 59 months, and 84 months of age – regardless of
what that age category may be called in your State/Territory.
2.7.4a – Highest
Rate Area (Centers)
(a)
Monthly
Payment Rate
at the 75th
percentile from
the most recent
MRS
(b)
Monthly
Maximum
Payment Rate
Ceiling
(c)
Percentile if
lower than 75th
percentile of
most recent
survey
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Amended Effective: _____
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2.7.4a – Highest
Rate Area (Centers)
(a)
Monthly
Payment Rate
at the 75th
percentile from
the most recent
MRS
(b)
Monthly
Maximum
Payment Rate
Ceiling
(c)
Percentile if
lower than 75th
percentile of
most recent
survey
Full-Time Licensed
Center Infants (11
months)
$563
$346
70%
Full-Time Licensed
Center Preschool (59
months)
$476
$313
66%
Full-Time Licensed
Center School-Age (84
months)
$433
$304
70%
2.7.4b – Lowest Rate
Area (Centers)
(a)
Monthly
Payment Rate at
the 75th
percentile of the
most recent
MRS
(b)
Monthly
Maximum
Payment Rate
Ceiling
(c)
Percentile if
lower than 75th
percentile of
most recent
survey
Full-Time Licensed
Center Infants (11
months)
$368
$346
94%
Full-Time Licensed
Center Preschool (59
months)
$325
$313
96%
Full-Time Licensed
Center School-Age (84
months)
$217
$304
140%
In table 2.7.4c and 2.7.4d, highest rate area refers to the State or Territory’s area or
geographic region with the highest maximum payment rate ceiling for family child
care homes (2.7.4c) and the lowest maximum payment rate ceiling for family child
care homes (2.7.4d). Identify the lowest rate area in the box provided. In column (a),
provide the full-time monthly rate at the 75th percentile from the most recent MRS,
even if the most recent MRS is not used to set rates. In column (b), provide the
maximum monthly payment rate ceiling from your CCDF payment rate table.
Complete column (c) ONLY IF the percentile for the monthly maximum payment
rate ceiling is lower than the 75th percentile of the most recent MRS.
Note - Report the “base” maximum reimbursement rate ceilings, not including any
rate add-ons or tiered reimbursement. For example, if maximum reimbursement
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
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Page 54
rate ceilings are tiered based on level of quality (e.g., accreditation, or rating within a
quality rating system such as gold, silver and bronze), report the rates for the lowest
level in the tables below (e.g., bronze), only if there is no lower “base” rate paid for
child care services by providers not participating in the quality rating system.
If your State/Territory has hourly, daily and/or weekly maximum payment rate
ceiling, Lead Agencies can use the following assumptions to calculate monthly
maximum payment rate ceiling for column (b) – 9 hours a day, 5 days per week, 4.33
weeks per month.
OCC recognizes that States and Territories use a wide variety of age ranges and
categories in setting payment rate ceilings. In these charts, report rates for the
following ages only – 11 months, 59 months, and 84 months of age – regardless of
what that age category may be called in your State/Territory.
2.7.4c – Highest
Rate Area (FCC)
(a)
Monthly Payment
Rate at the 75th
percentile of the
most recent MRS
(b)
Monthly
Maximum
Payment
Rate Ceiling
(c)
Percentile if
lower than 75th
percentile of most
recent survey
Full-Time Licensed FCC
Infants (11 months)
$476
$251
53%
Full-Time Licensed FCC
Preschool (59 months)
$325
$227
70%
Full-Time Licensed FCC
School-Age (84 months)
$368
$222
60%
2.7.4d – Lowest Rate
Area (FCC)
(a)
Monthly Payment
Rate at the 75th
percentile of the
most recent MRS
(b)
Monthly
Maximum
Payment
Rate Ceiling
(c)
Percentile if
lower than 75th
percentile of
most recent
survey
Full-Time Licensed FCC
Infants (11 months)
$238
$251
105%
Full-Time Licensed FCC
Preschool (59 months)
$173
$227
131%
Full-Time Licensed FCC
School-Age (84 months)
$195
$222
114%
2.7.5. How are payment rate ceilings for license-exempt providers set?
a) Describe how license-exempt center payment rates are set: The Lead
Agency makes no distinction between license-exempt centers and those
centers that are required to have a license.
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b) Describe how license-exempt family child care home payment rates are
set: Payment rates for all providers are set based on availability of funding.
Consideration is given to raising rates vs. fewer certificates.
c) Describe how license-exempt group family child care home payment rates
are set: Payment rates for all providers are set based on availability of
funding. Consideration is given to raising rates vs. fewer certificates.
d) Describe how in-home care payment rates are set: Payment rates for all
providers are set based on availability of funding. Consideration is given
to raising rates vs. fewer certificates.
2.7.6 Will the Lead Agency provide any type of tiered reimbursement or
differential rates on top of its base reimbursement rates for providing
care for children receiving CCDF subsidies?
Check which types of tiered reimbursement, if any, the Lead Agency has chosen to
implement. In the description of any tiered rates or add-ons, indicate the process
and basis used for determining the tiered rates and amount and also indicate if the
rates were set based on the MRS or another process.
Differential rate for nontraditional hours. Describe
Differential rate for children with special needs as defined by the
State/Territory. Describe Providers are paid higher rates for children with
special needs, if a higher rate for care of these children in charged to non-
CCDF clients.
Differential rate for infants and toddlers. Describe
Differential rate for school-age programs. Describe
Differential rate for higher quality as defined by the State/Territory.
Describe
Other differential rate. Describe
None.
Reminder - CCDF regulations require the Lead Agency to certify that the payment
rates for the provision of child care services are sufficient to ensure equal access for
eligible families to child care services comparable to those provided to families not
eligible to receive CCDF assistance. In the next three questions, Lead Agencies are
asked to describe how their payment policies reflect the affordable copayments for
families’ provision of equal access (i.e., minimizing additional fees to parents), how
payment practices are implemented consistent with the general child care market to
be fair to providers (see Information Memorandum on Continuity of Care for
examples), and the summary of facts describing how payment rates are adequate to
ensure equal access to the full range of providers.
2.7.7. What policies does the Lead Agency have regarding any additional
fees that providers may charge CCDF parents? The Lead Agency…
Allows providers to charge the difference between the maximum
reimbursement rate and their private pay rate
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
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Pays for provider fees (e.g., registration, meals, and supplies). Describe
Policies vary across region, counties and or geographic areas. Describe
Other. Describe
2.7.8 What specific policies and practices does the Lead Agency have
regarding the following:
a) Number of absent days allowed. Describe The Lead Agency pays for 15
absence days per program year, per child. Absence days can be used for any
reason deemed necessary by the family. The Lead Agency has no policy
regarding the maximum number of allowable absences within a program year.
b) Paying based on enrollment. Describe The Lead Agency pays for the care
type (full time vs part time) that is assigned to the certificate, even if the child
attends fewer hours than is required to determine care type on a given day.
School-aged children and children attending Head Start programs are paid
full time rates when full time care is needed during holidays, school breaks,
and school closings.
c) Paying on the same schedule that providers charge private pay families
(e.g., hourly, weekly, monthly). Describe The Lead Agency pays all providers a
daily rate, regardless of their established private pay schedule.
d) Using electronic tools (automated billing, direct deposit, EBT cards, etc.) to
make provider payments. Describe The Lead agency makes payments twice
monthly to providers using a direct deposit system. Providers can elect to
have their payments deposited to a pre-paid card instead of a traditional bank
account.
2.7.9. Describe how payment rates are adequate to ensure equal access
to the full range of providers based on the Market Rate Survey.
CCDF regulations require the Lead Agency to certify that the payment rates for the
provision of child care services are sufficient to ensure equal access for eligible
families to child care services comparable to those provided to families not eligible to
receive CCDF assistance. To demonstrate equal access, the Lead Agency shall
provide at a minimum a summary of facts describing: (§98.43(a))
a) How a choice of the full range of providers, e.g., child care centers, family
child care homes, group child care homes and in-home care, is made available
(§98.43(a)(1))
The Lead Agency approves a range of care environments including
licensed/unlicensed and home/center-based. The approval of the range of
care environments allows for parental choice. Parents are provided with a list
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
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Page 57
of providers participating in the subsidy program in a given area upon
request.
b) How payment rates are adequate based on the most recent local MRS
(§98.43(a)(2))
Based on the Mississippi Child Care Market Rate Survey, which supplies
information about tuition rates at licensed child care facilities in the state,
MDHS DECCD adjusts payment of tier rates accordingly. The Lead Agency
makes every effort to balance reimbursement rates with the number of
applicants for assistance. Tier rates are evaluated every two years as a result of
the Mississippi Child Care Market Rate Survey. In addition, the Mississippi
Child Care Quality Step System (MCCQSS) facilitates an increase in the
provider’s current tier rate based upon steps attained in the MCCQSS. The
increase in the tiered reimbursement is referred to as an “On-Going Quality
Bonus” and the increase in tiered reimbursement does not have to be passed
on to the general public.
c) How family co-payments based on a sliding fee scale are affordable
(§98.43(a)(3))
Co-payments for families whose income is at or below 50% of the SMI does
not exceed 6.5% of the total family income per child. Co-payments for families
whose income is between 50 and below 85% of the SMI does not exceed 8% of
the total family income per child.
d) Any additional facts the Lead Agency considered to determine that its
payment rates ensure equal access, including how the quality of child care
providers is taken into account when setting rates and whether any other
methodologies (e.g., cost estimation models) are used in setting payment
rates
No additional facts.
2.8 Goals for the next Biennium
In this section, Lead Agencies are asked to identify at least one goal for the upcoming
biennium and are encouraged to identify no more than five priority goals total. ACF
will target technical assistance efforts to help Lead Agencies achieve their goal(s).
Lead Agencies may include existing goals (e.g., already identified in a State strategic
plan or established by the Governor for a Lead Agency). Lead Agencies will report
progress and updates on these goals in the annual Quality Performance Report
(Appendix 1), including any barriers encountered.
What are the Lead Agency’s goals for the administration of the CCDF subsidy
program in the coming Biennium? For example, what progress does the
State/Territory expect to make on continuing improved services to parents and
providers, continuity of care for children, improving outreach to parents and
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
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providers, building or expanding information technology systems, or revising rate
setting policies or practices).
Note – When identifying your goals below, Lead Agencies are encouraged to begin
with an action verb reflecting the desired result over the two year period (e.g.,
Increase, Improve, Build, Align, Implement, Review, Revise, Streamline, Expand,
etc.)
Goal 1 – Review provider reimbursement rates and co-payments to determine if
changes are possible that allow the Lead Agency to increase certificate distribution.
Goal 2 – Build a website that will provide information to parents regarding services
and provider selection, including those needing information in languages other than
English.
Goal 3 – Expand the automation of administrative processes to streamline workflow
processes and allow for additional focus on customer service.
Goal 4 – Build an online application for service that aligns with other agency services
to reduce the burden on applicants.
Goal 5 – Increase reports from CCIS to ensure subsidies are reaching clients as
quickly and accurately as possible.
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
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PART 3
HEALTH AND SAFETY AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ACTIVITIES
In this section, Lead Agencies are asked to describe their goals and plans for
implementation of child care quality improvement activities. Under the Child Care
and Development Block Grant Act, Lead Agencies have significant responsibility for
ensuring the health and safety of children in child care through the State/Territory’s
child care licensing system and establishing health and safety standards for children
who receive CCDF funds. Health and safety is the foundation of quality, but is not
adequate to ensure that programs and staff are competent in supporting all areas of
child development and promoting school success.
Quality investments and support systems to promote continuous quality
improvement of both programs and the staff who work in them are a core element of
CCDF. Lead Agencies have been reporting on their efforts to support program
quality improvement and professional development since their initial Plans in 1999.
This section allows Lead Agencies to continue to describe the steps that they are
taking toward continuous quality improvement with a goal of having high quality
child care options across settings for all families. While one of the key goals for CCDF
is helping more low-income children access higher quality care, the Lead Agency has
the flexibility to consider its goals and strategic plans for a child care quality
improvement system for all families, not just those receiving assistance under CCDF.
Part 3 is organized around a template of four key components of quality which
encompass most of the quality investments and initiatives undertaken by Lead
Agencies over the past decade:
1. Ensuring health and safety of children through licensing and health and
safety standards
2. Establishing early learning guidelines
3. Creating pathways to excellence for child care programs through program
quality improvement activities
4. Creating pathways to an effective, well-supported child care workforce
through professional development systems and workforce
initiatives.
For each component, Lead Agencies are asked to conduct a three-step process. First,
in this section, Lead Agencies will conduct a self-assessment of their programs by
responding to the questions in Part 3 that describe the current status of their efforts,
using common practices and best practices to list characteristics that build off those
that have been reported in previous plans. Second, Lead Agencies then are asked to
identify goals for making progress during the FY 2014-2015 biennium and describe
their data, performance measure and evaluation capacity for each component. Third,
Lead Agencies will report progress on their goals using the Quality Performance
Report which is included and described in Appendix 1. The QPR will not be
submitted until December 31, 2014.
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 60
Based on information reported in past plans, it is expected that the Lead Agency will
describe in these first two steps how they will continue to make systematic
investments towards child care quality improvement across its early childhood and
school-age spectrum – including all settings, geographic coverage and age range –
that will help show progress toward these outcomes and goals. Ultimately, these
child care quality improvement elements should be fully implemented and
integrated. Each State/Territory is expected to fall on a continuum of progress as a
result of these first two steps. Lead Agency’s individual progress will reported using
the Quality Performance Report.
3.1. Activities to Ensure the Health and Safety of Children in Child Care
(Component #1)
This section is intended to collect information on how Lead Agencies meet the
statutory and regulatory provisions related to licensing and health and safety
requirements. The CCDBG statute and the CCDF regulations address health and
safety primarily in two ways.
First, Lead Agencies shall certify that they have in effect licensing requirements
applicable to child care services provided within the area served by the Lead Agency
(§98.40(a)(1)). These licensing requirements need not be applied to specific types of
providers of child care services (658(E)(c)(2)(E)(i). Lead Agencies must describe
those licensing requirements and how they are effectively enforced. Questions
related to licensing requirements are in sections 3.1.1 and 3.1.2. Second, Each Lead
Agency shall certify that there are in effect, within the State or local law,
requirements designed to protect the health and safety of children that are applicable
to child care providers of services for which assistance is provided under CCDF.
Questions related to CCDF Health and Safety requirements are in sections 3.1.3 and
3.1.4.
3.1.1. Compliance with Applicable State/Territory and Local Regulatory
Requirements on Licensing
Lead Agencies shall certify that they have in effect licensing requirements applicable
to child care services provided within the area served by the Lead Agency
(§98.40(a)(1)). These licensing requirements need not be applied to specific types of
providers of child care services (658(E)(c)(2)(E)(i). Lead Agencies must describe
those licensing requirements and how they are effectively enforced.
