Name of Lead Agency: __________________
Address of Lead Agency: __________________
Name and Title of the Lead Agency's Chief Executive Officer: __________________
Phone Number: __________________
Fax Number: __________________
E-Mail Address: __________________
Web Address for Lead Agency (if any): __________________

Name of the State Child Care Contact (CCDF):
Title of State Child Care Contact:
Address:
Phone Number:
Fax Number:
E-Mail Address:
Phone Number for child care subsidy program information (for the public) (if any):
Web Address for child care subsidy program information (for the public) (if any):

The Lead Agency estimates that the following amounts will be available for child care services and related activities during the 1-year period: October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010. (§98.13(a))

CCDF: $
Federal TANF Transfer to CCDF: $
Direct Federal TANF Spending on Child Care: $
State CCDF Maintenance of Effort Funds: $
State Matching Funds: $
Total Funds Available:  $

The Lead Agency estimates that the following amount (and percentage) of Federal CCDF and State Matching Funds will be used to administer the program (not to exceed 5 percent): $       ( %). (658E(c)(3), §§98.13(a), 98.52)

Yes.

No. If no, use Table 1.5.1 below to identify the name and type of agency that delivers services and activities. If more than one agency performs the task, identify all agencies in the box under “Agency,” and indicate in the box to the right whether each is a non-government entity.

Table 1.5.1: Administration of the Program

1.5.2 . Describe how the Lead Agency maintains overall internal control for ensuring that the CCDF program is administered according to the rules established for the program (§98.11).

1.5.3 . Describe how the Lead Agency ensures adequate personnel, resources, systems, internal controls, and other components necessary for meeting CCDF reporting requirements (658K, §98.67, §§98.70 & 98.71, §§98.100 to 102), including the Lead Agency’s plans for addressing any reporting deficiencies, if applicable. At a minimum, the description should address efforts for the following reporting requirements:

a) Fiscal Reporting      

b) Data Reporting      

C) Error Rate Reporting

1.6.1 Will the Lead Agency use public funds to meet a part of the CCDF Match requirement pursuant to §98.53(e)(1)?

  [  ]  Yes, describe the activity and source of funds:

         
  [  ]   No.

1.6.2 Will the Lead Agency use private donated funds to meet a part of the matching requirement of the CCDF pursuant to §98.53(e)(2)?

Yes. If yes, are those funds: (check one below)

[  ] Donated directly to the State?

[  ] Donated to a separate entity or entities designated to receive private donated funds?

a) How many entities are designated to receive private donated funds?

b) Provide information below for each entity:

Name: ____________________     

Address: __________________

Contact: __________________

Type: ____________________

No.

1.6.3 During this plan period, will State expenditures for Pre-K programs be used to meet any of the CCDF maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement?

a) [  ] The State assures that its level of effort in full day/full year child care services has not been reduced, pursuant to §98.53(h)(1).

b) (____%) Estimated percentage of the MOE requirement that will be met with Pre-K expenditures. (Not to exceed 20%.)

c) If the Lead Agency uses Pre-K expenditures to meet more than 10% of the MOE requirement, describe how the Lead Agency will coordinate its Pre-K and child care services to expand the availability of child care (§98.53(h)(4)):

No.

1.6.4 During this plan period, will State expenditures for Pre-K programs be used to meet any of the CCDF Matching Fund requirements? (§98.53(h))

a) (____%) Estimated percentage of the Matching Fund requirement that will be met with pre-K expenditures. (Not to exceed 30%.)

b) If the State uses Pre-K expenditures to meet more than 10% of the Matching Fund requirement, describe how the State will coordinate its Pre-K and child care services to expand the availability of child care (§98.53(h)(4)):      

No.

1.6.5 If the Lead Agency indicated “yes” to 1.6.3 or 1.6.4, describe Lead Agency efforts to ensure that pre-K programs meet the needs of working parents: (§98.53(h)(2))

1.6.6 Will the Lead Agency use any other funds to meet a part of the CCDF Match requirement pursuant to §98.53(e)(1)?

Yes, describe the activity and source of funds:

No.

1.7    Improper Payments

2.1.1 Lead Agencies are required to consult with appropriate agencies and 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)).

Indicate the entities with which the Lead Agency has a) consulted and b) coordinated (as defined below), by checking the appropriate box(es) in Table 2.1.1.

