1. Home
  2. State and Territory Profile

State and Territory Profile

STATE/TERRITORY PROFILE - GEORGIA

This profile highlights a current innovative effort to promote a subsidy system that is child-focused, family friendly, and fair to providers. It also provides demographic information, Early Care and Education (ECE) program participation and funding, subsidy innovation and program integrity information, program quality improvement activities, and professional development and workforce initiatives. Sources and links are provided at the end of the document.

Demographics

Source(s): U.S. Census Bureau. (2021). In American Community Survey. Single Years of Age and Sex. Retrieved from U.S. Census Bureau: https://data.census.gov/table?q=ACS +Survey+&g=0100000US$0400000&tid=ACSDP1Y2021.DP05
Source(s): U.S. Census Bureau. (2022). In American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, 2021. B17024: Age By Ratio Of Income To Poverty Level In The Past 12 Months - Universe: Population for whom poverty status is determined. https://data.census.gov/table?q=B17024&tid=ACSDT1Y2021.B17024
  Below 100% of Poverty Below 185% of Poverty
Under 6-Years Old 22.26% 40.51%
6 to 17-Years Old 19.3% 36.15%
Source(s): U.S. Census Bureau. (2022). In American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, 2021. C23008 Age of own Children under 18 Years in Families and Subfamilies by Living Arrangements by Employment Status of Parents: Universe: Own children under 18 years in families and subfamilies.
https://data.census.gov/table?q=C23008&tid=ACSDT1Y2021.C23008

ECE Program Participation and Funding

Percentage and Number of Children/Families Served
Data not available.
Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Care. (2022). FFY 2020 CCDF data tables [Preliminary estimates]. Table 9 Average Monthly Percentages of Children In Care By Age Group https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/data/fy-2020-preliminary-data-table-9
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Care. (2022). FFY 2020 CCDF data tables [Preliminary estimates].Table 1 Average Monthly Adjusted Number of Families and Children Served.
    https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/data/fy-2020-preliminary-data-table-1
    • Average Monthly Percentages of Children Served in All Types of Care
    Data not available.
    Data not available.
    Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Care. (2022). FFY 2020 CCDF data tables [Preliminary estimates]. Table 6 Average Monthly
    https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/data/fy-2020-preliminary-data-table-6
    Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)
    • Total CCDF Expenditure (Including Quality):
    		 $467,769,445
    • CCDF Federal Expenditure:
    		 $365,971,789
    • CCDF State/Territory Expenditure:
    		 $43,324,437
    Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2023). CCDF Expenditures for FY 2021 (all appropriation years). Table 4a: All expenditures by State- Categorical Summary. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/data/table-4a-all-expenditures-state-categorical-summary-fy-2021