Definition: Licensing requirements are defined as regulatory requirements,
including registration or certification requirements established under State, local, or
tribal law, necessary for a provider to legally operate and provide child care services
in a State or locality (§98.2). This does not include registration or certification
requirements solely for child care providers to be eligible to participate in the CCDF
program. Those requirements will be addressed in 3.1.2.
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 61
The relationship between licensing requirements and health and safety requirements
varies by State/Territory depending on how comprehensive the licensing system is.
In some States and Territories, licensing may apply to the majority of CCDF-eligible
providers and the licensing standards cover the three CCDF health and safety
requirements so the State/Territory has few, if any, providers for whom they need to
establish additional CCDF health and safety requirements. In other cases, States and
Territories have elected to exempt large numbers of providers from licensing which
means that those exempted providers who care for children receiving assistance
from CCDF will have to meet to the CCDF health and safety requirements through an
alternative process outside of licensing as defined by the State/Territory. The
State/Territory may also elect to impose more stringent standards and licensing or
regulatory requirements on child care providers of services for which assistance is
provided under the CCDF than the standards or requirements imposed on other
child care providers. (§98.40(b)(1)) (658E(c)(2)(F), §98.41).
a) Is the Lead Agency responsible for child care licensing? (§98.11(a))
Yes.
No. Please identify the State or local (if applicable) entity/agency
responsible for licensing The Mississippi Department of Health,
Division of Child Care Licensure
b) Provide a brief overview of the relationship between the licensing
requirements and CCDF health and safety requirements in your
State/Territory.
Licensed Centers participating in the CCDF program must remain in
compliance at all times with the Mississippi State Department of Health’s
“Regulations Governing Licensure of Child Care Facilities.” Unlicensed
child care providers are required to sign a statement of agreement to
comply with policy conditions related to: Basic Health, Safety, and
Nutrition Assurances for Unlicensed Child Care Providers.
c) Do the State/Territory’s licensing requirements serve as the CCDF health
and safety requirements?
Center-
Based
Child Care
Group Home
Child Care
N/A. Check if
your
State/Territory
does not have
group home
child care.
Family Child
Care
In-Home Care
N/A. Check if
in-home care is
not subject to
licensing in your
State/Territory.
Yes, for all
providers in
this
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 62
Center-
Based
Child Care
Group Home
Child Care
N/A. Check if
your
State/Territory
does not have
group home
child care.
Family Child
Care
In-Home Care
N/A. Check if
in-home care is
not subject to
licensing in your
State/Territory.
category
Yes, for
some
providers in
this
category
Describe
Describe
Describe The
licensing
authority
requires that
Group Home
Providers
caring for 6 or
fewer than 12
children be
licensed.
Licensing
regulations
surrounding
health and
safety apply to
those
providers.
These
providers
received a
minimum of 2
unannounced
visits per year
by the licensing
agency. The
Lead Agency’s
regulations
regarding
health and
safety apply to
providers who
are
unregulated
and are caring
for fewer than
6 children not
related to the
provider by the
Describe
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 63
Center-
Based
Child Care
Group Home
Child Care
N/A. Check if
your
State/Territory
does not have
group home
child care.
Family Child
Care
In-Home Care
N/A. Check if
in-home care is
not subject to
licensing in your
State/Territory.
third degree.
These
providers are
subject to
regular
unannounced
visits by the
Lead Agency.
No
Other
Describe
Describe
Describe
Describe
d) CCDF identifies and defines four categories of care: child care centers,
family child care homes, group child care homes and in-home child care
providers (§98.2). The CCDF definition for each category is listed below. For
each CCDF category of care, please identify which types of providers are
subject to licensing and which providers are exempt from licensing in your
State/Territory in the chart below. Note: OCC recognizes that each
State/Territory identifies and defines its own categories of care.
OCC does not expect States/Territories to change their definitions
to fit the CCDF-defined categories of care. For these questions,
provide responses that closely match the CCDF categories of care
but consistent with your reported 801 data.
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 64
CCDF
Category of
Care
CCDF Definition
(§98.2)
Which providers in your
State/Territory are subject to
licensing under this CCDF
category?
Are any providers in your
State/Territory which fall
under this CCDF category
exempt from licensing?
Center-
Based
Child Care
Center-based child care
providers are defined as
a provider licensed or
otherwise authorized to
provide child care
services for fewer than
24 hours per day per
child in a non-
residential setting,
unless care in excess of
24 hours is due to the
nature of the parent(s)’
work.
Describe which types of
center-based settings are
subject to licensing in your
State/Territory Center-
based child care
providers are defined as
a provider licensed or
otherwise authorized to
provide child care
services
for fewer than 24 hours
per day per child in a
nonresidential
setting, unless care in
excess of 24 hours is due
to the nature of the
parent(s)' work.
Describe which types of
center-based settings are
exempt from licensing in
your State/Territory The
Licensing authority exempts
the following providers from
licensure:
A. Child Care facilities which
operate for no more than two
(2) days a week and whose
primary purpose is to provide
respite for the caregiver or
temporary care during other
scheduled or related
activities.
B. Organized programs that
operate for three (3) or less
weeks per year such as but
not limited to vacation bible
schools and scout day camps.
C. Any child residential home
as defined in and in
compliance with the
provisions of Section 43-16-3
(b) et seq., Mississippi Code
of 1972.
D. Any program in an
elementary (including
kindergarten) and/or
secondary school system
accredited by the Mississippi
State Department of
Education, the Southern
Association of Colleges and
Schools, The Mississippi
Private School Association,
the American Association of
Christian Schools, the
Association of Christian
Schools International, or a
school affiliated with
Accelerated Christian
Education, Inc. This includes
accredited pre-K3 and pre-K4
Programs. Programs serving
children less than three (3)
years of age must be licensed.
E. Any Head Start program
operating in conjunction with
an elementary school system,
whether it is public, private,
or parochial, whose primary
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 65
CCDF
Category of
Care
CCDF Definition
(§98.2)
Which providers in your
State/Territory are subject to
licensing under this CCDF
category?
Are any providers in your
State/Territory which fall
under this CCDF category
exempt from licensing?
purpose is a structured
school or school readiness
program. This includes Head
Start pre-K3 and pre-K4
programs. Head Start
programs serving children
less than three (3) years of
age must be licensed.
F. Any family child care home
defined in Mississippi Code
Section 43-20-53 (a) et seq.
To wit: An occupied
residence in which shelter
and personal care is regularly
provided for five (5) or fewer
children who are not related
within the third degree
computed according to the
civil law to the provider and
who are under 13 years of age
and are provided care for any
part of the twenty-four hour
day. These homes may be
voluntarily registered with
the Mississippi State
Department of Health.
G. Any membership
organization affiliated with a
national organization which
charges only a nominal
annual membership fee, does
not receive monthly, weekly,
or daily payments for
services, and is certified by its
national association as
complying with the
association’s minimum
standards and procedures,
including, but not limited to,
the Boys and Girls Club of
America, and the YMCA. A
nominal fee is defined as
$300 or less per calendar
year.
For example, some
jurisdictions exempt school-
based centers, centers
operated by religious
organizations, summer
camps, or Head Start
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 66
CCDF
Category of
Care
CCDF Definition
(§98.2)
Which providers in your
State/Territory are subject to
licensing under this CCDF
category?
Are any providers in your
State/Territory which fall
under this CCDF category
exempt from licensing?
programs.
Group
Home
Child Care
N/A.
Check if
your
State/Terri
tory does
not have
group
home child
care.
Group home child care
provider is defined as
two or more individuals
who provide child care
services for fewer than
24 hours per day per
child, in a private
residence other than
the child’s residence,
unless care in excess of
24 hours is due to the
nature of the parent(s)’
work.
Describe which types of
group homes are subject to
licensing
Describe which types of
group homes are exempt
from licensing
Family
Child Care
Family child care
provider is defined as
one individual who
provides child care
services for fewer than
24 hours per day per
child, as the sole
caregiver, in a private
residence other than
the child’s residence,
unless care in excess of
24 hours is due to the
nature of the
parent(s)’s work.
Reminder - Do not
respond if family child
care home providers
simply must register or
be certified to
participate in the CCDF
program separate from
the State/Territory
regulatory
requirements.
Describe which types of
family child care home
providers are subject to
licensing Providers caring for
6 or fewer than 12 or fewer
children in the provider’s
home are subject to licensing
requirements.
Describe which types of
family child care home
providers are exempt from
licensing Providers caring for
fewer than 6 children in their
home are exempt from
licensing requirements.
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 67
CCDF
Category of
Care
CCDF Definition
(§98.2)
Which providers in your
State/Territory are subject to
licensing under this CCDF
category?
Are any providers in your
State/Territory which fall
under this CCDF category
exempt from licensing?
In-Home
Care
In-home child care
provider is defined as
an individual who
provides child care
services in the child’s
own home. Reminder
- Do not respond if in-
home child care
providers simply must
register or be certified
to participate in the
CCDF program
separate from the
State/Territory
regulatory
requirements.
N/A. Check if in-home
care is not subject to
licensing in your
State/Territory.
Describe which in-home
providers are subject to
licensing
Describe which types of in-
home child care providers are
exempt from licensing
Note: In lieu of submitting or attaching licensing regulations to certify the
requirements of §98.40(a)(1), Lead Agencies may provide their licensing
regulations to the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child
Care and Early Education. Please check the NRCKid’s website to verify the
accuracy of your licensing regulations and provide any updates to the
National Resource Center. Check this box to indicate that the licensing
requirements were submitted and verified at NRCKid's.
e) Indicate whether your State/Territory licensing requirements include any
of the following four indicators for each category of care*.
* American Academy of Pediatrics, American Public Health Association,
National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early
Education. (2011) Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety
Performance Standards; Guidelines for Early Care and Education
Programs. 3rd Edition. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of
Pediatrics; Washington, DC: American Public Health Association. Available
online at the NCRKid’s website.
Indicator
For each indicator, check all requirements for licensing that apply, if any.
Center-Based
Child Care
Group Home
Child Care
N/A. Check if
your
State/Territory
does not have
group home child
care.
Family Child
Care
In-Home Care
N/A if the
State/Territory
does not license
in-home care (i.e.,
care in the child’s
own home)
Do the licensing
requirements
include child:
Yes, Child:
staff ratio
requirement
Yes, Child:
staff ratio
requirement
Yes, Child:
staff ratio
requirement. List
ratio requirement
Yes, Child: staff
ratio requirement.
List ratio
requirement by
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 68
Indicator
For each indicator, check all requirements for licensing that apply, if any.
Center-Based
Child Care
Group Home
Child Care
N/A. Check if
your
State/Territory
does not have
group home child
care.
Family Child
Care
In-Home Care
N/A if the
State/Territory
does not license
in-home care (i.e.,
care in the child’s
own home)
staff ratios and
group sizes?
If yes, provide the
ratio for age
specified.
Infant ratio (11
months): 5:1
Toddler ratio
(35 months):
14:1
Preschool ratio
(59 months):
16:1
No ratio
requirements.
Yes, Group
size
requirement
Infant group
size (11
months): 10 w/
2 caregivers
Toddler group
size (35
months): 14
Preschool
group size (59
months): 20 w
2 caregivers
No group
size
requirements.
Infant ratio (11
months):
Toddler ratio (35
months):
Preschool ratio
(59 months):
No ratio
requirements.
Yes, Group
size requirement
Infant group size
(11 months):
Toddler group
size (35 months):
Preschool group
size (59 months):
No group size
requirements.
by age group:
<1 yr=4:1
1 yr =8:1
2 yr =12:1
3 yr =12:1
4 yr =12:1
5-9 yrs = 12:1
10-12 yrs = 12:1
No ratio
requirements.
Yes, Group size
requirement. List
ratio requirement
by age group See
above
information, not
to exceed 12.
No group size
requirements.
age group:
No ratio
requirements.
Yes, Group size
requirement. List
ratio requirement
by age group
No group size
requirements.
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 69
Indicator
For each indicator, check all requirements for licensing that apply, if any.
Center-Based
Child Care
Group Home
Child Care
N/A. Check if
your
State/Territory
does not have
group home child
care.
Family Child
Care
In-Home Care
N/A if the
State/Territory
does not license
in-home care (i.e.,
care in the child’s
own home)
Do the licensing
requirements
identify specific
educational
credentials for
child care
directors?
High
school/GED
Child
Development
Associate
(CDA)
State/
Territory
Credential
Associate’s
degree
Bachelor’s
degree
No
credential
required for
licensing
Other:
High
school/GED
Child
Development
Associate (CDA)
State/
Territory
Credential
Associate’s
degree
Bachelor’s
degree
No credential
required for
licensing
Other:
High
school/GED
Child
Development
Associate (CDA)
State/
Territory
Credential
Associate’s
degree
Bachelor’s
degree
No credential
required for
licensing
Other:
High
school/GED
Child
Development
Associate (CDA)
State/ Territory
Credential
Associate’s
degree
Bachelor’s
degree
No credential
required for
licensing
Other:
Do the licensing
requirements
identify specific
educational
credentials for
child care
teachers?
High
school/GED
Child
Development
Associate
(CDA)
State/
Territory
Credential
Associate’s
degree
Bachelor’s
degree
No
credential
required for
licensing
Other:
High
school/GED
Child
Development
Associate (CDA)
State/
Territory
Credential
Associate’s
degree
Bachelor’s
degree
No credential
required for
licensing
Other:
High
school/GED
Child
Development
Associate (CDA)
State/
Territory
Credential
Associate’s
degree
Bachelor’s
degree
No credential
required for
licensing
Other:
High
school/GED
Child
Development
Associate (CDA)
State/ Territory
Credential
Associate’s
degree
Bachelor’s
degree
No credential
required for
licensing
Other:
Do the licensing
requirements
specify that
directors and
caregivers must
attain a specific
number of
At least 30
training hours
required in first
year
At least 24
training hours
per year after
first year
At least 30
training hours
required in first
year
At least 24
training hours
per year after first
year
At least 30
training hours
required in first
year
At least 24
training hours per
year after first
year
At least 30
training hours
required in first
year
At least 24
training hours per
year after first
year
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 70
Indicator
For each indicator, check all requirements for licensing that apply, if any.
Center-Based
Child Care
Group Home
Child Care
N/A. Check if
your
State/Territory
does not have
group home child
care.
Family Child
Care
In-Home Care
N/A if the
State/Territory
does not license
in-home care (i.e.,
care in the child’s
own home)
training hours
per year?
No training
requirement
Other: 15
Hours annually
No training
requirement
Other:
No training
requirement
Other: 15
hours annually
No training
requirement
Other:
f) Do you expect the licensing requirements for child care providers to change
in FY2014-2015?
Yes. Describe
No
3.1.2 Enforcement of Licensing Requirements
Each Lead Agency is required to provide a detailed description of the
State/Territory’s licensing requirements and how its licensing requirements are
effectively enforced. (658E(c)(2)(E), §98.40(a)(2)) The Lead Agency is also required
to certify that procedures are in effect to ensure that child care providers caring for
children receiving CCDF services comply with the applicable health and safety
requirements. (658E(c)(2)(G), §98.41(d))
Describe the State/Territory’s policies for effective enforcement of the
licensing requirements using questions 3.1.2a through 3.1.2e below. This
description includes whether and how the State/Territory uses visits (announced
and unannounced), background checks, and any other enforcement policies and
practices for the licensing requirements.
a) Does your State/Territory include announced and/or unannounced
visits in its policies as a way to effectively enforce the licensing requirements?