Consultation involves the meeting with or otherwise obtaining input from an appropriate agency in the development of the State Plan. At a minimum, Lead Agencies must consult with representatives of general purpose local governments (noted by the asterisk in the chart below).

Coordination involves the coordination of child care and early childhood development services, including efforts to coordinate across multiple entities, both public and private (for instance, in connection with a State Early Childhood Comprehensive System (SECCS) grant or infant-toddler initiative). At a minimum, Lead Agencies must coordinate with (1) other Federal, State, local, Tribal (if applicable), and/or private agencies responsible for providing child care and early childhood development services, (2) public health (including the agency responsible for immunizations and programs that promote children’s emotional and mental health), (3) employment services / workforce development, (4) public education, and (5) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and (6) any Indian Tribes in the State receiving CCDF funds (noted by the asterisks in the chart below).

                                                                                                 * Required.

For each box checked in Table 2.1.1, (a) identify the agency(ies) providing the service and (b) describe the consultation and coordination efforts. Descriptions must be provided for any consultation or coordination required by statute or regulation.

[  ] 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.

[  ] Developing.  A plan is being drafted. Include the plan as Attachment 2.1.2, if available.

[  ] Developed. A plan has been written but has not yet been implemented. Include the plan as Attachment 2.1.2, if available.

[  ] Implementing.  A plan has been written and is now in the process of being implemented. The plan is included as Attachment 2.1.2.

[  ] Other (describe):

a) Describe the progress made by the State/Territory in planning for an emergency or disaster event with regards to the operation of child care and early childhood education programs.

b) Describe provisions the Lead Agency has in place for the continuation of core child care functions during and after a disaster or emergency.

c) Describe efforts the Lead Agency has undertaken to provide resources and information to families and child care providers about ways to plan and prepare for an emergency or disaster situation.

d) Describe how the Lead Agency is coordinating with other State/Territory agencies, private, and/or non-profit charitable organizations to ensure that child care and early childhood programs are included in planning, response, and recovery efforts.

Planning . Are there steps under way to develop a plan?

Yes, and describe the time frames for completion and/or implementation, the steps anticipated, and how the plan is expected to support early language, literacy, pre-reading and early math concepts.

No.

Developing. A plan is being drafted. Include the draft as Attachment 2.1.3 if available.

Developed. A plan has been written but has not yet been implemented. Include the plan as Attachment 2.1.3 if available.

Implementing. A plan has been written and is now in the process of being implemented. Include the plan as Attachment 2.1.3.

Other (describe):

a) Describe the progress made by the State/Territory in planning for coordination across early childhood programs since the date of submission of the 2008-2009 State Plan.

b) Indicate whether there is an entity that is, or will be, responsible for ensuring that such coordination occurs. Indicate the four or more early childhood programs and/or funding streams that are coordinated and describe the nature of the coordination.

c) Describe the resultsor expected results of this coordination. Discuss how these results relate to the development and implementation of the State/Territory's early learning guidelines, plans for professional development, and outcomes for children.

d) Describe how the State/Territory's plan supports, or will support, continued coordination among the programs. Are changes anticipated in the plan?

Certificate Payment System. Describe the overall child care certificate process, including, at a minimum:

(a)

if the Lead Agency is also providing child care services through grants and contracts, estimate the proportion of §98.50 services available through certificates versus grants/contracts, and explain how it ensures that parents offered child care services are given the option of receiving a child care certificate. (98.30(a) & (b))

Note: If these materials are available on the web, the Lead Agency may provide the appropriate Web site address in lieu of attaching hard copies to the Plan.

In addition to offering certificates, does the Lead Agency also have grants or contracts for child care slots?

Yes, and describe the type(s) of child care services available through the grant or contract, the process for accessing grants or contracts, and the range of providers that will be available through grants or contracts: (658A(b)(1), 658P(4), §§98.16(g)(1), 98.30(a)(1) & (b))

Are child care services provided through certificates, grants and/or contracts offered throughout the State/Territory? (658E(a), §98.16(g)(3))

The Lead Agency must allow for in-home care (i.e., care provided in the child’s own home) but may limit its use. Does the Lead Agency limit the use of in-home care in any way?

3.2.1 Provide a copy of your payment rates as Attachment 3.2.1. The attached payment rates were or will be effective as of:

3.2.2 Are the attached payment rates provided in Attachment 3.2.1 used in all parts of the State/Territory?

Yes.

