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Public Hearings: May 21 -23, 2013

Child Care Development Fund Massachusetts State Plan

Federal Fiscal Years 2014 and 2015

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CCDF State Plan Requirement

In order to receive CCDF funds, Federal law requires all States to submit a State Plan every two years.

See 45 CFR Part 98.13(c); 98.17(a)

The Lead Agency must submit a new State Plan prior to the expiration of the current Plan in order to continue receiving CCDF Funds.

See 45 CFR Part 98.17(b)

Estimated CCDF Funding

EEC estimates that over $450 million in federal and state funds will be available for child care services in FY14.

CCDF law places certain requirements and limitations on Lead Agencies charged with administering child care programs and services funded with federal funds. For example:

At least 4% of funding must be spent on activities to improve child care quality

Administrative expenses must be limited to less than 5% of funding

At least 70% shall be used for families: (1) on TANF; (2) transitioning off of TANF; or (3) at risk of receiving TANF

In addition to the 4% requirement, congressional earmarks require states to spend sum certain amounts on quality for:• Infant-Toddler activities• General child care quality initiatives

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CCDF Goals

Federal law identified the following 5 goals in creating the CCDF block grant:

Allow each State maximum flexibility;

Promote parental choice;

Encourage States to provide consumer education to help parents make informed choices about child care;

Assist States to provide child care to parents trying to achieve independence from public assistance; and

Assist States in implementing the health, safety, licensing and registration established in regulations.

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CCDF Purposes

Federal lawmakers established that the purpose of CCDF is to increase the availability, affordability and quality of child care by:

Providing low-income families with the financial resources to find and afford quality child care

Enhancing quality and increasing the supply of child care

Providing parents with a broad range of options

Strengthening the role of family

Improving the quality and coordination of child care

Increasing the availability of early childhood development programs and before/after school services

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CCDF Eligibility Requirements and Flexible Plan Administration

Although Federal guidance grants great flexibility to States in the design and implementation of their CCDF State Plan, the regulations do contain certain minimum requirements for funds directed to child care access

For example, in order to be eligible for child care services funded by CCDF, a child must:

be under 13 years of age, or under the age of 19 if special needs;

must reside with a family whose income does not exceed 85% of the state’s median income; and

must either reside with parent(s) who are working, or attending a job training or educational program, or are at risk of receiving protective services.

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CCDF State Plan Contents

Part 1: Administration

1.1. Contact Information1.2. Estimated Funding1.3. CCDF Program Integrity and Accountability1.4. Consultation in the Development of the CCDF Plan1.5. Coordination Activities to Support the Implementation of CCDF Services1.6. Child Care Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan  

Part 2: CCDF Subsidy Program Administration

2.1. Administration of the Program2.2. Family Outreach and Application Process2.3. Eligibility Criteria for Child Care2.4. Sliding Fee Scale and Family Contribution2.5. Prioritizing Services for Eligible Children and Families2.6. Parental Choice in Relation to Certificates, Grants or Contracts2.7. 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)

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Highlights in the CCDF Plan

Maintains Consolidated Format from FFY 2012-2013 submission

Effort to Improve and Align National CCDF Reporting Responses seek more “check boxes” and less narrative

Focus on Child Care Quality and CCDF Program Integrity

Data and Performance Measure Reporting with Annual Updates on Goals

E-Submission Process

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CCDF Performance Measures

In 2011, Part 3 of the Plan was reorganized to emphasize self-assessment and intentional outcomes for States

To enable uniform data reporting nationwide, in part

For each of the 4 Component Areas -- Licensing, Early Learning Guidelines, Quality Rating and Improvement, and Professional Development -- States must:

Perform a Self-Assessment (what are we doing now) Identify data capabilities, performance measures, plans for

on-going evaluation and goals for next biennium Report on progress towards achieving goals annually

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Next Steps and Submission Timeline

Action Due DateBoard reviews initial draft of Massachusetts State Plan and votes to put out for public comment

May 14, 2013

Planning and Evaluation Committee reviews and comments on initial draft

May 23, 2013

Public Hearings:

• Lawrence, MA

• Quincy, MA

• Worcester, MA

Hearing Dates:

• May 21st – 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

• May 22nd - 5:00 - 7:00 pm

• May 23rd - 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Review and summarize public comments and revise plan; provide final draft to Board for review

First Week of June

Board votes to approve plan and authorize submission to ACF

June 11, 2013

CCDF State Plan submission to ACF – Office of Child Care

July 1, 2013

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