Yes. If “Yes” please refer to the chart below and check all that apply.
No
CCDF Categories of Care
Frequency of
Routine
Announced
Visits
Frequency of Routine
Unannounced Visits
Center-Based Child Care
Once a Year
More than Once
a Year
Once Every Two
Years
Other. Describe
Once a Year
More than Once a Year
Once Every Two Years
Other. Describe Twice a
year, or as needed to
investigate complaints.
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 71
CCDF Categories of Care
Frequency of
Routine
Announced
Visits
Frequency of Routine
Unannounced Visits
Group Home Child Care
N/A. Check if your
State/Territory does not have group
home child care.
Once a Year
More than Once
a Year
Once Every Two
Years
Other. Describe
Once a Year
More than Once a Year
Once Every Two Years
Other. Describe
Family Child Care Home
Once a Year
More than Once
a Year
Once Every Two
Years
Other. Describe
Once a Year
More than Once a Year
Once Every Two Years
Other. Describe Twice a
year, or as needed to
investigate complaints.
In-Home Child Care
N/A. Check if In-Home Child
Care is not subject to licensing in
your State/Territory (skip to
3.1.2b)
Once a Year
More than Once
a Year
Once Every Two
Years
Other. Describe
Once a Year
More than Once a Year
Once Every Two Years
Other. Describe
b) Does your State/Territory have any of the following procedures in place for
effective enforcement of the licensing requirements? If procedures differ
based on the category of care, please indicate how in the “Describe” box.
Yes. If “Yes” please refer to the chart below and check all that apply.
No
Licensing Procedures
Describe which procedures are used by
the State/Territory for enforcement of
the licensing requirements.
The State/Territory requires providers to attend
or participate in training relating to opening a
child care facility prior to issuing a license.
Yes. Describe Mandatory trainings
include:
Playground Safety
New Director Orientation
Rules and Regulations Governing Child
Care
No.
Other. Describe
The State/Territory has procedures in place for
licensing staff to inspect centers and family child
care homes prior to issuing a license.
An on-site inspection is conducted.
Programs self-certify. Describe
No procedures in place.
Other. Describe
Licensing staff has procedures in place to address
violations found in an inspection.
Providers are required to submit
plans to correct violations cited during
inspections.
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 72
Licensing Procedures
Describe which procedures are used by
the State/Territory for enforcement of
the licensing requirements.
Licensing staff approve the plans of
correction submitted by providers.
Licensing staff verify correction of
violation.
Licensing staff provide technical
assistance regarding how to comply with
a regulation.
No procedures in place.
Other. Describe
Licensing staff has procedures in place to issue a
sanction to a noncompliant facility.
Provisional or probationary license
License revocation or non-renewal
Injunctions through court
Emergency or immediate closure not
through court action
Fines for regulatory violations
No procedures in place.
Other. Describe
The State/Territory has procedures in place to
respond to illegally operating child care facilities.
Cease and desist action
Injunction
Emergency or immediate closure not
through court action
Fines
No procedures in place.
Other. Describe
The State/Territory has procedures in place for
providers to appeal licensing enforcement
actions.
Yes. Describe
Any operator who disagrees with or is
aggrieved by a decision of the licensing
agency concerning the suspension,
revocation, or restriction of a license
may appeal to the Chancery Court of the
county in which the child care facility is
located. The appeal shall be filed no later
than 30 calendar days after the operator
receives written notice of the final
administrative action by the licensing
agency as to the suspension, revocation,
or restriction of the license. The operator
shall have the burden of proving that the
decision of the licensing agency was not
in accordance with applicable law and
these regulations. If a facility is allowed
to continue to operate during the appeal
process, it will remain under the
regulation of the licensing agency and
will be subject to all current licensure
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 73
Licensing Procedures
Describe which procedures are used by
the State/Territory for enforcement of
the licensing requirements.
regulations to include, but not limited to,
inspection of the facility, review of
facility and children’s records,
submission of all required or requested
documents, and payment of all
applicable fees and/or monetary
penalties.
No.
Other. Describe Per the licensing
authority, there is also an internal
appeal process for provider which
contains two levels. One is at the Public
Health District level and the other is at
the State Level.
c ) Does your State/Territory use background checks as a way to
effectively enforce the licensing requirements?
Yes. If “Yes” please refer to the chart below to identify who is
required to have background checks, what types of checks, and with
what frequency.
No
CCDF Categories
of Care
Types of
Background
Check
Frequency
Who is Subject
to Background
Checks?
Center-Based
Child Care
Child Abuse
Registry
Initial Entrance
into the System
Checks
Conducted
Annually
Other. Describe
Repeated every 5
years
Director
Teaching staff
Non-teaching
staff
Volunteers
Other
Volunteers with
over 120 hours on
site.
State/Territory
Criminal
Background
Check if
State/Territory
background check
includes
fingerprints
Initial Entrance
into the System
Checks
Conducted
Annually
Other. Describe
Repeated every 5
years.
Director
Teaching staff
Non-teaching
staff
Volunteers
Other
Volunteers with
over 120 hours on
site.
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 74
CCDF Categories
of Care
Types of
Background
Check
Frequency
Who is Subject
to Background
Checks?
FBI Criminal
Background (e.g.,
fingerprint)
Initial Entrance
into the System
Checks
Conducted
Annually
Other. Describe
Repeated every 5
years.
Director
Teaching staff
Non-teaching
staff
Volunteers
Other
Volunteers with
over 120 hours on
site.
Sex Offender
Registry
Initial Entrance
into the System
Checks
Conducted
Annually
Other. Describe
Repeated every
5 years.
Director
Teaching staff
Non-teaching
staff
Volunteers
Other
Volunteers with
over 120 hours on
site.
Group Child
Care Homes
N/A. Check if your
State/Territory does
not have group home
child care.
Child Abuse
Registry
Initial Entrance
into the System
Checks
Conducted
Annually
Other. Describe
Provider
Non-provider
residents of the
home
State/Territory
Criminal
Background
Check if the
State/Territory
background check
includes
fingerprints
Initial Entrance
into the System
Checks
Conducted
Annually
Other. Describe
Provider
Non-provider
residents of the
home
FBI Criminal
Background (e.g.,
fingerprint)
Initial Entrance
into the System
Checks
Conducted
Annually
Other. Describe
Provider
Non-provider
residents of the
home
Sex Offender
Registry
Initial Entrance
into the System
Checks
Conducted
Annually
Other. Describe
Provider
Non-provider
residents of the
home
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 75
CCDF Categories
of Care
Types of
Background
Check
Frequency
Who is Subject
to Background
Checks?
Family Child
Care Homes
Child Abuse
Registry
Initial Entrance
into the System
Checks
Conducted
Annually
Other. Describe
Repeated every 5
years, except for
those providers
who do not move,
relocate, or have
any gaps in service.
Provider
Non-provider
residents of the
home All adults
over the age of 18
years.
State/Territory
Criminal
Background
Check if the
State/Territory
background check
includes
fingerprints
Initial Entrance
into the System
Checks
Conducted
Annually
Other. Describe
Repeated every 5
years, except for
those providers
who do not move,
relocate, or have
any gaps in service.
Provider
Non-provider
residents of the
home All adults
over the age of 18
years.
FBI Criminal
Background (e.g.,
fingerprint)
Initial Entrance
into the System
Checks
Conducted
Annually
Other. Describe
Repeated every 5
years, except for
those providers
who do not move,
relocate, or have
any gaps in service.
Provider
Non-provider
residents of the
home All adults
over the age of 18
years.
Sex Offender
Registry
Initial Entrance
into the System
Checks
Conducted
Annually
Other. Describe
Repeated every
5 years, except
for those
providers who
do not move,
relocate, or
Provider
Non-provider
residents of the
home All adults
over the age of 18
years.
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 76
CCDF Categories
of Care
Types of
Background
Check
Frequency
Who is Subject
to Background
Checks?
have any gaps
in service.
In-Home Child
Care Providers
N/A. Check if In-
Home Child Care is
not subject to
licensing in your
State/Territory (skip
to 3.1.2e)
Child Abuse
Registry
Initial Entrance
into the System
Checks
Conducted
Annually
Other. Describe
Provider
Non-provider
residents of the
home
State/Territory
Criminal
Background
Check if the
State/Territory
background check
includes
fingerprints
Initial Entrance
into the System
Checks
Conducted
Annually
Other. Describe
Provider
Non-provider
residents of the
home
FBI Criminal
Background (e.g.,
fingerprint)
Initial Entrance
into the System
Checks
Conducted
Annually
Other. Describe
Provider
Non-provider
residents of the
home
Sex Offender
Registry
Initial Entrance
into the System
Checks
Conducted
Annually
Other. Describe
Provider
Non-provider
residents of the
home
d) Please provide a brief overview of the State/Territory’s process for
conducting background checks for child care. In this brief overview,
include the following:
d -1) The cost associated with each type of background check
conductedThe licensing authority charges a fee of $50 for each
individual, for each background check.
d-2) Who pays for background checks Providers
d-3) What types of violations would make providers ineligible for
CCDF? DescribeViolations concerning child abuse and/or neglect.
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 77
d-4) The process for providers to appeal the Lead Agency’s decision
based on the background check findings. Those unlicensed providers
excluded from CCDF participation due to information found on the
Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry can appeal by mailing a
letter requesting a Fair Hearing. The provider will remain excluded or
allowed to participate in CCDF pending the results of that hearing.
e) If not performing visits (announced or unannounced) or background
checks, describe how the State/Territory will ensure that its licensing
requirements are effectively enforced per the CCDF regulations? Describe The
Lead Agency performs announced and unannounced visits with programs
covered under the licensing authority to ensure proper compliance with
program policies and requirements. (658E(c)(2)(E), §98.40(a)(2))
f) Does the State/Territory disseminate information to parents and the public,
including the use of on-line tools or other “search tools,” about child care
program licensing status and compliance records?
Yes. Describe
No
3.1.3. Compliance with Applicable State/Territory and Local Regulatory
Requirements on Health and Safety
Each Lead Agency shall certify that there are in effect, within the State or local law,
requirements designed to protect the health and safety of children that are applicable
to child care providers of services for which assistance is provided under CCDF. Such
requirements shall include the prevention and control of infectious diseases
(including immunization), building and physical premises safety, and minimum
health and safety training appropriate to the provider setting. These health and
safety requirements apply to all providers caring for children receiving CCDF
services and which also may be covered by the licensing requirements.
(658E(c)(2)(F), §98.41)
Check if the Lead Agency certifies that 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))
a) Describe the Lead Agency’s health and safety requirements for prevention
and control of infectious disease in effect for child care providers of services
for which assistance is provided under CCDF using the table below.
(658E(c)(2)(F)(i), §98.41(a)(1))
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 78
The Lead Agency
requires:
For each health and safety requirement checked,
identify which providers under the CCDF category
must meet the requirement. Check all that apply.
Center-based
child care
providers
Family child
care home
providers
Group home
child care
providers
In-home
child care
providers
Physical exam or health
statement for providers
Physical exam or health
statement for children
Tuberculosis check for
providers
Tuberculosis check for
children
Provider immunizations
Child immunizations
Hand-washing policy for
providers and children
Diapering policy and
procedures
Providers to submit a
self-certification or
complete health and safety
checklist
Providers to meet the
requirements of another
oversight entity that fulfill
the CCDF health and safety
requirements
Other. Describe
b) Describe the Lead Agency’s health and safety requirements for building
and physical premises safety, including policies and practices to protect from
environmental hazards, in effect for child care providers of services for which
assistance is provided under CCDF using the table below. (658E(c)(2)(F)(ii),
§98.41(a)(2))
The Lead Agency
requires:
For each health and safety requirement checked,
identify which providers under the CCDF category
must meet the requirement. Check all that apply.
Center-
based child
care
providers
Family child
care home
providers
Group
home child
care
providers
In-home
child care
providers
Fire inspection
Building inspection
Health inspection
Inaccessibility of toxic
substances policy
Safe sleep policy
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 79
The Lead Agency
requires:
For each health and safety requirement checked,
identify which providers under the CCDF category
must meet the requirement. Check all that apply.
Center-
based child
care
providers
Family child
care home
providers
Group
home child
care
providers
In-home
child care
providers
Tobacco exposure
reduction
Transportation policy
Providers to submit a
self-certification or
complete health and
safety checklist
Providers to meet the
requirements of another
oversight entity that
fulfill the CCDF health
and safety requirements
Other. Describe
c) Describe the Lead Agency’s health and safety requirements for health and
safety training in effect for child care providers of services for which
assistance is provided under CCDF using the table below. (658E(c)(2)(F)(iii),
§98.41(a)(3)). Note: While Lead Agencies have the flexibility to define these
terms, for this question, pre-service refers to any training that happens prior
to a person starting or shortly thereafter (first week, etc). “On-going” would be
some type of routine occurrence (e.g., maintain qualifications each year).
CCDF
Categories
of Care
Health and
safety training
requirements
Pre-Service
On-Going
Child Care
Centers
First Aid
Per the licensing
authority, a minimum of
one adult who is First Aid
certified must be present
on or off site where
children are presents at
all times.
Per the licensing
authority, a minimum of
one adult who is First Aid
certified must be present
on or off site where
children are present at all
times.
CPR
Per the licensing
authority, a minimum of
one adult who is CPR
certified must be present
on or off site where
children are present at all
times.
Per the licensing
authority, a minimum of
one adult who is CPR
certified must be present
on or off site where
children are present at all
times.
Medication
Administration
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 80
CCDF
Categories
of Care
Health and
safety training
requirements
Pre-Service
On-Going
Policies and
Practices
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
Poison
Prevention and
Safety
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
Safe Sleep
Practices
including
Sudden Infant
Death Syndrome
(SIDS)
Prevention
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
Shaken Baby
Syndrome and
abusive head
trauma
prevention
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
Age appropriate
nutrition,
feeding,
including
support for
breastfeeding
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
Physical
Activities
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
Procedures for
preventing the
spread of
infectious
disease,
including
sanitary methods
and safe
handling of foods
The licensing authority
requires that personnel
who prepare food be
ServeSafe/TummySafe
certified.
The licensing authority
requires that personnel
who prepare food
maintain
ServeSafe/TummySafe
certified.
Recognition and
mandatory
reporting of
suspected child
abuse and
neglect
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
Emergency
preparedness
and planning
response
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 81
CCDF
Categories
of Care
Health and
safety training
requirements
Pre-Service
On-Going
procedures
Management of
common
childhood
illnesses,
including food
intolerances and
allergies
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
Transportation
and child
passenger safety
(if applicable)
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
Caring for
children with
special health
care needs,
mental health
needs, and
developmental
disabilities in
compliance with
the Americans
with Disabilities
(ADA) Act
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
Child
development
including
knowledge of
developmental
stages and
milestones
appropriate for
the ages of
children
receiving
services.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
Supervision of
children
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
Behavior
management
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
Licensing Authority.