No, and other payment rates and their effective date(s) are provided as Attachment 3.2.2.

Provide a summary of the facts relied on by the State to determine that the attached rates are sufficient to ensure equal access to comparable child care services provided to children whose parents are not eligible to receive child care assistance under the CCDF and other governmental programs. Include, at a minimum:

a) The month and year when the local market rate survey(s) was completed (§98.43(b)(2)):

b) A copy of the Market Rate Survey instrument and a summary of the results of the survey are provided as Attachment 3.2.3. At a minimum, this summary should include a description of the sample population, data source, the type of methodology used, response rate, description of analyses, and key findings.

Does the Lead Agency use its current Market Rate Survey (a survey completed no earlier than 10/1/07) to set payment rates?

At what percentile of the current Market Rate Survey is the State payment rate ceiling set?

Note: If you do not use your current Market Rate Survey to set your rate ceilings or your percentile(s) varies across categories of care (e.g., type of setting, region, or age of children), describe and provide the range of variation in relation to your current survey.

Describe the relationship between the attached payment rates and the market rates observed in the current survey, including at a minimum how payment rates are adequate to ensure equal access to the full range of providers based on the results of the above noted local market rate survey: (§98.43(b))

Does the Lead Agency consider any additional facts to determine that its payment rates ensure equal access? (§98.43(d))

Yes. If, yes, describe.

No.

Does the State have any type of tiered reimbursement or differential rates?

Yes. If, yes, describe.

No.

Describe how the Lead Agency ensures that payment rates do not exceed the amount paid by the general public for the same service.          (§98.43(a))

Age Eligibility

a) Does the Lead Agency allow CCDF-funded child care for children above age 13 but below age 19 who are physically and/or mentally incapable of self-care? (658E(c)(3)(B), 658P(3), §98.20(a)(1)(ii))

  [  ]   Yes. If yes, define physical and mental incapacity in Appendix 2, and provide the upper age limit _____.      

  [  ]   No.

b) Does the Lead Agency allow CCDF-funded child care for children above age 13 but below age 19 who are under court supervision? (658P(3), 658E(c)(3)(B), §98.20(a)(1)(ii))

  [  ]   Yes, and the upper age is       .

  [  ]   No.

Income Eligibility

Complete columns (a) and (b) in Table 3.3.2 below based upon 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.

Table 3.3.2 Income Eligibility

Note: Table 3.3.2 should reflect maximum eligibility upon initial entry into the CCDF program.

a) Does the Lead Agency have “tiered eligibility” (i.e., a separate income limit for remaining eligible for the CCDF program)?

If yes, provide the requested information from Table 3.3.2 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.

b) If the Lead Agency does not use the SMI from the most current year, indicate the year used: ________     

c) These eligibility limits in column (c) became or will become effective on: ________

d) How does the Lead Agency define “income” for the purposes of eligibility? Provide the Lead Agencies definition of “income” for purposes of eligibility determination. (§§98.16(g)(5), 98.20(b))

e) Is any income deducted or excluded from total family income (e.g., work or medical expenses; child support paid to, or received from, other households; Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments)?

If yes, describe what type of income is deducted or excluded from total family income.

f) Describe whose income is excluded for purposes of eligibility determination.

3.3.3 Work/Job Training or Educational Program Eligibility

a) How does the Lead Agency define “working” for the purposes of eligibility? Describe the specific activities that are considered “working” for purposes of eligibility determination, including minimum number of hours. (§§98.16(f)(6), 98.20(b))

b) Does the Lead Agency provide CCDF child care assistance to parents who are attending job training or an educational program?

If yes, how does the Lead Agency define “attending job training or educational program” for the purposes of eligibility? Describe, the specific activities that are considered “job training and/or educational program”, including minimum number of hours. (§§98.16(f)(3), 98.20(b))

3.3.4 Eligibility 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))

If yes, provide a definition of “protective services” in Appendix 2. 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.

[  ] No.

b) Does the Lead Agency provide CCDF-funded child care to children in foster care whose foster care parents are not working, or who are not in education/training activities? (§§98.20(a)(3)(ii), 98.16(f)(7))

Yes. (NOTE: This means that for CCDF purposes the Lead Agency considers these children to be in protective services.)

No.