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2023). CCDF Expenditures for FY 2020 (all appropriation years). Table 3a - All Expenditures by State – Detailed Summary. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/data/table-3a-all-expenditures-state-detailed-summary-fy-2020
    CCDF Quality Expenditures
    • Total Quality Expenditure:
    		 $65,473,005
    • Quality Activities (Set Aside Funds):
    		 $65,473,005
    • Infant and Toddler (Targeted Funds):
    		 Not available
    • Quality Expansion Funds (Targeted Funds):
    		 Not available
    • School-Age/Resource and Referral (Targeted Funds):
    		 Not available
    Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for Child Care
    • TANF – Total Child Care Expenditure:
    		 Not available
    Bullet icon TANF – Direct Expenditure on Child Care: $0
    Bullet icon TANF – Transfer to CCDF: $0
    Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance. (2021). Fiscal Year 2021 TANF Financial Data. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/data/tanf-financial-data-fy-2021
    ChildCare Tax Credits
    • Tax Credit Federal Total Amount Claimed:
    		 $105,891
    • Tax Credit Federal Number of Claims:
    		 189,300
    • State/Territory Tax Credit Available - 2019:
    		 Yes
    • State/Territory Tax Credit Refundable:
    		 No
    Source(s): Internal Revenue Service. (2022). SOI Tax Stats - Historic Table 2, Tax Year 2020. http://www.irs.gov/uac/SOI-Tax-Stats-Historic-Table-2
    National Women’s Law Center. (2023). States Can Make Care Less Taxing: Tax Credits Related to Child Care, Tax Year 2022. https://nwlc.org/resource/states-can-make-care-less-taxing-tax-credits-related-to-child-care-tax-year-2022/
    Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
    • CACFP Funding:
    		 $123,245,768
    • Number of Family Child Care Homes Participating:
    		 1,138
    • Number of Child Care Centers (includes Head Start Programs) Participating:
    		 2,018
    Source(s): Food Research and Action Center. (2020). State of the States: Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in FY 2019. http://www.frac.org/maps/sos/tables/sos_tab_cacfp.html
    Head Start
    • Head Start Federal Allocation:
    		 $185,537,283
    • Head Start State/Territory Allocation:
    		 Not available
    • Number of Children Participating:
    		 18,818
    Source(s): National Institute for Early Education Research. (2022). The 2021 state of preschool yearbook. https://nieer.org/state-preschool-yearbooks-yearbook2021
    IDEA Part B, Section 619
    • IDEA Part B Funding:
    		 $10,592,485
    • Number of Children Served (Ages 3- through 5-Years-Old):
    		 9,318
    Source(s): U.S. Department of Education. (2023). Fiscal Years 2022-2024 State Tables for the U.S. Department of Education. https://www2.ed.gov/about/overview/budget/statetables/index.html
    IDEA Part C
    • IDEA Part C Funding:
    		 $15,578,751
    • Number of Children Served (Ages Birth through 2-Years-Old):
    		 8,698
    Source(s): U.S. Department of Education. (2023). Fiscal Years 2022-2024 State Tables for the U.S. Department of Education. https://www2.ed.gov/about/overview/budget/statetables/index.html
    Pre-kindergarten
    • Pre-kindergarten Total Expenditure:
    		 $386,946,908
    • Enrollment (4-year-olds and under):
    		 73,177
    Note: Total Expenditure includes all State/Territory, Local, and Federal dollars. In addition to 3 and 4-year-olds, some Pre-kindergarten programs enroll children of other ages.
    Source(s): National Institute for Early Education Research. (2023). The 2022 state of preschool yearbook. https://nieer.org/the-state-of-preschool-yearbook-2022