Other. Describe
Group
First Aid
The State does not have
The State does not have
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 82
CCDF
Categories
of Care
Health and
safety training
requirements
Pre-Service
On-Going
Home
Child Care
Group Home Child Care.
Group Home Child Care.
CPR
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
Medication
Administration
Policies and
Practices
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
Poison
Prevention and
Safety
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
Safe Sleep
Practices
including
Sudden Infant
Death Syndrome
(SIDS)
Prevention
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
Shaken Baby
Syndrome and
abusive head
trauma
prevention
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
Age appropriate
nutrition,
feeding,
including
support for
breastfeeding
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
Physical
Activities
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
Procedures for
preventing the
spread of
infectious
disease,
including
sanitary methods
and safe
handling of foods
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
Recognition and
mandatory
reporting of
suspected child
abuse and
neglect
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
Emergency
preparedness
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 83
CCDF
Categories
of Care
Health and
safety training
requirements
Pre-Service
On-Going
and planning
response
procedures
Management of
common
childhood
illnesses,
including food
intolerances and
allergies
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
Transportation
and child
passenger safety
(if applicable)
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
Caring for
children with
special health
care needs,
mental health
needs, and
developmental
disabilities in
compliance with
the Americans
with Disabilities
(ADA) Act
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
Child
development
including
knowledge of
developmental
stages and
milestones
appropriate for
the ages of
children
receiving
services.
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
Supervision of
children
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
Behavior
management
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
The State does not have
Group Home Child Care.
Other. Describe
Family
Child Care
Providers
First Aid
All licensed facilities,
homes and unregulated
providers are required to
Teachers/care providers
in licensed
facilities/homes and
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 84
CCDF
Categories
of Care
Health and
safety training
requirements
Pre-Service
On-Going
have at least one adult
who is First Aid certified
in each classroom/home
at all times. All licensed
facilities/homes are
monitored for
compliance by the
licensing authority. All
unregulated care
providres are monitored
for compliance by the
Lead Agency.
unregulated providers
are required to maintain
First Aid certification at
all times. All licensed
families/homes are
monitored for
compliance by the
licensing authority. All
unregulated care
providres are monitored
for compliance by the
Lead Agency.
CPR
All licensed facilities,
homes and unregulated
providers are required to
have at least one adult
who is CPR certified in
each classroom/home at
all times. All licensed
facilities/homes are
monitored for
compliance by the
licensing authority. All
unregulated care
providres are monitored
for compliance by the
Lead Agency.
Teachers/care providers
in licensed
facilities/homes and
unregulated providers
are required to maintain
CPR certification at all
times. All licensed
families/homes are
monitored for
compliance by the
licensing authority. All
unregulated care
providres are monitored
for compliance by the
Lead Agency.
Medication
Administration
Policies and
Practices
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
Poison
Prevention and
Safety
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
Safe Sleep
Practices
including
Sudden Infant
Death Syndrome
(SIDS)
Prevention
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
Shaken Baby
Syndrome and
abusive head
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 85
CCDF
Categories
of Care
Health and
safety training
requirements
Pre-Service
On-Going
trauma
prevention
licensing authority.
licensing authority.
Age appropriate
nutrition,
feeding,
including
support for
breastfeeding
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
Physical
Activities
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
Procedures for
preventing the
spread of
infectious
disease,
including
sanitary methods
and safe
handling of foods
The licensing authority
requires licensed
facilities/homes ensure
personnel preparing food
are
ServeSafe/TummySafe
certified.
The licensing authority
requires licensed
facilities/homes ensure
personnel preparing food
maintain
ServeSafe/TummySafe
certification at all times.
Recognition and
mandatory
reporting of
suspected child
abuse and
neglect
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
Emergency
preparedness
and planning
response
procedures
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
Management of
common
childhood
illnesses,
including food
intolerances and
allergies
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
Transportation
and child
passenger safety
(if applicable)
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
Caring for
children with
special health
care needs,
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 86
CCDF
Categories
of Care
Health and
safety training
requirements
Pre-Service
On-Going
mental health
needs, and
developmental
disabilities in
compliance with
the Americans
with Disabilities
(ADA) Act
Child
development
including
knowledge of
developmental
stages and
milestones
appropriate for
the ages of
children
receiving
services.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
Supervision of
children
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
Behavior
management
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
The Lead Agency has no
requirements in addition
to those issued by the
licensing authority.
Other. Describe
In-Home
Child Care
Providers
First Aid
Per the Lead Agency, all
unregulated care
providers are required to
be First Aid certified.
Per the Lead Agency, all
unregulated care
providers are required to
maintain First Aid
certification.
CPR
Per the Lead Agency, all
unregulated care
providers are required to
be First Aid certified.
Per the Lead Agency, all
unregulated care
providers are required to
maintain First Aid
certification.
Medication
Administration
Policies and
Practices
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
Poison
Prevention and
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 87
CCDF
Categories
of Care
Health and
safety training
requirements
Pre-Service
On-Going
Safety
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
Safe Sleep
Practices
including
Sudden Infant
Death Syndrome
(SIDS)
Prevention
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
Shaken Baby
Syndrome and
abusive head
trauma
prevention
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
Age appropriate
nutrition,
feeding,
including
support for
breastfeeding
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
Physical
Activities
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
Procedures for
preventing the
spread of
infectious
disease,
including
sanitary methods
and safe
handling of foods
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
Recognition and
mandatory
reporting of
suspected child
abuse and
neglect
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
Emergency
preparedness
and planning
response
procedures
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
Management of
common
childhood
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
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CCDF
Categories
of Care
Health and
safety training
requirements
Pre-Service
On-Going
illnesses,
including food
intolerances and
allergies
this topic at this time.
this topic at this time.
Transportation
and child
passenger safety
(if applicable)
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
Caring for
children with
special health
care needs,
mental health
needs, and
developmental
disabilities in
compliance with
the Americans
with Disabilities
(ADA) Act
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
Child
development
including
knowledge of
developmental
stages and
milestones
appropriate for
the ages of
children
receiving
services.
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
Supervision of
children
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
Behavior
management
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
The Lead Agency has no
training requirements for
In-Home Providers on
this topic at this time.
Other. Describe
d) CCDF allows Lead Agencies to exempt relative providers (grandparents,
great-grandparents, siblings if living in a separate residence, aunts, and
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uncles) from these health and safety requirements. What are the Lead
Agency’s requirements for relative providers? (§98.41(A)(ii))(A))
All relative providers are subject to the same health and safety
requirements as described in 3.1.2a-c, as appropriate; there are no
exceptions for relatives.
Relative providers are NOT required to meet any health and safety
requirements as described in 3.1.2a-c, as appropriate.
Relative providers are subject to certain requirements. Describe the
different requirements Relative providers are exempt from obtaining
Immunization Forms when they only care for their relatives.
e) Provide a web address for the State/Territory’s health and safety
requirements, if available: Please refer to the Mississippi Child Care Payment
Program Policy Manual link found at,
http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/eccd_mschildcare.html
3.1.4 Effective enforcement of the CCDF health and safety requirements.
For providers who care for children receiving CCDF assistance and who are NOT
subject to the enforcement procedures described in 3.1.2 for licensed providers,
please describe how the Lead Agency enforces the CCDF health and safety
enforcement requirements.
The Lead Agency makes unnannounced visits to monitor compliance with all
program requirements throughout the program year. These visits may be conducted
by Lead Agency subisdy staff, or by the MDHS Division of Program Integrity staff.
During these visits, staff monitor the presence of all elements related to payment
claims, operation, enrollment of children, and health and safety practices as required
upon initial provider approval.
a) Describe whether and how the Lead Agency uses on-site visits (announced
and unannounced)
The Lead Agency makes annual unannounced visits to unlicensed providers
to ensure compliance with required elements.
b) Describe whether the Lead Agency uses background checks
The Lead Agency requires that providers and anyone in the home over the
age of 18 submit to a Child Abuse and Neglect Criminal Background Check.
c) Does the Lead Agency permit providers to self-certify compliance with
applicable health and safety standards?
Yes. If yes, what documentation, if any, is required? Describe
The Lead Agency requires that all unlicensed providers submit a checklist
containing various statements related to health and safety issues related to
caring for children.
No
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d) Describe whether the Lead Agency uses any other enforcement policies and
practices for the health and safety requirements NA
Check if the Lead Agency certifies that 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))
3.1.5. Does the State/Territory encourage or require child care programs
to conduct developmental screening and referral for children
participating in child care programs?
Lead Agencies are not required to conduct developmental screenings of children, but
are encouraged to work with child care providers to promote screening in the areas
of physical health (including vision and hearing), mental health, oral health, and
developmental disabilities.
Yes. Describe
No
a) If yes, are training, resources and supports offered to programs to
assist them in ensuring that children receive appropriate
developmental screenings?
Yes. Describe
No
Other. Describe
b) If yes, are resources and supports provided to programs to help
them understand how families are referred to indicated services and
how to work with the health, mental health, and developmental
disabilities agencies to support children when follow-up to screening is
needed?
Yes. Describe
No
Other. Describe
c) Does the State/Territory use developmental screening and referral
tools?
Yes. If Yes, provide the name of the tool(s)
No
Other. Describe
3.1.6 Data & Performance Measures on Licensing and Health and Safety
Compliance –
What data elements, if any, does the State/Territory currently have access to related
to licensing compliance? What, if any, performance measures does the Lead Agency
use for ensuring health and safety? The purpose of these questions is for Lead
Agencies to provide a description of their capacity to provide information, not to
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require Lead Agencies to collect or report this information. For any data elements
checked in (a) below, Lead Agencies may provide an optional description about the
data they have access to (e.g., the Lead Agency may have data for only licensed
programs, only programs caring for children receiving CCDF subsidies, only
providers participating in quality improvement systems, or only for certain age
groups (e.g., infants and toddlers or school-age children).
a) Data on licensing and health and safety. Indicate if the Lead Agency
or another agency has access to data on:
Number of licensed programs. Describe (optional) The Mississippi
Department of Health, Division of Child Care Licensure manages this
data. They report the number of licensed programs as 1,636.
Numbers of programs operating that are legally exempt from
licensing. Describe (optional)
Number of programs whose licenses were suspended or revoked
due to non-compliance. Describe (optional) The Mississippi
Department of Health, Division of Child Care Licensure manages this
data. They reported that 0 program licenses were suspended/revoked
during the last fiscal year.
Number of injuries in child care as defined by the State/Territory.
Describe (optional) The Mississippi Department of Health, Division of
Child Care Licensure manages this data. They report 6 incidences of
injuries during the last fiscal year.
Number of fatalities in child care as defined by the State/Territory.
Describe (optional) The Mississippi Department of Health, Division of
Child Care Licensure manages this data.
Number of monitoring visits received by programs. Describe
(optional) The Mississippi Department of Health, Division of Child
Care Licensure manages this data. They report at least two visits to all
programs that were licensed during the last fiscal year.
Caseload of licensing staff. Describe (optional) The Mississippi
Department of Health, Division of Child Care Licensure manages this
data.
Number of programs revoked from CCDF due to non-compliance
with health and safety requirements. Describe (optional) The Lead
Agency would manage this data. Zero (0) programs were revoked
during the las fiscal year due to non-comliance with health and safety
requirements.
Other. Describe
None
b) Performance measurement. What, if any, performance measures does
the State/Territory use in its licensing system to monitor compliance with
CCDF health and safety requirements? The licensing authority does not
check for provider compliance with CCDF health and safety requirements.
c) Evaluation. What, if any, are the State/Territory’s plans for evaluation
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related to licensing and health and safety? Evaluation can include efforts
related to monitoring implementation of an initiative, validation of
standards or assessment tools, or looking at outcomes in programs or the
system and may be ongoing or conducted periodically. The Lead Agency
would like to evaluate the health and safety requirements of both the
subsidy program and the licensing authority to compare to national health
and safety standards. This comparison would be used to evaluate those
changes that are needed to increase health and safety of care environments
and inform policy/regulation changes.
3.1.7 Goals for the next Biennium –
In this section, Lead Agencies are asked to identify at least one goal for the upcoming
biennium and are encouraged to identify no more than five priority goals total. ACF
will target technical assistance efforts to help Lead Agencies achieve their goal(s).
Lead Agencies may include existing goals (e.g., already identified in a State strategic
plan or established by the Governor for a Lead Agency). Lead Agencies are not
required to establish a goal for each sub-section of 3.1. Lead Agencies will report
progress and updates on these goals in the annual Quality Performance Report
(Appendix 1), including any barriers encountered.
What are the Lead Agency’s goals for the licensing and health and safety system in
the coming biennium? What progress does the State/Territory expect to make on
core areas (e.g. licensing standards, monitoring visits or other effective enforcement,
improved technical assistance, or fewer serious non-compliances?)
Note – When identifying your goals below, Lead Agencies are encouraged to begin
with an action verb reflecting the desired result over the two year period (e.g.,
Increase, Improve, Build, Align, Implement, Review, Revise, Streamline, Expand,
etc.)
Goal 1 – Increase health and safety requirements for unlicensed providers
participating in CCDF to align with proposed ACF requirements.
Goal 2 – Increase public knowledge of licensed providers including license effective
dates and any infractions.
Goal 3 – Build an interface between licensing and subsidy data systems to ensure
consistency of data.
Goal 4 -
Goal 5 -
CCDF has a number of performance measures that are used to track progress for key
aspects of the program at the national level. These performance measures are
included in budget materials submitted to Congress and other documents. Please
see the CCDF performance measures. A number of these performance measures rely
on information reported in the State and Territorial Plans as a data source. We have
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added a ruler icon
in Section 3.2 through 3.4 in order to identify the specific
questions used in the performance measures. When answering these questions,
Lead Agencies should ensure that their answers are accurate and complete in order
to promote the usefulness and integrity of the performance measures.
3.2 Establishing Voluntary Early Learning Guidelines (Component #2)
For purposes of this section, voluntary early learning guidelines (also referred to as
early learning and development standards) include the expectations for what
children should know (content) and be able to do (skills) at different levels of
development. These standards provide guidelines, articulate developmental
milestones, and set expectations for the healthy growth and development of young
children. The term early learning guidelines (ELGs) refers to age-appropriate
developmental learning guidelines for infants and toddlers and school-age children.
These early learning guidelines are voluntary because States/Territories are not
required to develop such guidelines or implement them in a specified manner.
3.2.1 Has the State/Territory developed voluntary early learning
guidelines for children? Check any early learning guidelines the
State/Territory has developed.
Birth-to-three
Three-to-five
Five years and older
None. Skip to 3.2.6.
If yes, insert web addresses, where possible:
Birth to Three: www.earlychildhood.msstate.edu;
Three to Five: www.mde.k12.ms.us
Which State/Territory agency is the lead for the early learning guidelines?
Birth to Three: Mississippi Office of Head Start Collaboration;
Three to Five: Mississippi Department of Education
3.2.2 Do the early learning guidelines cover a range of domains
across physical, cognitive, and social and emotional development?