3.3.5 Additional Conditions for Determining CCDF Eligibility

Has the Lead Agency established any additional eligibility conditions for determining CCDF eligibility? (658E(c)(3)(B), §98.16(g)(5), §98.20(b))

Yes, and the additional eligibility conditions are:      (Terms must be defined in Appendix 2)

3.4.1 At a minimum, CCDF requires Lead Agencies to give priority for child care services to children with special needs, or in families with very low incomes. Complete Table 3.4.1 below regarding eligibility priority rules. For columns (a) through (c), check only one box if reply is “Yes”. Leave blank if “No”. Complete column (e) only if you check column (d).

*Required

3.4.2 Describe how the Lead Agency prioritizes service for the following CCDF-eligible children: (a) children with special needs, (b) children in families with very low incomes, and (c) other. Terms must be defined in Appendix 2. (658E(c)(3)(B))

3.4.3 Describe how CCDF funds will be used to meet the needs of: (a) families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), (b) those attempting to transition off TANF through work activities, and (c) 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))

3.4.4 Has the Lead Agency established additional priority rules that are not reflected in the table completed for Section 3.4.1? (658E(c)(3)(B), §98.16(g)(5), §98.20(b))

[  ]   Yes, and the additional priority rules are:       (Terms must be defined in Appendix 2)
[  ]   No.

3.4.5 Does the Lead Agency serve all eligible families that apply?

[  ]   Yes.

[  ]   No.

3.4.6 Does the Lead Agency have a waiting list of eligible families that they are unable to serve?

Yes. If yes, describe. At a minimum, the description should indicate:

a) Whether the waiting list is maintained for all eligible families or for certain populations?      

b) Whether the waiting list is maintained for the entire State/Territory or for individual localities?      

No.

3.5 Sliding Fee Scale for Child Care Services

3.5.1 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 (co-payment) to the cost of child care (§98.42).

a) Attach the sliding fee scale as Attachment 3.5.1.

b) Describe how the sliding fee scale is administered, includinghow the family’s contribution is determined and how the co-payment is assessed and collected:

c)The attached sliding fee scale was or will be effective as of ______     

d) Does 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))

No.

3.5.2 Is the sliding fee scale provided as Attachment 3.5.1 used in all parts of the State? (658E(c)(3)(B))

No, and other scale(s) and their effective date(s) are provided as Attachment 3.5.2.

3.5.3 The Lead Agency may waive contributions from families whose incomes are at or below the poverty level for a family of the same size, (§98.42(c)), and the poverty level used by the Lead Agency for a family of 3 is: $     

The Lead Agency must select ONE of these options:

ALL families with income at or below the poverty level for a family of the same size ARE NOT required to pay a fee.

SOME families with income at or below the poverty level for a family of the same size ARE NOT required to pay a fee. Describe these families:

3.5.4 Does the Lead Agency allow providers to charge parents the difference between the maximum reimbursement rate and their private pay rate?

No.

4.1.1 Describe the process for a family to apply for and receive child care services (658D(b)(1)(A), 658E(c)(2)(D) & (3)(B), §98.16(k), 98.30(a) through (e)). At minimum, describe:

a) How parents are informed of the availability of child care services under CCDF (i.e., parental choice of child care services through a certificate or grant of contract)      

b) How parents can apply for CCDF services      

c) What documentation parents provide as part of their application to determine eligibility      

d) How parents who receive TANF benefits are informed about the exception to individual penalties as described in 4.4      

e) What steps the Lead Agency has taken to reduce barriers to initial and continuing eligibility for child care subsidies      

f) Attach a copy of your parent application for the child care subsidy program as Attachment 4.1.1.

Is the application process different for families receiving TANF?

[  ] Yes, and describe how the process is different:

[  ] No.

4.1.3 What is the length of eligibility period upon initial authorization of CCDF services?

a) Is the initial authorization for eligibility the same for all CCDF eligible families?

[  ] No and describe any variations that relate to the services provided (e.g., through collaborations with Head Start or pre-kindergarten programs or differences for TANF families):      

4.1.4 Describe how the Lead Agency ensures that parents are informed about their ability to choose from among family child care and group home child care, center-based care and in-home care, including faith-based providers in each of these categories.

4.1.5 Describe how the Lead Agency reaches out and provides services to eligible families with limited English proficiency, including how the Lead Agency overcomes language barriers with families and providers.      

