18 Miss. Code. R. 5-1-2.6

Current through December 10, 2024

Section 18-5-1-2.6 - 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

[] 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

[] 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:______

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.

18 Miss. Code. R. 5-1-2.6