Check all that apply for each age group as applicable in the chart below. Because
States vary in their domain names and which domains to include, we have used the
domains identified in the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning
Framework for reference purposes.
Domains
Birth-to-
Three ELGs
Three-to-Five
ELGs
Five and
Older ELGs
Physical development and health
Social and emotional development
Approaches to learning
Logic and reasoning (e.g., problem-
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Domains
Birth-to-
Three ELGs
Three-to-Five
ELGs
Five and
Older ELGs
solving)
Language development
Literacy knowledge and skills
Mathematics knowledge and skills
Science knowledge and skills
Creative arts expression (e.g.,
music, art, drama)
Social studies knowledge and skills
English language development (for
dual language learners)
List any domains not covered in the
above
Other. Describe
3.2.3 To whom are the early learning guidelines disseminated and in
what manner?
Check all audiences and methods that your State/Territory has chosen to use in the
chart below.
Information
Dissemination
Voluntary
Training
Mandatory
Training
Parents in the child care
subsidy system
Parents using child care
more broadly
Practitioners in child care
centers
Providers in family child
care homes
Practitioners in Head Start
Practitioners in Early
Head Start
Practitioners in public
Pre-K program
Practitioners in
elementary schools
Other. List
3.2.4 Are voluntary early learning guidelines incorporated into
other parts of the child care system?
Check which ways, if any, the State/Territory incorporates its early learning
guidelines into other parts of the child care system.
To define the content of training required to meet licensing requirements
To define the content of training required for program quality
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improvement standards (e.g., QRIS standards)
To define the content of training required for the career lattice or
professional credential
To require programs in licensing standards to develop curriculum/learning
activities based on the voluntary ELGs
To require programs in quality improvement standards to develop
curriculum/learning activities based on the voluntary ELGs
To develop State-/Territory –approved curricula
Other. List
None.
3.2.5 Are voluntary early learning guidelines and development
standards aligned with into other parts of the child care system?
Check the standards, if any, with which the State/Territory aligns its early learning
guidelines.
Cross-walked to align with Head Start Child Development and Early
Learning Framework
Cross-walked to align with K-12 content standards
Cross-walked to align with State/Territory pre-k standards
Cross-walked with accreditation standards
Other. List
None.
3.2.6 Describe how your State/Territory uses ongoing assessments and
measures of school readiness assessment using the following series of
questions.
In this section, assessment is framed with two distinct purposes/tools – 1) ongoing
assessment of children’s progress within the classroom to improve and individualize
instruction (this corresponds to 3.2.6a) and 2) assessments conducted within pre-
kindergarten and/or at kindergarten entry to inform policymakers about the school
readiness of children across the State on a broad range of domains, used to guide
program initiatives (this corresponds to 3.2.6b).
In the description for each Yes response, please include a) who administers, and b)
how often assessments are conducted, and c) what assessment tools are used.
a) Are programs required to conduct ongoing assessments of children’s progress
of children using valid, reliable and age-appropriate tools aligned with the
early learning guidelines or other child standards?
Yes. Describe
a-1) If yes, are programs encouraged to use information from ongoing
assessments to improve practice and individual children’s needs?
Yes. Describe
No
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Other. Describe
a-2) If yes, is information on child’s progress reported to parents?
Yes. Describe
No
Other. Describe
No
Other. Describe
b) Does the State/Territory use tools that are valid, reliable and age-appropriate
to track the readiness of children within pre-kindergarten and/or as they
enter kindergarten?
Yes. Describe
b-1) If yes, do the tools cover the developmental domains identified in
3.2.2?
Yes. Describe
No
Other. Describe
b-2) If yes, are the tools used on all children or samples of children?
All children. Describe
Samples of children. Describe
Other. Describe
b-3) If yes, is the information from the school readiness measures used
to target program quality improvement activities?
Yes. Describe
No
Other. Describe
No
Other. Describe
c) Is school readiness information linked to the statewide longitudinal data
system (SLDS, program of the Department of Education)?
Yes. Describe
No
Not applicable. State does not have an SLDS.
3.2.7 Data & Performance Measures on Voluntary Early Learning
Guidelines –
What data elements, if any, does the State/Territory have access to on the
dissemination of, implementation of, or children’s attainment of the early learning
guidelines? What, if any, performance measures does the State/Territory use for
dissemination and implementation of the early learning guidelines? The purpose of
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these questions is for Lead Agencies to provide a description of their capacity to
provide information, not to require Lead Agencies to collect or report this
information. For any data elements checked in (a) below, Lead Agencies may provide
an optional description about the data they have access to (e.g., the Lead Agency may
have data for only licensed programs, only programs caring for children receiving
CCDF subsidies, only providers participating in quality improvement systems, or
only for certain age groups (e.g., infants and toddlers or school-age children).
a) Data on voluntary early learning guidelines. Indicate if the Lead
Agency or another agency has access to data on:
Number/percentage of child care providers trained on ELG’s for
preschool aged children. Describe (optional) The Mississippi Child
Care Resource & Referral Network reports 2,823 providers were
trained on preschool ELGs in the last program year.
Number/percentage of child care providers trained on ELG’s for
infants and toddlers. Describe (optional) The Mississippi Child Care
Resource & Referral Network reports 3,231 providers were trained on
infant/toddler ELGs in the last program year.
Number of programs using ELG’s in planning for their work.
Describe (optional) The Mississippi Child Care Resource & Referral
Network reports 564 providers are using the ELGs in their work.
Number of parents trained on or served in family support programs
that use ELG’s. Describe (optional)
Other. Describe
None
b) Performance measurement. What, if any, are the Lead Agency’s
performance measures related to dissemination and implementation of the
early learning guidelines?
The Lead Agency funds the MSCCR&R Network. The scope of services for
this contract requires that regular ongoing trainings related to each
component of the ELGs are offered across the state in person and through
distance learning.
c) Evaluation. What are the State/Territory’s plans, if any, for evaluation
related to early learning guidelines and the progress of children in child
care? Evaluation can include efforts related to monitoring implementation
of an initiative validation of standards or program assessment tools, or
looking at outcomes in programs or the system and may be ongoing or
conducted periodically.
The Lead Agency plans to use the SLDS to determine the number of
providers currently working in childcare that have received the ELG
trainings. Additionaly, the Lead Agency is working with the MSCCR&R to
add advanced trainings on the ELGs for those providers who have mastered
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the introductory level trainings.
3.2.8 Goals for the next Biennium –
In this section, Lead Agencies are asked to identify at least one goal for the upcoming
biennium. Lead Agencies are encouraged to include measurable and achievable
goals. Lead Agencies may include existing goals (e.g., already identified in a State
strategic plan or established by the Governor for a Lead Agency). ACF will target
technical assistance efforts to help Lead Agencies achieve their goal(s). What are the
Lead Agency’s goals for using voluntary early learning guidelines in the coming
biennium? What progress does the Lead Agency expect to make related to early
learning guidelines?
Goal 1: Expand provider knowledge of the application of ELG principles by advanced
training.
Goal 2: Assess the feasibility of assessing children using the developmental checklists
included in the ELGs for all children in programs where they are being implemented.
3.3 Creating Pathways to Excellence for Child Care Programs through
Program Quality Improvement Activities (Component #3)
Many States have chosen to use targeted quality funds and other resources to
develop a systematic framework for evaluating, improving, and communicating the
level of quality in early childhood programs (i.e. QRIS). States and Territories will
provide a self-assessment on current program quality improvement activities by
responding to questions in this section and then describe their goals for the
upcoming Biennium.
For purposes of this section, States and Territories will respond according to a
Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) framework. QRIS refers to a
systematic framework for evaluating, improving and communicating the level of
quality in early childhood programs and contains five key elements:
1. Program standards
2. Supports to programs to improve quality
3. Financial incentives and supports
4. Quality assurance and monitoring
5. Outreach and consumer education
While not all States and Territories have developed or implemented a formal QRIS,
all are pursuing quality improvement strategies that can be described within this
framework (based upon previous CCDF Plans). Using this framework to organize
this section allows States/Territories to report on their quality improvement
activities systematically whether they have a QRIS or not. Over time, States and
Territories are encouraged to work on linking their quality improvement initiatives
and strategies across all of these elements, culminating in a comprehensive Quality
Rating and Improvement System with adequate support for providers to attain
higher levels of quality and transparency for parents and the community regarding
the quality of child care.
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a) Describe which entities are involved in planning and administering the program
quality improvement activities in 3.3, including State/Territory entities and local or
community level entities.
The Mississippi Child Care Quality Step System is a star-based QRIS system
currently funded by state funds and CCDF Quality funds. The Mississippi State
University Early Childhood Institute implements this program. The Lead Agency and
MSU ECI collaborate on best practices related to this program’s administration and
implementation.
3.3.1 Element 1 – Program Standards
Definition – For purposes of this section, program standards refers to the
expectations for quality, or quality indicators, which identify different levels of and
pathways to improved quality. Minimum licensing standards and health and safety
requirements provided in section 3.1 are also program standards but in this section,
we focus on those standards that build upon and go beyond those minimum
requirements.
a) Does your State/Territory’s have quality improvement standards that
include indicators covering the following areas beyond what is required for
licensing? Check any indicators, if any, that your State/Territory has chosen to
establish.
Ratios and group size
Health, nutrition and safety
Learning environment and curriculum
Staff/Provider qualifications and professional development
Teacher/providers-child relationships
Teacher/provider instructional practices
Family partnerships and family strengthening
Community relationships
Administration and management
Developmental screenings
Child assessment for the purposes of individualizing instruction and/or
targeting program improvement
Cultural competence
Other. Describe
None. If checked, skip to 3.3.2.
b) Does your State/Territory have quality improvement standards with provisions
about the care of any of these groups of children? Check any provisions your
State/Territory has chosen to establish.
Children with special needs as defined by your State/Territory
Infants and toddlers
School-age children
Children who are dual language learners
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None
c) How do your State/Territory’s quality standards link to State/Territory licensing
requirements? Check any links between your State/Territory’s quality standards and
licensing requirements.
Licensing is a pre-requisite for participation
Licensing is the first tier of the quality levels
State/Territory license is a “rated” license.
Other. Describe
Not linked.
d) Do your State/Territory’s quality improvement standards align with or have
reciprocity with any of the following standards? Check any alignment, if any,
between your State/Territory’s quality standards and other standards.
Programs that meet State/Territory pre-k standards are able to meet all or
part of the quality improvement standards (e.g., content of the standards is
the same, or there is a reciprocal agreement between pre-k and the quality
improvement system)
Programs that meet Federal Head Start Performance Standards are able to
meet all or part of the quality improvement standards (e.g., content of the
standards is the same, or there is a reciprocal agreement between Head Start
and the quality improvement system)
Programs that meet national accreditation standards are able to meet all or
part of the quality improvement standards (e.g., content of the standards is
the same, or an alternative pathway to meeting the standards)
Other. Describe
None
3.3.2 Element 2 –Supports to Programs to Improve Quality
Definition – For purposes of this section, supports to programs to improve quality
refers to such activities as technical assistance and consultation services for
programs to assist in meeting child care quality improvement standards.
a) Check which types of and for what purposes the State/Territory uses
supports to child care programs, if any, in the following chart. If none, skip to 3.3.3.
Types and Purposes of
Support
Information or
Written
Materials
Training On-Site
Consultation
Attaining and maintaining
licensing compliance
Attaining and maintaining
quality improvement standards
beyond licensing
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Types and Purposes of
Support
Information or
Written
Materials
Training On-Site
Consultation
Attaining and maintaining
accreditation
Providing targeted technical
assistance in specialized content
areas:
Health and safety
Infant/toddler care
School-age care
Inclusion
Teaching dual language
learners
Mental health
Business management
practices
Other. Describe
None. Skip to 3.3.3.
b) Methods used to customize quality improvement supports to the needs of
individual programs include:
Program improvement plans
Technical assistance on the use of program assessment tools
Other. Describe
c) Is technical assistance linked to entering the QRIS or targeted to help programs
forward on QRIS?
Yes. Describe The MS Child Care Resource and Referral Network,
Partners for Quality Care, and the Allies for Quality Care program
provide onsite technical assistance desigened to improve a licensed
program's rating in the QRIS.
No
Other. Describe
3.3.3 Element 3 – Financial Incentives and Supports
Definition – For purposes of this section, financial incentives refers to the types of
monetary supports offered to programs in meeting and sustaining licensing and
QRIS or other child care quality improvement standards for programs.
a) Identify which types of financial incentives are offered and to which
providers in the following chart. Check which incentives and supports, if any,
the State/Territory chooses to offer. If none, skip to 3.3.4.
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Types of Financial Incentives and
Supports for Programs
Child Care
Centers
Child Care
Homes
License-
Exempt
Providers
Grants to programs to meet or
maintain licensing
Grants to programs to meet QRIS or
similar quality level
One-time awards or bonuses on
completion of quality standard
attainment
Tiered reimbursement tied to quality
for children receiving subsidy
On-going, periodic grants or stipends
tied to improving/maintaining quality
Tax credits tied to meeting program
quality standards
Other. Describe
None. Skip to 3.3.4.
3.3.4 – Element 4 - Quality Assurance and Monitoring
Definition – For purposes of this section, quality assurance and monitoring refers
to the ways that the State/Territory measures program quality for the purposes of its
QRIS or other quality improvement system and the methods for measuring that the
child care quality improvement standards for programs are met initially and
maintained over time.
a) What tools, if any, does the State/Territory use to measure and
monitor the quality of programs? Check all that apply and briefly describe
using the chart below, including which programs are required to participate
and the frequency of assessments. If none, skip to 3.3.5.
Types of Program Quality Assessment
Tools
Child Care
Centers
Child
Care
Homes
License-
Exempt
Providers
Environment Rating Scales (e.g., ECERS,
ITERS, SACERS, FDCRS)
Describe, including frequency of assessments.
Pre/Post
Infant/Toddler
Preschool
School-Age
Classroom Assessment Scoring System
(CLASS)
Describe, including frequency of assessments.
N/A
Program Administration Scale (PAS) for
child care centers or Business Administration
Scale (BAS) for family child care homes
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Types of Program Quality Assessment
Tools
Child Care
Centers
Child
Care
Homes
License-
Exempt
Providers
Describe, including frequency of assessments.
Customized instrument, including
submission of written documentation,
developed for State/Territory quality
improvement system. This may include
instruments developed for quality
improvements in 21st Century Learning
Center programs
Describe, including frequency of assessments.
Other. Describe
None. Skip to 3.3.5.
b) What steps, if any, has the State/Territory taken to align quality assurance
and monitoring across funding streams and sectors in order to minimize
duplication?