4.2     Records of Parental Complaints

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))

4.3     Unlimited Access to Children in Child Care Settings

Provide a detailed description of the Lead Agency 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))

4.4    Criteria or Definitions Applied by TANF Agency to Determine Inability to Obtain Child Care

The regulations at §98.33(b) require the Lead Agency to inform parents who receive TANF benefits about the exception to the individual penalties associated with the work requirement for any single custodial parent who has a demonstrated inability to obtain needed child care for a child under 6 years of age.

In fulfilling this requirement, the following criteria or definitions are applied by the TANF agency to determine whether the parent has a demonstrated inability to obtain needed child care:

NOTE: The TANF agency, not the Child Care Lead Agency, is responsible for establishing the following criteria or definitions. These criteria or definitions are offered in this Plan as a matter of public record. The TANF agency that established these criteria or definitions is:       

• "appropriate child care":      

• "reasonable distance":      

• "unsuitability of informal child care":      

• "affordable child care arrangements":      

5.1.1 Infants and Toddlers:

Note : For the infant and toddler targeted funds, the Lead Agency must provide the maximum age of a child who may be served with such targeted funds (not to exceed 36 months).

a) Describe the activities provided with these targeted funds

b) Identify the entities providing the activities

c) Describe the expected results of the activities.

a) Describe the activities provided with these targeted funds

b) Identify the entities providing the activities

c) Describe the expected results of the activities.

5.1.3 School-Age Child Care:

a) Describe the activities provided with these targeted funds

b) Identify the entities providing the activities

c) Describe the expected results of the activities.

5.1.4 The law requires that not less than 4% of the CCDF be set aside for quality activities. (658E(c)(3)(B), 658G, §§98.13(a), 98.16(h), 98.51) The Lead Agency estimates that the following amount and percentage will be used for the quality activities (not including targeted funds) during the 1-year period: October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010:

$ ________ (_______%)

5.1.5 Check each activity in Table 5.1.5 that the Lead Agency will undertake to improve the availability and quality of child care (include activities funded through the 4% quality set-aside as well as the targeted funds for quality activities). (658D(b)(1)(D), 658E(c)(3)(B), §§98.13(a), 98.16(h)). CHECK ALL THAT APPLY.

5.1.6 For each activity checked in Table 5.1.5, a) describe the expected results of the activity. b) If you have conducted an evaluation of this activity, describe the results. If you have not conducted an evaluation, describe how you will evaluate the activities.

Developed. The State has approved the early learning guidelines, but has not yet developed or initiated an implementation plan. The early learning guidelines are included as Attachment 5.2.1, if available.

Other (describe):

a) Describe the progress made by the State/Territory in developing, implementing, or revising early learning guidelines for early learning since the date of submission of the 2008-2009 State Plan. Efforts to develop early learning guidelines for children birth to three or older than five may be described here.      

b) If developed, are the guidelines aligned with K-12 content standards or other standards (e.g., Head Start Child Outcomes, State Performance Standards)?

  [  ]   Yes.  If yes, identify standards.
  [  ]   No. 

If developed, are the guidelines aligned with early childhood curricula?

  [  ]   Yes.  If yes, describe.

  [  ]   No.

Have guidelines been developed for children in the following age groups (check if guidelines have been developed):

  [  ]   Birth to three. Guidelines are included as Attachment 5.2.1

  [  ]   Birth to five. Guidelines are included as Attachment 5.2.1

  [  ]   Five years or older. Guidelines are included as Attachment 5.2.1

If any of your guidelines are available on the web, provide the appropriate Web site address (guidelines must still be attached to Plan):      

Domains of Voluntary Early Learning Guidelines. Do the guidelines for three-to-five-year-olds address language, literacy, pre-reading, and early math concepts?

[  ]   Yes.
[  ]   No.

a) Do the guidelines for children three-to-five-year-olds address other domains such as social/emotional, cognitive, physical, health, or creative arts?

[  ]   Yes.  If yes, describe.
[  ]   No.

Implementation of Voluntary Early Learning Guidelines.

a) Indicate which strategies the State used, or expects to use, in implementing its early learning guidelines.