    CCDF Subsidy Program Administration

    Income Eligibility at Determination
    (a) (b) (c) (d)
    Family Size 100 % of SMI ($/Month) 85% of SMI($/Month)
    [Multiply(a) by 0.85]    		 (IF APPLICABLE) ($/Month) Maximum Initial or First Tier Income Limit (or Threshold) if Lower Than 85% of Current SMI IF APPLICABLE) (% of SMI) [Divide(c) by (a), multiply by 100] Income Level if Lower Than 85% of Current SMI
    3 $5,124.00 $4,356.00 $2,562.00 1%
    Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 3.1.3 Family Size of 3: Eligible Children and Families - Income Eligibility at Determination. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
    Approaches Used for Promoting Continuity of Care
    • Coordinating with Head Start, prekindergarten, or other early learning programs to create a package of arrangements that accommodates parents’ work schedules
    		 Yes
    • Inquiring about whether the child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP)
    		 Yes
    • Establishing minimum eligibility periods greater than 12 months
    		 Not available
    • Using cross-enrollment or referrals to other public benefits
    		 Yes
    • Working with IDEA Part B, Section 619 and Part C staff to explore how services included in a child’s IEP or IFSP can be supported and/or provided onsite and in collaboration with child care services
    		 Yes
    • Providing more intensive case management for families with children with multiple risk factors;
    		 Yes
    • Implementing policies and procedures that promote universal design to ensure that activities and environments are accessible to all children, including children with sensory, physical, or other disabilities
    		 Yes
    • Other:
    		 Not available
    Not available
    Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Reports 3.1.6 and 3.1.6-2: Eligible Children and Families - Approaches Used for Promoting Continuity of Care. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
    Increasing Access for Vulnerable Children and Families
    Children with Special Needs
    • Prioritize for enrollment
    		 Yes
    • Serve without placing these populations on waiting lists
    		 Yes
    • Waive co-payments
    		 Not available
    • Pay higher rates for access to higher quality care
    		 Yes
    • Use grants or contracts to reserve slots for priority populations
    		 Not available
    • Other:
    		 Not available
    Not available
    Families with Very Low Incomes
    • Prioritize for enrollment
    		 Yes
    • Serve without placing these populations on waiting lists
    		 Yes
    • Waive co-payments
    		 Not available
    • Pay higher rates for access to higher quality care
    		 Not available
    • Use grants or contracts to reserve slots for priority populations
    		 Not available
    • Other:
    		 Not available
    Not available
    Children Experiencing Homelessness
    • Prioritize for enrollment
    		 Yes
    • Serve without placing these populations on waiting lists
    		 Yes
    • Waive co-payments
    		 Not available
    • Pay higher rates for access to higher quality care
    		 Not available
    • Use grants or contracts to reserve slots for priority populations
    		 Not available
    • Other:
    		 Not available
    Not available
    Families Receiving TANF*
    • Prioritize for enrollment
    		 Yes
    • Serve without placing these populations on waiting lists
    		 Yes
    • Waive co-payments
    		 Yes
    • Pay higher rates for access to higher quality care
    		 Not available
    • Use grants or contracts to reserve slots for priority populations
    		 Not available
    • Other:
    		 Not available
    Not available
    * Includes families receiving TANF program funds, those transitioning off TANF through work activities, or those at risk of becoming dependent on TANF.
    Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Reports 3.2.2a, 3.2.2b, 3.2.2c, 3.2.2d, 3.2.2a-2, 3.2.2b-2, 3.2.2c-2, and 3.2.2d-2: Increasing Access for Vulnerable Children and Families. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
    Use of Grants or Contracts to Increase the Supply of Specific Types of Child Care
    • Programs to serve children with disabilities
    		 Yes
    • Programs to serve infants and toddlers
    		 Yes
    • Programs to serve school-age children
    		 Not available
    • Programs to serve children needing non-traditional hour care
    		 Not available
    • Programs to serve children experiencing homelessness
    		 Yes
    • Programs to serve children in underserved areas
    		 Yes
    • Programs that serve children with diverse linguistic or cultural backgrounds
    		 Not available
    • Programs that serve specific geographic areas (urban)
    		 Yes
    • Programs that serve specific geographic areas (rural)
    		 Yes
    • Other:
    		 Not available
    Not available
    Use of Grants or Contracts to Increase the Quality of Specific Types of Child Care
    • Programs to serve children with disabilities
    		 Yes
    • Programs to serve infants and toddlers
    		 Yes
    • Programs to serve school-age children