Have a mechanism to track different quality
assessments/monitoring activities to avoid duplication
Include QRIS or other quality reviews as part of licensing
enforcement
Have compliance monitoring in one sector (e.g., Head Start/Early
Head Start, State/Territory pre-k) serve as validation for compliance
with quality improvement system (e.g., QRIS) without further review
Have monitoring for meeting accreditation standards serve as
validation for compliance with quality improvement system (e.g.,
QRIS) without further review
Other. Describe
None
3.3.5 – Element 5 - Outreach and Consumer Education
Definition – For purposes of this section, outreach and consumer education refers
to the strategies used to promote the child care quality improvement standards to
parents, programs and the general public.
a) Does the State/Territory use symbols or simple icons to communicate
levels of quality for child care programs beyond what may communicated to
parents about licensing status and licensing compliance as reported in 3.1.3?
(e.g. stars, or gold/silver/bronze levels).
Yes. If yes, how is it used?
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Resource and referral/consumer education services use with
parents seeking care
Parents enrolling in child care subsidy are educated about
the system and the quality level of the provider that they are
selecting
Searchable database on the web
Voluntarily, visibly posted in programs
Mandatory to post visibly in programs
Used in marketing and public awareness campaigns
Other. Describe
No. If no, skip to 3.3.6.
b) Does the State/Territory use any forms of media to reach parents and the
public to communicate about levels of quality for child care programs? Check
which forms, if any, the State/Territory uses to communicate levels of quality
for child care programs.
Print
Radio
Television
Web
Telephone
Social Marketing
Other. Describe
None
c) Describe any targeted outreach for culturally and linguistically diverse
families.
The Lead Agency has developed print media to illustrate what a quality child
care environment looks like through photographs and very few words. This is
designed for non-English speaking parents and low literacy parents.
3.3.6. Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)
a) Based on the five key elements of a QRIS described above in
3.3.1 through 3.3.5, does your State/Territory have a quality rating and
improvement system (QRIS) or similar quality improvement system in place?
Yes, the State/Territory has a QRIS or similar quality improvement
system that includes linked activities in all five elements operating
State/Territory-wide.
Participation is voluntary for All licensed child care
providers.
Participation is mandatory for
Yes, the State/Territory has a QRIS or similar quality improvement
system that includes linked activities in all five elements operating as a
pilot or in a few localities but not State/Territory-wide.
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No, the State/Territory does not have a QRIS or similar quality
improvement system that includes linked activities in all five elements.
State/Territory is in the development phase
State/Territory has no plans for development
Other. Describe
b) If yes to 3.3.6a, CHECK the types of providers eligible to participate
in the QRIS:
Child care centers
Group child care homes
Family child care homes
In-home child care
License exempt providers
Early Head Start programs
Head Start programs
Pre-kindergarten programs
School-age programs
Other. Describe
3.3.7. If the State/Territory has or will have any quality improvement strategies for
targeted groups of providers (e.g., relative caregivers or caregivers who are legally
exempt from licensing) that are not described in your responses to any question in
section 3.3 above, please describe
At this time, the Lead Agency is working with the Mississippi State University
Extension Service to pilot a QRIS program for out-of-school programs and for family
child care providers.
3.3.8 Data & Performance Measures on Program Quality –
What data elements, if any, does the State/Territory currently have access to related
to the quality of programs? What, if any, does the State/Territory use for
performance measures on program quality improvement? The purpose of these
questions is for Lead Agencies to provide a description of their capacity to provide
information, not to require Lead Agencies to collect or report this information. For
any data elements checked in (a) below, Lead Agencies may provide an optional
description about the data they have access to (e.g., the Lead Agency may have data
for only licensed programs, only programs caring for children receiving CCDF
subsidies, only providers participating in quality improvement systems, or only for
certain age groups (e.g., infants and toddlers or school-age children).
a) Data on program quality. Indicate if the Lead Agency or another agency
has access to data on:
Data on the quality level for individual programs (e.g. QRIS level) as
defined by your State/Territory. Describe (optional)
ERS software currently tracks all QRIS program activity. This data is
housed at the Mississippi State University Early Childhood Institute.
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Number of programs that move program quality levels annually (up
or down). Describe (optional)
Program scores on program assessment instruments. List
instruments: Describe (optional)
Classroom scores on program assessment instruments. List
instruments: ITERS-R & ECERS-R Describe (optional)
Qualifications for teachers or caregivers within each program.
Describe (optional)
This information is maintained by the Professional Development
registry housed at the MS Child Care Resource & Referral Network
Number/Percentage of children receiving CCDF assistance in
licensed care. Describe (optional) The Lead Agency houses this
information in CCIS.
Number/percentage of children receiving CCDF assistance who
attend care at each of the tiers of the quality as defined by the
State/Territory The Lead Agency houses this information in CCIS.
Number/Percentage of programs receiving financial assistance to
meet higher program standards. Describe (optional) The Lead
Agency houses this information in CCPS.
Other. Describe
None
b) Performance measurement. What, if any, are the Lead Agency’s
performance measures on program quality?
The Lead Agency supports providers in their efforts to improve program
quality. The Lead Agency considers a score of 3.0 on either the ITERS-r or
ECERS-R to indicate basic/minimal levels of quality.
c) Evaluation. What, if any, are the State/Territory’s plans for evaluation
related to program quality? Evaluation can include efforts related to
monitoring implementation of an initiative, validation of standards or
assessment tools, or looking at outcomes in programs or the system and
may be ongoing or conducted periodically.
The Lead Agency is funding the evaluation and validation of the QRIS in the
upcoming year. The resulting information will be made to identify
strategies to improve QRIS implementation and increase program quality.
3.3.9 Goals for the next Biennium –
In this section, Lead Agencies are asked to identify at least one goal for the upcoming
biennium. Lead Agencies are encouraged to include measurable and achievable
goals. Lead Agencies may include existing goals (e.g., already identified in a State
strategic plan or established by the Governor for a Lead Agency). ACF will target
technical assistance efforts to help Lead Agencies achieve their goal(s). Lead
Agencies are not required to establish a goal for each sub-section in 3.3. What are the
State/Territory’s goals for the program quality improvement system in the coming
biennium? What progress does the State/Territory expect to make across the five
key elements for quality improvement systems?
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Goal 1: Assess the overall functioning of the QRIS.
Goal 2: Increase parental knowledge about provider quality ratings.
3.4 Pathways to Excellence for the Workforce – Professional
Development Systems and Workforce Initiatives (Component #4)
Pathways to excellence for the workforce builds on the significant investments States
and Territories have made in the area of professional development systems to ensure
a well-qualified workforce with opportunities for growth from entry level through
master teacher, with an increasing emphasis on the many additional roles in the
child care system (e.g. adult educators such as consultants, technical assistance
providers, trainers, and higher education faculty). In this section, States and
Territories provide a self-assessment on current professional development and
workforce activities and describe their goals for the upcoming Biennium.
For purposes of this section, States and Territories will respond according to five key
elements for workforce systems:
1) Core Knowledge and Competencies
2) Career Pathways (or Career Lattice)
3) Professional Development Capacity
4) Access to Professional Development
5) Compensation, Benefits and Workforce Conditions
a) Describe which entities are involved in planning and administering the activities
in Section 3.4, including State/Territory entities and local or community level
entities.
Mississippi is beginning to engage in discussions surrounding these activities
through the work of the Mississippi Early Childhood Advisory Council. At this time
the Lead Agency supports access to professional development by funding the
Mississippi Child Care Resource and Referral Network and other programs to offer
professional development training offered at no cost to participants.
3.4.1 Workforce Element 1 - Core Knowledge and Competencies
Definition – For purposes of this section, core knowledge and competencies
(CKCs) refers to the expectations for what the workforce should know (content) and
be able to do (skills) in their role working with and/or on behalf of children and their
families. These CKCs provide a foundation for professional development design
(including instructional practices) and other quality improvement efforts.
a) Has the State/Territory developed core knowledge and competencies
(CKCs) for practitioners working with and/or on behalf of children?
Yes
No, the State/Territory has not developed core knowledge and
competencies. Skip to question 3.4.2.
Other. Describe
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If yes, insert web addresses, where possible:
b) Check which of the following teaching and learning topics, if any, are
covered in the CKCs.
Child growth, development and learning
Health, nutrition, and safety
Learning environment and curriculum
Interactions with children
Family and community relationships
Professionalism and leadership
Observation and assessment
Program planning and management
Diversity
Other. Describe
None
c) Are the CKCs incorporated into other parts of the child care system? Check
which ways, if any, the State/Territory incorporates its CKCs into other parts
of the child care system.
To define the content of training required to meet licensing
requirements
To define the content of training required for program quality
improvement standards (as reported in section 3.3)
To define the content of training required for the career lattice or
credential
To correspond to the early learning guidelines
To define curriculum and degree requirements at institutions of
higher education
Other. Describe
None
d) Are the CKCs aligned with other State/Territory or national standards?
Check which ways, if any, the State/Territory aligns its CKCs with other
standards.
Cross-walked with the Child Development Associate (CDA)
competencies
Cross-walked with national teacher preparation standards (e.g.,
NAEYC standards for early childhood professional preparation,
National Board of Professional Teaching Standards, National Council
for Accreditation of Teacher Education/Council for the Accreditation of
Educator Preparation, Head Start SOLAR staff skills indicators)
Cross-walked with apprenticeship competencies
Other. Describe
None
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e) Check for which roles, if any, the State/Territory developed supplemental
or specialized competencies.
Staff working directly with children in centers, including aides,
assistants, teachers, master teachers. Describe
Providers working directly with children in family child care homes,
including aides and assistants. Describe
Administrators in centers (including educational coordinators,
directors). Describe
Technical assistance providers (including mentors, coaches,
consultants, home visitors, etc.). Describe
Education and training staff (such as trainers, CCR&R staff,
faculty). Describe
Other. Describe
None
f) Check if the State/Territory has developed any supplemental or specialized
competencies for practitioners/providers working with the following ages.
Birth-to-three
Three-to-five
Five and older
Other. Describe
None
3.4.2 Workforce Element 2 - Career Pathways
Definition – For purposes of this section, career pathways (or career lattice)
defines the options and sequence of qualifications and ongoing professional
development to work with children. Career pathways assist professionals in
understanding their career options and identify steps for advancement for the
workforce recognizing and rewarding higher levels of preparation and mastery of
practice to promote higher quality services for children.
a) Does the State/Territory have a career pathway which defines the
sequence of qualifications related to professional development (education,
training and technical assistance) and experience required to work with
children?
Yes. Describe
No, the State/Territory has not developed a career pathway. Skip to
question 3.4.3.
Insert web addresses, where possible:
b) Check for which roles, if any, the career pathways include qualifications,
specializations or credentials.
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Staff working directly with children in centers, including aides,
assistants, teachers, master teachers. Describe
Providers working directly with children in family child care homes,
including aides and assistants. Describe
Administrators in centers (including educational coordinators,
directors). Describe
Technical assistance providers (including mentors, coaches,
consultants, home visitors, etc.). Describe
Education and training staff (such as trainers, CCR&R staff,
faculty). Describe
Other. Describe
None
c) Does the career pathways (or lattice) include specializations or credentials,
if any, for working with any of the following children?
Infants and toddlers
Preschoolers
School-age children
Dual language learners
Children with disabilities, children with developmental delays, and
children with other special needs
Other. Describe
None
d) In what ways, if any, is the career pathway (or lattice) used?
Voluntary guide and planning resource
Required placement for all practitioners and providers working in
programs that are licensed or regulated in the State/Territory to serve
children birth to 13
Required placement for all practitioners working in programs that
receive public funds to serve children birth to 13
Required placement for adult educators (i.e., those that provide
training, education and/or technical assistance)
Required placement for participation in scholarship and/or other
incentive and support programs
Required placement for participation in the QRIS or other quality
improvement system
Other. Describe
None
e) Are individuals’ qualifications, professional development, and work
experience verified prior to placement on the career pathway (or lattice?)?
Yes. If yes, describe
No
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3.4.3 Workforce Element 3 – Professional Development Capacity
Definition – For purposes of this section, professional development incorporates
higher education, training and technical assistance. Higher education capacity refers
to capability of the higher education system to meet the needs of the diverse
workforce including the provision of content that addresses the full range of
development and needs of children. Training and technical assistance capacity refers
to capability of the training and technical assistance system to meet the needs of the
diverse workforce including the provision of content that addresses the full range of
development and needs of children. Early childhood includes infants, toddlers and
preschoolers.
a) Has the State/Territory assessed the availability of degree programs
in early-childhood education, school-age care or youth development, and
related fields in the State/Territory (e.g., both physical location and distance-
based, accessibility to practitioners, etc.)?
Yes. If yes, describe
No
b) Has the State/Territory assessed the availability of early-childhood
and school-age and related training and technical assistance programs in the
State/Territory (e.g., both physical location and distance-based, degree level,
etc.)?
Yes. If yes, describe
No
c) What quality assurance mechanisms, if any, are in place for the degree
programs and courses offered by the State/Territory institutions?
Standards set by the institution
Standards set by the State/Territory higher education board
Standards set by program accreditors
Standards set by State/Territory departments of education
Standards set by national teacher preparation accrediting agencies
Other. Describe
None
d) What quality assurance mechanisms, if any, are in place for the training
and technical assistance programs offered by the State/Territory?
Training approval process. Describe
Trainer approval process. Describe All T&TA staff are evaluated by
supervisors monthly.
Training and/or technical assistance evaluations. Describe
Other. Describe
None
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e) Does the State/Territory have articulation agreements in place across and
within institutions of higher education?
Yes. If yes, describe
No
f) Does the State/Territory have articulation agreements that translate
training and/or technical assistance into higher education credit?
Yes. If yes, describe
No
3.4.4 Workforce Element 4 – Access to Professional Development
Definition – For purposes of this section, access to professional development
(training, education and technical assistance) refers to the degree to which
practitioners are made aware of, and receive supports and assistance to utilize,
professional development opportunities.
a) Does the State/Territory have professional development opportunities
accessible for professionals in various or all sectors of the early childhood and
school-age field?
Yes. If yes, for which sectors?
Child care
Head Start/Early Head Start
Pre-Kindergarten
Public schools
Early intervention/special education
Other. Describe
No
b) Does the State/Territory have a State/Territory-wide, coordinated and
easily accessible clearinghouse of information about professional
development opportunities available to all members of the early childhood
and school-age workforce? Lead Agencies are not required to have a
professional development system, but States/Territories may develop such
clearinghouses to promote access to professional development opportunities.
Yes. If yes, describe
This information is disseminated through the Mississippi Child Care
Resource and Referral Network.
No
Insert web addresses, where possible: www.msucares.com/childcare
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c) What supports, if any, does the State/Territory provide to promote access
to training and education activities?
Scholarships. Describe Scholarships are offered to providers in
order to attain a CDA
Free training and education. Describe All training and technical
assistance is offered free of charge to all participants.
Reimbursement for training and education expenses. Describe
Grants. Describe
Loans. Describe
Loan forgiveness programs. Describe
Substitute pools. Describe
Release time. Describe
Other. Describe
None
d) Does the State/Territory have career advisors for early childhood and
school-age practitioners?
Yes. If yes, describe
No
e) Does the State/Territory have mentors, coaches, consultants, and/or other
specialists available to provide technical assistance to the workforce?