Check all that apply:

[  ] Disseminating materials to practitioners and families

[  ] Developing training curricula

[  ] Partnering with other training entities to deliver training

[  ] Aligning early learning guidelines with licensing, core competencies, and/or quality rating systems

[  ] Other. Describe:

b) Indicate which stakeholders are, or are expected to, actively support(ing) the implementation of early learning guidelines:

Check all that apply:

[  ] Publicly funded (or subsidized) child care

[  ] Head Start

[  ] Education/Public pre-k

[  ] Early Intervention

[  ] Child Care Resource and Referral

[  ] Higher Education

[  ] Parent Associations

[  ] Other. Describe:      

c) Indicate the programs that mandate or require the use of early learning guidelines

[  ] Publicly funded (or subsidized) child care

[  ] Head Start

[  ] Education/Public pre-k

[  ] Early Intervention

[  ] Child Care Resource and Referral

[  ] Higher Education

[  ] Parent Associations

[  ] Other. Describe:      

d) Describe how cultural, linguistic and individual variations are (or will be) acknowledged in implementation.

e) Describe how the diversity of child care settings is (or will be) acknowledged in implementation.

Materials developed to support implementation of the guidelines are included as Attachment 5.2.3. If these are available on the web, provide the appropriate Web site address (guidelines must still be attached to Plan):      

5.2.4   Assessment of Voluntary Early Learning Guidelines. As applicable, describe the State's plan for:

a) Validating the content of the early learning guidelines

b) Assessing the effectiveness and/or implementation of the guidelines

c) Assessing the progress of children using measures aligned with the guidelines

d) Aligning the guidelines with accountability initiatives

Written reports of these efforts are included as Attachment 5.2.4. If these are available on the web, provide the appropriate Web site address (reports must still be attached to Plan):

5.2.5   Plans for Professional Development. Indicate which of the following best describes the current status of the Lead Agency’s efforts to develop a professional development plan for early childhood providers that includes all the primary sectors: child care, Head Start, and public education. NOTE: Check ONLY ONE box that best describes the status of your State’s professional development plan.

[  ]  Developing. A plan is being drafted. The draft or planning documents are included as Attachment 5.2.5, if applicable.

[  ]  Developed. A plan has been written but has not yet been implemented. The plan is included as Attachment 5.2.5, if applicable.

[  ]  Implementing. A plan has been written and is now in the process of being implemented, or has been implemented. The plan is included as Attachment 5.2.5.

[  ]  Revising. The State previously developed a professional development plan and is now revising that plan, or has revised it since submitting the 08-09 State Plan. The revisions or the revised plan are included as Attachment 5.2.5.

[  ]  Other. Describe:      

a) Describe the progress made by the State in planning, developing, implementing, or revising the professional development plan since the date of submission of the 2008-2009 State Plan.

b) If developed, does the plan include (Check EITHER yes or no for each item):

c) For each Yes response, reference the page(s) in the plan and briefly describe.

d) For each No response, indicate any plans the Lead Agency has to incorporate these components.

e) Are the professional development opportunities described in the plan available:

Note: Check either yes or no for each item):

Describe how the plan addresses early language, literacy, pre-reading, and early math concepts development.

Are program or provider-level incentives offered to encourage provider training and education?

f) Describe how the plan addresses early language, literacy, pre-reading, and early math concepts development.

g) Are program or provider-level incentives offered to encourage provider training and education?

Yes. Describe, including any connections between the incentives and training relating to early language, literacy, pre-reading and early math concepts.

No. Describe any plans to offer incentives to encourage provider training and education, including any connections between the incentives and training relating to early language, literacy, pre-reading and early math concepts?

h) As applicable, does the State assess the effectiveness of its professional development plan, including the achievement of any specified goals or desired outcomes?

[  ] No. Describe any plans to include assessments of the professional development plan’s effectiveness/goal achievement.

i) Does the State assess the effectiveness of specific professional development initiatives or components?

[  ] Yes. Describe how specific professional development initiatives or components’ effectiveness is assessed.  

[  ] No. Describe any plans to include assessments of specific professional development initiatives or components’ effectiveness.  

j) As applicable, does (or will) the State use assessment to help shape or revise its professional development plan?

Yes. Describe how assessment informs the professional development plan.      

No. Describe any plans to include assessment to inform the professional development plan.      

The National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care (NRCHSCC) of DHHS's Maternal and Child Health Bureau supports a comprehensive, current, on-line listing of the licensing and regulatory requirements for child care in the 50 States and the District of Columbia. Note: This database typically contains information on licensing requirements for meeting State or local law to operate (§98.40). This database does not contain registration or certification requirements specific only to participation in the CCDF program.

In lieu of requiring a State Lead Agency to provide information that is already publicly available, ACF accepts this compilation as accurately reflecting the States' licensing requirements.

The listing, which is maintained by the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, is available on the World Wide Web at: http://nrc.uchsc.edu/.