    		 Not available
    • Programs to serve children needing non-traditional hour care
    		 Not available
    • Programs to serve children experiencing homelessness
    		 Yes
    • Programs to serve children in underserved areas
    		 Yes
    • Programs that serve children with diverse linguistic or cultural backgrounds
    		 Not available
    • Programs that serve specific geographic areas (urban)
    		 Yes
    • Programs that serve specific geographic areas (rural)
    		 Yes
    • Other:
    		 Not available
    Not available
    Base payment rates and percentiles
    Age Center Percentile of most recent MRS Family Child Care Percentile of most recent MRS
    Infant $ 150.00/ week Just below 10th Percentile $ 125.00/ week 10th Percentile
    Toddler $ 144.00/ week Just below 10th Percentile $ 120.00/ week Just below 10th Percentile
    Preschool $ 114.00/ week Just below 15th Percentile $ 96.00/ week Just below 15th Percentile
    School Age $ 110.00/ week Just below 20th Percentile (Summer market rate) $ 80.00/ week Just below 20th Percentile (Summer market rate)
    Effective date of payment rates: 8/1/2017
    Market rate survey (MRS) date: 8/31/2017
    Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 4.3.1: Setting Payment Rates. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 4.2.5a: Setting Payment Rates. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
    Tiered Reimbursement or Differential Rates
    • Differential rate for non-traditional hours. Describe
    		 Not available
    • Differential rate for children with special needs, as defined by the state/territory.
    		 Not available
    • Differential rate for infants and toddlers. Note: Do not check if the Lead Agency has a different base rate for infants/toddlers with no separate bonus or add-on
    		 Not available
    • Differential rate for school-age programs. Note: Do not check if the Lead Agency has a different base rate for school-age children with no separate bonus or add-on.
    		Not available
    • Differential rate for higher quality, as defined by the state/territory.
    		 Yes
    • Other differential rates or tiered rates.
    		 Yes
    • Tiered or differential rates are not implemented.
    		 Not available
    CCDF Co-Payments by Family Size
    (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)
    Family Size Lowest “Entry” Income Level Where Family Is First Charged Co-Pay (Greater Than $0) What Is the Monthly Co-Payment for a Family of This Size Based on the Income Level in (a)? The Co-Payment in Column (b) is What Percentage of the Income in Column (a)? Highest “Entry” Income Level Before a Family Is No Longer Eligible What Is the Monthly Co-Payment for a Family of This Size Based on the Income Level in (d)? The Co-Payment in Column (e) is What Percentage of the Income in Column (d)?
    3 $173/month $4.33 2.50 $2,473/month $173.33 7.00%
    Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 3.4.1a Family Size of 3: Family Contribution to Payment - CCDF Co-Payments by Family Size. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
    Family Contribution to Payment
    • No, the Lead Agency does not waive family contributions/co-payments.
    		 Not available
    • Yes, the Lead Agency waives family contributions/co-payments for families with an income at or below the Federal poverty level for families of the same size.
    		 Not available
    • Yes, the Lead Agency waives family contributions/co-payments for families who are receiving or needing to receive protective services, as determined by the Lead Agency for purposes of CCDF eligibility. Describe the policy and provide the policy citation..
    		 Yes
    • Describe contributions/co-payments for families who are receiving or needing to receive protective services
    		 Family fees are waived when children receiving subsidies are in the custody of Georgia’s Division of Family and Children Services, including children placed in foster care (CAPS Policy Manual 9.5). Families at or below 10% of the federal poverty guidelines do not pay a family fee (CAPS Policy Manual 9.5). Fees are also waived for families receiving care as part of a Quality Rated Subsidy Grant.
    • Yes, the Lead Agency waives family contributions/co-payments for other criteria established by the Lead Agency. Describe the policy and provide the policy citation
    		 Yes
    • Describe:
    		 Described Below
    Family fees are waived for TANF applicants or TANF recipients who are participating in state-approved work, education, or training activities. Family fees are also waived when the child’s parental authority is under the age of 18 (CAPS Policy Manual 9.5). Families below 10% of the federal poverty guidelines do not pay a family fee (forthcoming in policy manual; to be implemented by October 1, 2018). Fees are also waived for families receiving care as part of a Quality Rated Subsidy Grant.
    Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 3.4.4: Family Contribution to Payment - Family Contribution to Payment. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.