Yes. If yes, describe
The Lead Agency funds several programs that provide mentoring and
coaching to the workforce. Programs include the MS Child Care
Resource and Referral Network, Allies for Quality Care, CDA
Scholarship Program, Nurturing Homes Initiative, Partners for Quality
Care and Project PREPARE.
No
3.4.5 Workforce Element 5- Compensation, Benefits and Workforce
Conditions
Definition – For purposes of this section, rewards for education and training refers
to any financial supports provided to practitioners for participating in and
completing education or training or for increasing compensation.
a) Does the State/Territory have a salary or wage scale for various
professional roles?
Yes. If yes, describe
No
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b) Does the State/Territory provide financial rewards for participation in
professional development, such as one-time salary bonuses for completing a
training or education program?
Yes. If yes, describe One time bonuses are provided to individuals
who complete their Child Development Associate certification through
the use of SAC Head Start ARRA funds.
No
c) Does the State/Territory provide sustained financial support on a
periodic, predictable basis, such as annual wage supplements, based on the
highest level of training and education achieved?
Yes. If yes, describe
No
d) Does the State/Territory have a program to offer or facilitate benefits (e.g.
health insurance coverage, retirement, etc.) to the workforce?
Yes. If yes, describe
No
3.4.6 Data & Performance Measures on the Child Care Workforce –
What data elements, if any, does the State/Territory currently have access to related
to the child care dworkforce? What, if any, does the State/Territory use for
performance measures on professional development and workforce initiatives? The
purpose of these questions is for Lead Agencies to provide a description of their
capacity to provide information, not to require Lead Agencies to collect or report this
information. For any data elements checked in (a) below, Lead Agencies may provide
an optional description about the data they have access to (e.g., the Lead Agency may
have data for only licensed programs, only programs caring for children receiving
CCDF subsidies, only providers participating in quality improvement systems, or
only for certain age groups (e.g., infants and toddlers or school-age children).
a) Data on the child care workforce. Indicate if the Lead Agency or
another agency has access to data on:
Data on the size of the child care workforce. Describe (optional)
Data on the demographic characteristics of practitioners or
providers working directly with children. Describe (optional)
Records of individual teachers or caregivers and their qualifications.
Describe (optional)
Retention rates. Describe (optional)
Records of individual professional development specialists and their
qualifications. Describe (optional)
Qualifications of teachers or caregivers linked to the programs in
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which they teach. Describe (optional)
Number of scholarships awarded . Describe (optional)
Number of individuals receiving bonuses or other financial rewards
or incentives. Describe (optional)
Number of credentials and degrees conferred annually. Describe
(optional)
Data on T/TA completion or attrition rates. Describe (optional)
Data on degree completion or attrition rates. Describe (optional)
Other. Describe
None
b) Does the State/Territory have a workforce data system, such as a workforce
registry, which tracks workforce demographics, compensation, and
qualifications and ongoing professional development for practitioners
working with children birth to age 13?
Definition– For purposes of this section, a workforce data system refers to a
system, such as a workforce registry, that tracks the size and characteristics of
the child care workforce, including longitudinal data to monitor changes over
time. The data system also can produce records to validate and verify
qualifications or ongoing professional development for licensing,
accreditation, QRIS, wage incentives, and credentials.
Yes.
b-1) If yes, which roles are included in the workforce data
system? For each role checked, indicate in your description
whether participation is voluntary or mandatory.
Staff working directly with children in centers,
including aides, assistants, teachers, master teachers.
Describe
Providers working directly with children in family
child care homes, including aides and assistants. Describe
Administrators in centers (including educational
coordinators, directors). Describe
Technical assistance providers (including mentors,
coaches, consultants, home visitors, etc.). Describe
Education and training staff (such as trainers, CCR&R
staff, faculty). Describe
Other. Describe
None
b-2) Does the workforce data system apply to:
all practitioners working in programs that are licensed
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or regulated by the State/Territory to serve children birth
to 13?
all practitioners working in programs that receive
public funds to serve children birth to age 13?
No
c) Performance measurement. What, if any, performance measures does
the State/Territory use related to its workforce and professional development
systems?
The Lead Agency is currently participating in the work of the State Early
Childhood Advisory Council. This Council has taken on workforce
development as one of its priorities.
d) Evaluation. What, if any, are the State/Territory’s plans for evaluation
related to its workforce and professional development systems? Evaluation
can include efforts related to monitoring implementation of an initiative,
validation of standards or assessment tools, or looking at outcomes in
programs or the system and may be ongoing or conducted periodically.
The Lead Agency is dedicated to the continued development of a
comprehensive, functional professional development system in Mississippi.
3.4.7 Goals for the next Biennium –
In this section, Lead Agencies are asked to identify at least one goal for the upcoming
biennium and are encouraged to identify no more than five priority goals total. ACF
will target technical assistance efforts to help Lead Agencies achieve their goal(s).
Lead Agencies may include existing goals (e.g., already identified in a State strategic
plan or established by the Governor for a Lead Agency). Lead Agencies are not
required to establish a goal for each sub-section in 3.4. Lead Agencies will report
progress and updates on these goals in the annual Quality Performance Report
(Appendix 1), including any barriers encountered.
What are the State/Territory’s goals for the building the professional development
system and improving conditions for the workforce in the coming biennium? What
progress does the State/Territory expect to make across the five key elements for the
workforce and professional development system described above?
Note – When identifying your goals below, Lead Agencies are encouraged to begin
with an action verb reflecting the desired result over the two year period (e.g.,
Increase, Improve, Build, Align, Implement, Review, Revise, Streamline, Expand,
etc.)
Goal 1 – Improve functionality of a professional development tracking system that
allows for greater knowledge about the workforce.
Goal 2 – Determine retention rates of professionals in the workforce with a degree.
Goal 3 – Build a single system for trainers and technical assistants in all Lead Agency
funded programs to use.
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Goal 4 – Initiate efforts to develop standards and competencies for trainers and
technical assistants.
Goal 5 – Review data related to training and technical assistance programs to
identify gaps, and opportunities for expansion of support.
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AMENDMENTS LOG
CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT FUND PLAN FOR:
FOR THE PERIOD: 10/1/11 – 9/30/12
Lead Agencies are required to request approval from Administration for Children
and Families (ACF) whenever a “substantial” change in the Lead Agency’s approved
CCDF plan occurs. Please refer to the ACF Program Instruction regarding CCDF Plan
amendments for more information.
Plan amendments must be submitted to ACF within 60 days of the effective date of
the change. Under the regulation, the plan amendment must be approved no later
than the 90th day following the date on which the amendment is received by ACF
unless the Lead Agency and ACF mutually agree in writing to extend the period.
(§98.18 (b)).
ACF encourages Lead Agencies to contact the Child Care program staff in the
appropriate ACF Regional Office to discuss any proposed amendment as early as
possible.
Instructions for Submitting Amendments:
Complete the first 3 columns of the Amendment Log and send a copy of the Log
(showing the latest amendment sent to ACF) and the amended section(s) to the ACF
Regional Office contact. Lead Agency also should indicate the Effective Date of the
amended section in the footer at the bottom of the amended page(s). A copy of the
Log, showing the latest amendment pending in ACF, is retained as part of the Lead
Agency's Plan.
ACF will complete column 4 and returns a photocopy of the Log to the grantee
following its review and approval of the amendment. 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 "old" plan pages
that are superseded by amendments in a separate appendix to its Plan. This is
especially important as auditors will review CCDF Plans and examine effective date
of changes.
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SECTION
AMENDED
EFFECTIVE/
PROPOSED
EFFECTIVE DATE
DATE
SUBMITTED TO
ACF
DATE APPROVED
BY ACF
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APPENDIX 1
QUALITY PERFORMANCE REPORT
This annual report will be submitted to ACF no later than December 31, 2014 and
will reflect the period October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014. Lead Agencies
will leave this report blank when the Plan is initially submitted.
In this report, Lead Agencies are asked about the State/Territory’s progress in
meetings its goals as reported in the FY 2014-2015 CCDF Plan, and provide available
data on the results of those activities. At a minimum, Lead Agencies are expected to
respond to the first question in each section of the Quality Performance Report
(QPR) which asks for their progress toward meeting their goal(s) articulated in Part
2 and Part 3 of the CCDF Plan for this Biennium.
Because of the flexibility in administering the CCDF program, it is expected that
Lead Agencies may not have information and data available to respond to all
questions. A Describe box is provided for each question for Lead Agencies to provide
descriptive context for data reported and narrative updates in each data section,
including any plans for reporting data in the future, if actual data is not currently
available or if specific questions are not applicable. Lead Agencies may use data
collected by other agencies and entities (e.g., CCR&R agencies or other contractors)
as appropriate. The term Lead Agency is used in questions when the data relate to a
CCDF-specific activity, otherwise the term State/Territory is used when another
entity may be responsible or involved with an activity (e.g., licensing).
The purpose of this annual report is to capture State/Territory progress on
improving the quality of child care. Specifically, this report will:
• Provide a national assessment of State’s and Territory’s progress toward
improving the quality of child care, including a focus on program quality and
child care workforce quality;
• Track State’s and Territory’s annual progress toward meeting high quality
indicators and benchmarks, including those that they set for themselves in
their CCDF Plans and those that are of interest to the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services in measuring CCDF program performance;
• Assist national and State/Territory technical assistance efforts to help
States/Territories make strategic use of quality funds; and
Assist with program accountability
This report collects progress on the five goals identified in Part 2 and Part 3 of the
Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Plan for FY2014-2015 along with key
data in relation to the four components of child care quality used as a quality
framework in Part 3 of the Child Care and Development Fund Plan for FY 2014-
2015:
1. Ensuring health and safety of children through licensing and health and safety
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 121
standards
2. Establishing early learning guidelines
3. Creating pathways to excellence for child care programs through program
quality improvement activities
4. Creating pathways to an effective, well-supported child care workforce
through professional development systems and workforce initiatives.
Ensuring the Health and Safety of Children (Component #1)
In this section, Lead Agencies provide information on the minimum health and
safety standards and activities in effect over the past year as of September 30, 2014.
A1.1 Progress on Overall Goals
Based on the goals described in the Lead Agency’s CCDF Plan at Section
3.1.7, please report your progress using the chart below.
You may include any significant areas of progress that were not anticipated in the
Plan, as well. For each goal listed, briefly describe the improvement with specific
examples or numeric targets where possible ( e.g., revised licensing regulation to
include elements related to SIDS prevention, lowered caseload of licensing staff to
1:50, or increased monitoring visits to twice annually for child care centers). If
applicable, describe any barriers to implementing your planned goals.
Goals Described in FY 2014-2015 CCDF
Plan
Describe Progress – Include
Examples and Numeric
Targets where Possible
Note: If your licensing standards changed during this period, please
provide a brief summary of the major changes and submit the updated
regulations to the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in
Child Care.
A1.2 Key Data
OCC is collecting this information as one part of our overall effort to better
understand States/Territories’ activities to improve the quality of child care. OCC
recognizes that the data requested in this report will only provide part of that picture
because there are many factors which affect the data being collected here and that
some data requested may be collected by another agency or entity other than the
Lead Agency. Each State/Territory’s policy context and priorities and standards will
play a role in the way that quality improvement activities are developed and
implemented. For example, the number of programs with licensing violations will be
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 122
affected by how stringent the licensing standards are. States with more stringent
standards may be more likely to report more violations than those with less stringent
licensing standards. OCC intends to work with the States/Territories to gather any
additional contextual information necessary in order to fully understand the context
of these data for any reporting activities involving this information.
A1.2.1 Number of Programs
a) How many licensed center-based programs operated in the State/Territory
as of September 30, 2014?
N/A
Describe:
b) How many licensed home-based programs operated in the State/Territory
as of September 30, 2014?
N/A
Describe:
c) Does the State/Territory have data on the number of programs operating in
the State/Territory that are legally exempt from licensing? At a minimum, the
Lead Agency should provide the number of legally exempt providers serving
children receiving CCDF.
Yes. If yes, include the number of programs as of September 30, 2014
and describe (Use the Describe Box to provide the universe of
programs on which the number is based)
No. Describe:
A1.2.2 Number and Frequency of Monitoring Visits
For licensed programs, a monitoring visit is an onsite visit by department personnel
to a licensed child care program with the goal of ensuring compliance with licensing
regulations. This may include initial licensing determination visits, licensing renewal
visits, periodic announced or unannounced visits, and visits made after a complaint
is lodged. For legally exempt providers, a monitoring visit is an onsite visit to a child
care program with the goal of ensuring compliance with health and safety standards
as defined by CCDF and required for receipt of CCDF funds. Use the Describe box to
provide your State/Territory monitoring visit requirement.
a) How many licensed center-based programs received at least one
monitoring visit between October 1, 2013 and September 30, 2014?
a-1) Of those programs visited, how many were unannounced?
a-2) Of those programs visited, how many were triggered by a
complaint or identified risk?
a-3) What percentage of required visits for licensed center-based
program were completed?
N/A
Describe:
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 123
b) How many licensed family child care programs received at least one
monitoring visit between October 1, 2013 and September 30, 2014?
b-1) Of those programs visited, how many were unannounced?
b-2) Of those programs visited, how many were triggered by a
complaint or identified risk?
b-3) What percentage of required visits for licensed family child care
programs were completed?
N/A
Describe:
c) How many legally exempt providers receiving CCDF received at least one
monitoring visit between October 1, 2013 and September 30, 2014? Of those,
c-1) Of those programs visited, how many were unannounced?
c-2) Of those programs visited, how many were triggered by a
complaint or identified risk?
c-3) What percentage of required visits for legally exempt providers
were completed?
N/A
Describe:
A1.2.3 Number of Licensing Suspensions, Licensing Revocations and
Terminations from CCDF
Suspension of license includes any enforcement action that requires the temporary
suspension of child care services because of licensing violations. Revocation of
license includes termination or non-renewal of licensure and any other enforcement
action that requires the closure of a program because of licensing violations.
How many
programs had their
licenses suspended
due to licensing
violations as
defined in your
State/Territory
during the last
fiscal year?
How many
programs had their
licenses revoked
due to licensing
violations as
defined in your
State/Territory
during the last
fiscal year?
How many
programs were
terminated from
participation in
CCDF due to failure
to meet licensing or
minimum CCDF
health and safety
requirements
during the last
fiscal year?
N/A
Describe
Child
Care
Centers
Group
Child
Care
Homes
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 124
How many
programs had their
licenses suspended
due to licensing
violations as
defined in your
State/Territory
during the last
fiscal year?
How many
programs had their
licenses revoked
due to licensing
violations as
defined in your
State/Territory
during the last
fiscal year?
How many
programs were
terminated from
participation in
CCDF due to failure
to meet licensing or
minimum CCDF
health and safety
requirements
during the last
fiscal year?
N/A
Describe
Family
Child
Care
Homes
In-Home
Providers
A1.2.5 How many previously license-exempt providers were brought
under the licensing system during the last fiscal year?
N/A
Describe:
A1.2.6 How many injuries as defined by the State/Territory occurred in
child care during the last year?