6.1.1      

Are all center-based providers paid with CCDF funds subject to licensing under State law per the NRCHSCC's compilation? Note: Some States use the term certification or registration to refer to their licensing regulatory process. Do not check “Yes” if center-based providers simply must register or be certified to participate in the CCDF program separate from the State regulatory requirements.

[  ]   Yes.  Answer 6.1.2, skip 6.1.3, and go to 6.2.

[  ]   No. Describe which center-based providers are exempt from licensing under State law and answer 6.1.2 and 6.1.3.

Have center licensing requirements as relates to staff-child ratios, group size, or staff training been modified since approval of the last State Plan? (§98.41(a)(2)&(3))

[  ]  Yes, and the changes are as follows:

[  ]   No.

For center-based care that is NOT licensed, and therefore not reflected in NRCHSCC's compilation, the following health and safety requirements apply to child care services provided under the CCDF for: The prevention and control of infectious disease (including age-appropriate immunizations)

a) The prevention and control of infectious disease (including age-appropriate immunizations)

b) Building and physical premises safety

c) Health and safety training

d) Other requirements for center-based child care services provided under the CCDF

Are all group home providers paid with CCDF funds subject to licensing under State law that is indicated in the NRCHSCC's compilation? Note: Some States use the term certification or registration to refer to their licensing regulatory process. Do not check “Yes” if group home child care providers simply must register or be certified to participate in the CCDF program separate from the State regulatory requirements.

[  ]  Yes. Answer 6.2.2, skip 6.2.3, and go to 6.3.

[  ]  No. Describe which group home providers are exempt from licensing under State law and answer 6.2.2 and 6.2.3.

[  ]  N/A. Group home child care is not a category of care in this State. Skip to Question 6.3.1

Have group home licensing requirements that relate to staff-child ratios, group size, or staff training been modified since the approval of the last State Plan? (§98.41(a)(2) & (3))

[  ]  Yes, and the changes are as follows:

[  ]   No.

For group home care that is NOT licensed, and therefore not reflected in NRCHSCC's compilation, the following health and safety requirements apply to child care services provided under the CCDF for:

a) The prevention and control of infectious disease (including age-appropriate immunizations)

b) Building and physical premises safety

c) Health and safety training

d) Other requirements for group home child care services provided under the CCDF

Are all family child care providers paid with CCDF funds subject to licensing under State law that is indicated in the NRCHSCC's compilation? Note: Some States use the term certification or registration to refer to their licensing regulatory process. Do not check “Yes” if family child care providers simply must register or be certified to participate in the CCDF program separate from the State regulatory requirements.

[  ]  Yes. Answer 6.3.2, skip 6.3.3, and go to 6.4.

[  ]   No. Describe which family child care providers are exempt from licensing under State law and answer 6.3.2 and 6.3.3.

Have family child care provider requirements that relate to staff-child ratios, group size, or staff training been modified since the approval of the last State Plan? (§98.41(a)(2) & (3))

[  ]  Yes, and the changes are as follows:

[  ]   No. 

For family care that is NOT licensed, and therefore not reflected in NRCHSCC's compilation, the following health and safety requirements apply to child care services provided under the CCDF for:

a) The prevention and control of infectious disease (including age-appropriate immunizations)

b) Building and physical premises safety

c) Health and safety training

d) Other requirements for family child care services provided under the CCDF

Are all in-home child care providers paid with CCDF funds subject to licensing under the State law reflected in the NRCHSCC's compilation?

[  ]   Yes.  Answer 6.4.2, skip 6.4.3, and go to 6.5.

[  ]   Describe which in-home child care providers are exempt from licensing under State law and answer 6.4.2 and 6.4.3.

Have in-home health and safety requirements that relate to staff-child ratios, group size, or training been modified since the approval of the last State Plan? (§98.41(a)(2) & (3))

[  ]   Yes, and the changes are as follows:

[  ]   No. 