    Health and Safety

    Child-Staff Ratios by Group Size by Age of Children for Licensed Child Care Centers
    Age of Children Child-Staff Ratio Group Size
    Infant (11 months) 6:1 12
    Toddler (35 months) 10:1 20
    Preschool (59months) 15:1 30
    School-age (6 years) 25:1 50
    School-age (10 years and older) 25:1 50
    If any of the responses above are different for exempt child care centers, describe which requirements apply: Described Below
    The state does not have statutory authority to set ratio or group size requirements for exempt programs through licensing rules and regulations; but, identical standards for ratio and group size requirements have been implemented through subsidy policy for exempt programs. Licensing staff monitor these requirements during annual monitoring visits required by the federal legislation. The subsidy policy is updated to reflect these requirements.
    Source(s): National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance. (2021). 2020 Child Care Licensing Study: Analysis of child care licensing regulations. [Unpublished data].

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 5.2.1a-5_6_7: Standards on ratios, group sizes, and qualifications for CCDF providers.– exempt child care centers. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.

    Quality Improvement

    Use of Quality Funds
    Yes/No CCDF Funds Other Funds Other (describe)
    Supporting the training and professional development of the child care workforce Yes Yes Yes Described Below
    Developing, maintaining, or implementing early learning and developmental guidelines Yes Yes Yes Described Below
    Developing, implementing, or enhancing a tiered quality rating and improvement system Yes Yes Yes Described Below
    Improving the supply and quality of child care services for infants and toddlers Yes Yes Yes Described Below
    Establishing or expanding a statewide system of CCR&R services Yes Yes Yes Private/philanthropic funds
    Facilitating compliance with state/territory requirements for inspection, monitoring, training, and health and safety standards Yes Yes Yes Described Below
    Evaluating and assessing the quality and effectiveness of child care services within the state/territorys Yes Yes Yes Described Below
    Supporting accreditation Yes Yes Yes Described Below
    Supporting state/territory or local efforts to develop high-quality program standards relating to health, mental health, nutrition, physical activity, and physical development Yes Yes Yes Described Below
    Other activities determined by the state/territory to improve the quality of child care services and which measurement of outcomes related to improved provider preparedness, child safety, child well-being, or kindergarten entry is possible Yes Yes Yes Described Below
    Use of Quality Funds - Continued
    Other (describe)
    Supporting the training and professional development of the child care workforce Described Below
    Developing, maintaining, or implementing early learning and developmental guidelines Described Below
    Developing, implementing, or enhancing a tiered quality rating and improvement system Described Below
    Improving the supply and quality of child care services for infants and toddlers Described Below
    Facilitating compliance with state/territory requirements for inspection, monitoring, training, and health and safety standards Described Below
    Evaluating and assessing the quality and effectiveness of child care services within the state/territorys Described Below
    Supporting accreditation Described Below
    Supporting state/territory or local efforts to develop high-quality program standards relating to health, mental health, nutrition, physical activity, and physical development Described Below
    Other activities determined by the state/territory to improve the quality of child care services and which measurement of outcomes related to improved provider preparedness, child safety, child well-being, or kindergarten entry is possible Described Below
    Source(s):
    • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Reports 7.2.1 and 7.2.1-1: Use of Quality Funds - Supporting the training and professional development of the child care workforce. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
    • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 7.2.1 and 7.2.1-2: Use of Quality Funds - Developing, maintaining, or implementing early learning and developmental guidelines. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
    • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 7.2.1 and 7.2.1-3: Use of Quality Funds - Developing, implementing, or enhancing a tiered quality rating and improvement system. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
    • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 7.2.1 and 7.2.1-4: Use of Quality Funds - Improving the supply and quality of child care services for infants and toddlers. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
    • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 7.2.1 and 7.2.1-5: Use of Quality Funds - Establishing or expanding a statewide system of CCR&R services. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
    • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 7.2.1 and 7.2.1-6: Use of Quality Funds - Facilitating compliance with state/territory requirements for inspection, monitoring, training, and health and safety standards. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
    • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 7.2.1 and 7.2.1-7: Use of Quality Funds - Evaluating and assessing the quality and effectiveness of child care services within the state/territory. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
    • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 7.2.1 and 7.2.1-8: Use of Quality Funds - Supporting accreditation. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
    • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 7.2.1 and 7.2.1-9: Use of Quality Funds - Supporting state/territory or local efforts to develop high-quality program standards relating to health, mental health, nutrition, physical activity, and physical development. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
    • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 7.2.1 and 7.2.1-10: Use of Quality Funds - Other activities determined by the state/territory to improve the quality of child care services and which measurement of outcomes related to improved provider preparedness, child safety, child well-being, or kindergarten entry is possible. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
    Outreach to Families with Limited English Proficiency
    Application in other languages (application document, brochures, provider notices) Yes
    Informational materials in non-English languages Yes
    Website in non-English languages Yes
    Lead Agency accepts applications at local community-based locations Yes
    Bilingual caseworkers or translators available Not available
    Bilingual outreach workers Yes
    Partnerships with community-based organizations Yes
    Other Yes
    Describe Other: Described Below
    The Lead Agency has a Rising Pre-K Summer Transition Program, funded in part by CCDF, which targets three-year-old children whose home language is Spanish. The program includes bilingual teachers and a strong family engagement component. Services and resources are provided to families in English and Spanish.
    Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 2.1.1-1 and 2.1.1-2: Outreach to Families with Limited English Proficiency - Strategies the Lead Agency or partners utilize to provide outreach and services to eligible families for whom English is not their first language. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
    Outreach to Families with a Person(s) with Disabilities
    Applications and public informational materials available in Braille and other communication formats for access by individuals with disabilities Not available
    Websites that are accessible (e.g., Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act) Not available
    Caseworkers with specialized training/experience in working with individuals with disabilities Yes
    Ensuring accessibility of environments and activities for all children Yes
    Partnerships with state and local programs and associations focused on disability-related topics and issues Yes
    Partnerships with parent associations, support groups, and parent-to-parent support groups, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) federally funded Parent Training and Information Centers Yes
    Partnerships with state and local IDEA Part B, Section 619 and Part C providers and agencies Yes
    Availability and/or access to specialized services (e.g., mental health, behavioral specialists, therapists) to address the needs of all children Yes
    Other Not available
    Describe Other: Not available
    Not available
    Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 2.1.2-1 and 2.1.2-2: Outreach to Families with Limited English Proficiency - Strategies the Lead Agency or partners utilize to provide outreach and services to eligible families with a person(s) with a disability. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
    Consumer Education Website
    How the Lead Agency ensures that its website is consumer-friendly and easily accessible In addition to its Agency website, the Lead Agency offers a family website that provides easily accessible information to families, http://qualityrated.org. This site follows the branding used in Georgia’s Quality Rated media campaign, developed by a nationally recognized communications firm, to ensure families recognize the brand and associate it as a trusted source for finding child care. In addition, the state has offered advanced child care search features, such as options for families to search for care along a route (such as from home to work or school). Quality Rated providers can upload pictures of their program (which are vetted before posting), allowing families to see the child care programs they are researching on the website. The site is optimized for use on mobile devices, ensuring full accessibility for families who may be using a browser on a smartphone to search for child care. Site access is constantly monitored through Search Engine Optimization tools to ensure it is near the top of the list in search results. In addition, the website and all consumer awareness materials also provide notice to families that they can call 1-877-ALLGAKIDS, the state’s free child care referral hotline, to be walked through the process if they are unable to access the site for any reason.
    How the website ensures the widest possible access to services for families that speak languages other than English The state has marketed www.qualityrated.org to families that speak languages other than English, especially Spanish which is the most widely spoken second language in the state. Radio and TV advertisements in Spanish have played statewide. The site itself is available fully in Spanish and is available in other languages via Google translate. In addition, all consumer awareness materials provide notice to families that they can also call 1-877-ALLGAKIDS to speak with a live, Spanish-speaking child care referral specialist if they are unable to access the site for any reason.  In addition, through a statewide contract for translation services, the state is also able to provide live child care referrals over the phone for a plethora of languages including: French, Italian, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, Hemispheric Indigenous Languages, Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, Khmer (Cambodian), Thai, Laotian, Mandarin, Arabic, African Dialects, Russian and Polish.
    How the website ensures the widest possible access to services for persons with disabilities The site is accessible on any device through a web browser. Information can be accessed through text readers and audio scanners. Images on the site have alternative text associated with them. Button colors are contrasted for users to be able to discern what the button is and its function. All inputs have clearly marked labels to inform the user of their function. There are minimal known issues after running the site through an accessibility checker.
    Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 2.3.1, 2.3.1, and 2.3.3: Consumer Education Website. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.

    Footnotes

    Click to show footnotes