Please provide your definition of injuries in the Describe box and indicate the
universe of programs on which the number is based (e.g., licensed providers, CCDF
providers, or all providers).
N/A
Describe:
A1.2.7 How many fatalities occurred in child care or as the result of a
child care accident or injury as of the end of the last year?
Please indicate the universe of programs on which the number is based (e.g.,
licensed providers, CCDF providers, or all providers).
N/A
Describe:
Establishing Early Learning Guidelines (Component #2)
A2.1 Progress on Overall Goals
A2.1.1 Did the State/Territory make any changes to its voluntary early
learning guidelines (including guidelines for school-age children) as
reported in 3.2 during the last fiscal year?
Yes. Describe
No
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 125
A2.1.2 Based on the goals described in the Lead Agency’s CCDF Plan at
Section 3.2.8, please report your progress.
You may include any significant areas of progress that that were not anticipated in
the Plan, as well. For each goal listed, briefly describe the improvement with specific
examples or numeric targets where possible (e.g., Expanded the number of programs
trained on using the ELG’s, Aligned the ELG’s with Head Start Child Development
and Early Learning Framework). If applicable, describe any barriers to
implementing your planned goals.
Goals Described in FY 2014-2015 CCDF
Plan
Describe Progress – Include
Examples and Numeric
Targets where Possible
A2.2 Key Data
OCC is collecting this information as one part of our overall effort to better
understanding State/Territory activities to improve the quality of child care. OCC
recognizes that the data requested in this report will only provide part of that picture
because there are many factors which affect the data being collected here. Each
State/Territory’s policy context and priorities and standards will play a role in the
way that quality improvement activities are developed and implemented. OCC
intends to work with the States/Territories to gather any additional contextual
information necessary in order to fully understand the context of these data for any
reporting activities involving this information.
A2.2.1a How many individuals were trained on early learning guidelines
(ELG’s) or standards over the last fiscal year?
Responses to this question should be consistent with information provided in
question 3.2.3 in the CCDF Plan.
Provider Categories
Birth
to
Three
ELG’s
Three-
to-Five
ELG’s
Five
and
Older
ELG’s
N/A Describe
How many
teachers/practitioners in center-
based programs were trained on
ELG’s over the past year?
Separate by age group if possible
(e.g., infants and toddlers,
preschoolers, school-age
children)
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
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Provider Categories
Birth
to
Three
ELG’s
Three-
to-Five
ELG’s
Five
and
Older
ELG’s
N/A Describe
How many family child care
providers were trained on ELG’s
over the past year? Separate by
age group if possible (e.g., infants
and toddlers, preschoolers,
school-age children)
How many legally exempt
providers were trained on ELG’s
over the past year? Separate by
age group if possible (e.g., infants
and toddlers, preschoolers,
school-age children)
A2.2.1b How many children are served in programs implementing the
ELG’s?
Refer to question 3.2.4 in the CCDF Plan for examples of how ELG’s can be
implemented in programs. Program capacity can be used as an estimate of children
served.
Provider Categories
Birth
to
Three
ELG’s
Three-
to-Five
ELG’s
Five
and
Older
ELG’s
N/A Describe
How many children are served
in center-based programs
implementing the ELG’s?
Separate by age group if
possible (e.g., infants and
toddlers, preschoolers, school-
age children)
How many children are served
in family child care program
implementing the ELG’s?
Separate by age group if
possible (e.g., infants and
toddlers, preschoolers, school-
age children)
How many children are served
in legally exempt programs
implementing the ELG’s?
Separate by age group if
possible (e.g., infants and
toddlers, preschoolers, school-
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 127
Provider Categories
Birth
to
Three
ELG’s
Three-
to-Five
ELG’s
Five
and
Older
ELG’s
N/A Describe
age children)
Pathways to Excellence for Child Care Programs through Program
Quality Improvement Activities (Component #3)
A3.1 Progress on Overall Goals
A3.1.1 Based on the goals described in the Lead Agency’s CCDF Plan at
Section 3.3.9, please report your progress.
You may include any significant areas of progress that that were not anticipated in
the Plan, as well. For each goal listed, briefly describe the improvement with specific
examples or numeric targets where possible (e.g., Expanded the number of programs
included in the QRIS, Aligned the QRIS standards with Head Start performance
standards, or expanded the number of programs with access to an on-site quality
consultant). If applicable, describe any barriers to implementing your planned goals.
Goals Described in FY
2014-2015 CCDF Plan
Describe Progress – Include Examples and
Numeric Targets where Possible
A3.2 Key Data
OCC is collecting this information as one part of our overall effort to better
understanding State/Territory activities to improve the quality of child care. OCC
recognizes that the data requested in this report will only provide part of that picture
because there are many factors which affect the data being collected here. Each
State/Territory’s policy context and priorities and standards will play a role in the
way that quality improvement activities are developed and implemented. OCC
intends to work with the States/Territories to gather any additional contextual
information necessary in order to fully understand the context of these data for any
reporting activities involving this information.
A3.2.1 Number of Program Receiving Targeted Technical Assistance
Targeted technical assistance is technical assistance (coaching, mentoring and
consultation) that is designed to address a particular domain/area of quality.
Responses in this section should be consistent with responses provided in question
3.3.2 in the CCDF Plan which focuses on targeted technical assistance to programs
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 128
(rather than practitioners) that is intended for moving programs to higher levels of
quality.
a) How many programs received targeted technical assistance during the last
fiscal year (October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014)?
N/A
Describe:
b) If possible, report the number of programs who received targeted technical
assistance in the following areas:
Health and safety
Infant and toddler care
School-age care
Inclusion
Teaching dual language learners
Understanding developmental screenings and/or observational
assessment tools for program improvement purposes
Mental health
Business management practices
N/A
Describe:
A3.2.2 Number of Programs Receiving Financial Supports
Responses to this question should be consistent with responses provided in question
3.3.3 of the CCDF Plan. Financial supports must be intended to reward, improve,
or sustain quality. They can include grants, cash, reimbursements, gift cards, or
purchases made to benefit a program. This includes tiered reimbursements for CCDF
subsidies. One-time grants, awards, or bonuses include any kind of financial
support that a program can receive only once. On-going or periodic quality
stipends include any kind of financial support intended to reward, improve, or
sustain quality that a program can receive more than once.
a) How many programs received one-time, grants, awards or bonuses?
Child Care Centers
N/A
Describe:
Family Child Care Homes
N/A
Describe:
b) How many programs received on-going or periodic quality stipends?
Child Care Centers
N/A
Describe:
Family Child Care Homes
N/A
Describe:
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 129
A3.2.3 Number of Eligible Programs for State/Territory QRIS or Other
Quality Improvement System
a) What is the total number of eligible child care centers for QRIS OR
Other Quality Improvement System?
N/A
Describe:
b) What is the total number of eligible family child care homes for QRIS
OR Other Quality Improvement System?
N/A
Describe:
c) What is the total number of eligible license-exempt providers for QRIS
OR Other Quality Improvement System?
N/A
Describe:
A3.2.4 Number and Percentage of Programs Participating in
State/Territory QRIS or Other Quality Improvement System
a) Of the total number eligible as reported in A3.2.3, what is the total number
and percentage of child care center programs in the State/Territory that
participate in the State/Territory QRIS or other quality improvement
system for programs over the last fiscal year?
Number of Child Care Centers Participating in QRIS OR
Other Quality Improvement System
Percentage of Child Care Centers Participating in QRIS
OR Other Quality Improvement System
N/A
Describe:
b) Of the total number eligible as reported in A3.2.3, what is the total number
and percentage of family child care programs in the State/Territory that
participate in the State/Territory QRIS or other quality improvement
system for programs over the last fiscal year?
Number of Family Child Care Homes QRIS OR Other
Quality Improvement System
Percentage of Family Child Care Homes QRIS OR Other
Quality Improvement System
N/A
Describe:
c) Of the total number eligible as reported in A3.2.3, what is the total number
and percentage of license-exempt programs in the State/Territory that
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 130
participate in the State/Territory QRIS or other quality improvement
system for programs over the last fiscal year?
Number of License-Exempt Providers QRIS OR Other
Quality Improvement System
Percentage of License-Exempt Providers QRIS OR
Other Quality Improvement System
N/A
Describe:
A3.2.5. Number of Programs at Each Level of Quality
For each type of care, provide the total number of quality levels and the number of
programs at that level of the total number of participating as reported in A3.2.4.
Describe metric if other than QRIS, such as accreditation.
Number of levels
of quality
Number of programs
at each level
N/A Describe
Child Care
Centers
Family Child
Care Homes
License-Exempt
Providers
A3.2.6 Number of Programs Who Moved Up or Down within QRIS
If quality threshold is something other than QRIS, describe the metric used, such as
accreditation. These numbers ARE NOT expected to total the number of
participating programs in the QRIS as reported in A3.2.4.
How many programs
moved up within the QRIS
or achieved another
quality threshold
established by the
State/Territory over the
last fiscal year?
How many programs
moved down within the
QRIS or achieved another
quality threshold
established by the
State/Territory over the
last fiscal year?
N/A Describe
Child Care
Centers
Family
Child Care
Homes
License-
Exempt
Providers
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 131
A3.2.7 Number of CCDF Subsidized Children Served in Programs
Participating in the State/Territory Quality Improvement System
Note. If the State/Territory does not have a formal QRIS, the State/Territory may
define another quality indicator and report it here.
a) What percentage of CCDF children were served in participating programs
during the last fiscal year?
b) What percentage of CCDF children were served in high quality care as
defined by the State/Territory? Provide the definition of high
quality care in the Describe box. This may include assessment scores,
accreditation, or other metric, if no QRIS.
N/A
Describe:
Pathways to Excellence for the Child Care Workforce: Professional
Development Systems and Workforce Initiatives (Component #4)
A4.1 Progress on Overall Goals
A4.1.1 Based on the goals described in the Lead Agency’s CCDF Plan at
Section 3.4.7, please report your progress.
You may include any significant areas of progress that that were not anticipated in
the Plan, as well. For each goal listed, briefly describe the improvement with specific
examples or numeric targets where possible (e.g., Implement a wage supplement
program, Develop articulation agreements). If applicable, describe any barriers to
implementing your planned goals.
Goals Described in FY
2014-2015 CCDF Plan
Describe Progress – Include Examples and
Numeric Targets where Possible
A4.2 Key Data
OCC is collecting this information as one part of our overall effort to better
understanding State/Territory activities to improve the quality of child care. OCC
recognizes that the data requested in this report will only provide part of that picture
because there are many factors which affect the data being collected here. Each
State/Territory’s policy context and priorities and standards will play a role in the
way that quality improvement activities are developed and implemented. OCC
intends to work with the States/Territories to gather any additional contextual
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 132
information necessary in order to fully understand the context of these data for any
reporting activities involving this information.
A4.2.1 Number of Teachers/Caregivers and Qualification Levels
a) What is the total number of child care center teachers in the State/Territory
as of September 30, 2014?
N/A
Describe:
b) What is the total number of family child care providers in the State/Territory
as of September 30, 2014?
N/A
Describe:
c) What is the number of center teachers and family child care providers by
qualification level as of the end of the last fiscal year? Count only the highest
level of education attained.
Child Care
Center
Teachers
Family Child
Care
Providers
N/A Describe
Child Development
Associate (CDA)
State/Territory
Credential
Associate’s degree
Bachelor’s degree
Graduate/Advanced
degree
A4.2.2 Number of Individuals Included in State/Territory’s Professional
Development Registry during Last Fiscal Year (October 1, 2013 through
September 30, 2014)
Teachers in child care centers
Family child care home providers
License-exempt providers
N/A
Describe:
A4.2.3 Number of Individuals Receiving Credit-Based Training and/or
Education as defined by State/Territory during the last fiscal year
Teachers in child care centers
Family child care home providers
License-exempt providers
N/A
Describe:
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 133
A4.2.4 Number of Credentials and Degrees Awarded during Last Fiscal
Year
If possible, list the type of credential or degree and in what type of setting the
practitioner worked.
Setting
List Type of
Credential and
Provide Number
Awarded
List Type of
Degree and
Provide Number
Awarded
N/A Describe
Teachers in
child care
centers
Family child
care home
providers
License-
exempt
providers
A4.2.5 Number of Individuals Receiving Technical Assistance during
Last Fiscal Year
Describe any data you track on coaching, mentoring, or other specialist consultation.
If possible, include in what type of setting the practitioner worked. Responses to this
question should be consistent with information provided in question 3.4.4e of the
CCDF Plan.
Setting
List Type of Technical
Assistance and Provide
Number
N/A Describe
Teachers in child
care centers
Family child care
home providers
License-exempt
providers
A4.2.6 Type of Financial Supports Provided and Number of
Teachers/Providers Receiving as of End of Last Fiscal Year?
Scholarships. How many teachers/providers received?
Reimbursement for Training Expenses. How many teachers/providers
received?
Loans. How many teachers/providers received?
Wage supplements. How many teachers/providers received?
Other. Describe
N/A
Describe:
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 134
Building Subsidy Systems that Increase Access to High Quality Care
In this section, Lead Agencies provide progress on their subsidy administration goals
over the past year as of September 30, 2014.
A5.1 Progress on Overall Goals
Based on the goals described in the Lead Agency’s CCDF Plan at Section
2.8, please report your progress using the chart below. You may include
any significant areas of progress that were not anticipated in the Plan, as well. For
each goal listed, briefly describe the improvement with specific examples or numeric
targets where possible (e.g., established copayment policies that sustain income and
sustain quality, or established eligibility policies that promote continuity of care). If
applicable, describe any barriers to implementing your planned goals.
Goals Described in FY 2014-2015 CCDF
Plan
Describe Progress – Include
Examples and Numeric
Targets where Possible
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 135
APPENDIX 2
CCDF PROGRAM ASSURANCES AND CERTIFICATIONS
The Lead Agency, named in Part 1 of this Plan, assures (§98.15) that:
(1)
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))
(2)
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))
(3)
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))
(4)
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))
(5)
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))
(6)
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))
(7)
that CCDF Discretionary funds are used to supplement, not supplant, State
general revenue funds for child care assistance for low-income families. (P.L.
109-149)
The Lead Agency also certifies that:
(1)
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))
CCDF Plan Effective Date: October 1, 2013
Amended Effective: _____
Page 136
(2)
it maintains a record of substantiated parental complaints and makes
information regarding such complaints available to the public on request.
(658E(c)(2)(C))
(3)
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))
(4)
it has in effect licensing requirements applicable to child care services
provided in the State. (658E(c)(2)(E))
(5)
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))
(6)
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))
(7)
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))
CCDF Regulations 45 CFR §98.13(b)(2)-(6) require the following certifications.
1. Assurance of compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of
2. Certification regarding debarment
3. Definitions for use with certification of debarment
4. HHS certification regarding drug-free workplace requirements
5. Certification of Compliance with the Pro-Children Act of 1994
6. Certification regarding lobbying
These certifications were obtained in the 1997 Plan and need not be collected again if
there has been no change in Lead Agency. If the there has been a change in Lead
Agency, these certifications must be completed and submitted with the Plan.