For in-home care that is NOT licensed, and therefore not reflected in NRCHSCC's compilation, the following health and safety requirements apply to child care services provided under the CCDF for:

a) The prevention and control of infectious disease (including age-appropriate immunizations) 

b) Building and physical premises safety

c) Health and safety training

d) Other requirements for child care services provided under the CCDF

At Lead Agency option, the following relatives: grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, or siblings (who live in a separate residence from the child in care) may be exempted from health and safety requirements. (658P(4)(B), §98.41(a)(1)(ii)(A))

Indicate the Lead Agency's policy regarding these relative providers:

6.6.1 Each Lead Agency is required to certify that procedures are in effect to ensure that child care providers of services for which assistance is provided comply with all applicable health and safety requirements. (658E(c)(2)(E), §§98.40(a)(2), 98.41(d)) Describe how health and safety requirements are effectively enforced, including at a minimum:

a) Are child care providers subject to routine unannounced visits (i.e., not specifically for the purpose of complaint investigation or issuance/renewal of a license)?

b) Are child care providers subject to background checks?

c) Does the State require that child care providers report serious injuries that occur while a child is in care? (Serious injuries are defined as injuries requiring medical treatment by a doctor, nurse, dentist, or other medical professional.)

The State assures that children receiving services under the CCDF are age-appropriately immunized, and that the health and safety provisions regarding immunizations incorporate (by reference or otherwise) the latest recommendations for childhood immunizations of the State public health agency. (§98.41(a)(1))

The State exempts the following children from immunization (check all that apply):

At Lead Agency option, the following relatives may be exempted from health and safety requirements: grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, or siblings (who live in a separate residence from the child in care). (658P(4)(B), §98.41(a)(1)(ii)(A)). Indicate the Lead Agency's policy regarding these relative providers:

7.6.1 Each Lead Agency is required to certify that procedures are in effect to ensure that child care providers of services for which assistance is provided comply with all applicable health and safety requirements. (658E(c)(2)(E), §§98.40(a)(2), 98.41(d)) Describe how health and safety requirements are effectively enforced, including at a minimum:

a) Are child care providers subject to routine unannounced visits (i.e., not specifically for the purpose of complaint investigation or issuance/renewal of a license)?

b) Are child care providers subject to background checks?

Yes, and indicate the types of providers subject to background checks and when such checks are conducted: [  ]

c) Does the Territory require that child care providers report serious injuries that occur while a child is in care? (Serious injuries are defined as injuries requiring medical treatment by a doctor, nurse, dentist, or other medical professional.)

d) Describe any other methods used to ensure that health and safety requirements are effectively enforced:      

the parent(s) of each eligible child within the State who receives or is offered child care services for which financial assistance is provided is given the option either to enroll such child with a child care provider that has a grant or contract for the provision of the service; or to receive a child care certificate. (658E(c)(2)(A)(i))

in cases in which the parent(s) elects to enroll the child with a provider that has a grant or contract with the Lead Agency, the child will be enrolled with the eligible provider selected by the parent to the maximum extent practicable. (658E(c)(2)(A)(ii))

the child care certificate offered to parents shall be of a value commensurate with the subsidy value of child care services provided under a grant or contract. (658E(c)(2)(A)(iii))

with respect to State and local regulatory requirements, health and safety requirements, payment rates, and registration requirements, State or local rules, procedures or other requirements promulgated for the purpose of the Child Care and Development Fund will not significantly restrict parental choice among categories of care or types of providers. (658E(c)(2)(A), §98.15(p), §98.30(g), §98.40(b)(2), §98.41(b), §98.43(c), §98.45(d))

it has procedures in place to ensure that providers of child care services for which assistance is provided under the Child Care and Development Fund afford parents unlimited access to their children and to the providers caring for their children during the normal hours of operations and whenever such children are in the care of such providers. (658E(c)(2)(B))

it maintains a record of substantiated parental complaints and makes information regarding such complaints available to the public on request. (658E(c)(2)(C))

it will collect and disseminate to parents of eligible children and the general public consumer education information that will promote informed child care choices. (658E(c)(2)(D))

it has in effect licensing requirements applicable to child care services provided in the State. (658E(c)(2)(E))

there are in effect within the State (or other area served by the Lead Agency), under State or local law, requirements designed to protect the health and safety of children; these requirements are applicable to child care providers that provide services for which assistance is made available under the Child Care and Development Fund. (658E(c)(2)(E))

procedures are in effect to ensure that child care providers of services for which assistance is provided under the Child Care and Development Fund comply with all applicable State or local health and safety requirements. (658E(c)(2)(G))

Index: CCDF-ACF-PI-2009-05 | 2010-2011 Preprint | FY 2010-2011 Guidance | Checklist for Completing the Plan Preprint | Regional Office Managers

Related Items: State/Territory Plans for Previous Years