State and Territory Profile

STATE/TERRITORY PROFILE - IDAHO

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

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Demographics

Total Population 12 and Under
Total Population 12 and Under. Under 3-Years Old: Total 72475, Percentage 23; 3 and 4-Years Old: Total 49297 Percentage 16; 5 through 12-Years Old: Total 191959 Percentage 61
Source(s): U.S. Census Bureau. (n.d.). In American Community Survey, 2010. QT-P2 Single Years of Age and Sex. Retrieved from American FactFinder: http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_SF1_QTP2&prodType=table
Children Living in Working Families
Children Living in Working Families: Children under 6-Years-Old Living in Working Families with one working parent 0.201829835401331 and with two working parents 0.414366154533853; Children Ages 6 to 17-Years Old Living in Working Families with one working parent 0.219735613065868 and with two working parents 0.474872129644741
Source(s): U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). In American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, 2019. 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/cedsci/table?q=B17024&g=0100000US.04000.001&hidePreview=true&table=B17024&tid=ACSDT1Y2019.B17024&lastDisplayedRow=17&vintage=2019&mode=&y=2019
Poverty Statistics
Poverty Statistics: 0.437675659985983 are Under 6-Years Old and living Below 185% of Poverty; 0.166941587081336 are Under 6-Years Old and living Below 100% of Poverty; 0.328166794914074 are 6 to 17-Years Old and living Below 185% of Poverty; 0.115279429448936 are 6 to 17-Years Old and living Below 100% of Poverty
  Below 100% of Poverty Below 185% of Poverty
Under 6-Years Old 16.69% 43.77%
6 to 17-Years Old 11.53% 32.82%
Source(s): U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). In American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, 2019. 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/cedsci/table?q=C23008&g=&hidePreview=false&table=C23008&tid=ACSDT1Y2019.C23008&lastDisplayedRow=17&vintage=2019

ECE Program Participation and Funding

Percentage and Number of Children/Families Served
CCDF Average Monthly Percentage
of Children in Care By Age Group
CCDF Average Monthly Percentage<br>of Children in Care By Age Group. Under 3-Years Old: 30%; 3 and 4-Years Old: 28%; 5 through 12-Years Old: 42%
CCDF Average Monthly Number
of Children and Families Served
Average Monthly number of Children and Families Served: Children 6700 and Families 3800
Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Care. (2020). FFY 2019 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-2019-preliminary-data-table-9
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Care. (2020). FFY 2019 CCDF data tables [Preliminary estimates].Table 1 Average Monthly Adjusted Number of Families and Children Served.
    https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/data/fy-2019-preliminary-data-table-1
    • Average Monthly Percentages of Children Served in All Types of Care
    Licensed Providers
    Average Monthly Percentages of Children Served in All Types of Care - Licensed or Regulated Providers: Center 75%, Group Home 12%, Family Home 6%, Child's Home 6%
    Non-Licensed Providers
    Average Monthly Percentages of Children Served in All Types of Care - Legally Operating Without Regulations: Center 1%, Group Home 0%, Family Home 5%, Child's Home 5%
    Note: Unregulated provider data includes relative and non-relative care.
    Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Care. (2020). FFY 2019 CCDF data tables [Preliminary estimates]. Table 6 Average Monthly
    https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/data/fy-2019-preliminary-data-table-6
    Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)
    • Total CCDF Expenditure (Including Quality):
    		 $42,375,276
    • CCDF Federal Expenditure:
    		 $38,628,069
    • CCDF State/Territory Expenditure:
    		 $3,747,207
    Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2021). CCDF Expenditures for FY 2019 (all appropriation years). Table 4a: All expenditures by State- Categorical Summary. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/resource/fy-2018-ccdf-table-4a

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2020). CCDF Expenditures for FY 2018 (all appropriation years). Table 3a - All Expenditures by State – Detailed Summary. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/resource/fy-2018-ccdf-table-3a
    CCDF Quality Expenditures
    • Total Quality Expenditure:
    		 $3,736,771
    • Quality Activities (Set Aside Funds):
    		 $3,736,771
    • 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:
    		 $12,117,258
    Bullet icon TANF – Direct Expenditure on Child Care: $4,313,163
    Bullet icon TANF – Transfer to CCDF: $7,804,095
    Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance. (2020). Fiscal Year 2019 TANF Financial Data. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/resource/tanf-financial-data-fy-2019
    ChildCare Tax Credits
    • Tax Credit Federal Total Amount Claimed:
    		 $519,782
    • Tax Credit Federal Number of Claims:
    		 210,070
    • State/Territory Tax Credit Available - 2015:
    		 Yes
    • State/Territory Tax Credit Refundable:
    		 No
    Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
    • CACFP Funding:
    		 $7,737,327
    • Number of Family Child Care Homes Participating:
    		 145
    • Number of Child Care Centers (includes Head Start Programs) Participating:
    		 251
    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:
    		 $44,074,845
    • Head Start State/Territory Allocation:
    		 Not available
    • Number of Children Participating:
    		 3,071
    Source(s): National Institute for Early Education Research. (2021). The 2020 state of preschool yearbook. http://nieer.org/state-preschool-yearbooks/2020
    IDEA Part B, Section 619
    • IDEA Part B Funding:
    		 $2,257,404
    • Number of Children Served (Ages 3- through 5-Years-Old):
    		 4,106
    Source(s): U.S. Department of Education. (2021). Fiscal Years 2019-2021 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:
    		 $2,631,271
    • Number of Children Served (Ages Birth through 2-Years-Old):
    		 2,143
    Source(s): U.S. Department of Education. (2021). Fiscal Years 2019-2021 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:
    		 Not available
    • Enrollment (4-year-olds and under):
    		 Not available
    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. (2021). The 2020 state of preschool yearbook. https://nieer.org/state-preschool-yearbooks/yearbook2020

    CCDF Subsidy Program Administration

    Family Percentile Recent MRS
    Income Eligibility at Determination
    (a) (b) (c) (d)
    Family Size100 % 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 $4,642.00 $3,946.00 $2,252.00 48.5%
    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
    		 Not available
    • Inquiring about whether the child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP)
    		 Not available
    • 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
    		 Not available
    • Providing more intensive case management for families with children with multiple risk factors;
    		 Not available
    • 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
    		 Not available
    • 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
    		 Not available
    • Serve without placing these populations on waiting lists
    		 Not available
    • 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:
    		 Described Below
    Children with a verified special need may qualify for in-home care (care provided in their home), and may remain eligible for child care subsidies until the month of their nineteenth birthday. (IDAPA: 16.06.12.105.03 and 16.06.12400.02.c.)
    Families with Very Low Incomes
    • Prioritize for enrollment
    		 Not available
    • Serve without placing these populations on waiting lists
    		 Not available
    • 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:
    		 Described Below
    Participation with the Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho (TAFI) program is aqualifying activity. TAFI families are not required to pay a copay; they receive the entire Local Market Rate for which they are eligible.
    Children Experiencing Homelessness
    • Prioritize for enrollment
    		 Not available
    • Serve without placing these populations on waiting lists
    		 Not available
    • 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:
    		 Described Below
    IDHW has created a verification form and trained community partners on the process for which a customer provides the Child Care Activity form showing that they customer is participating in a work or training program offered by a community agency or homeless shelter, for which then child care is approved. Community Agencies work with the family and only notify IDHW when the customer ends the program.
    Families Receiving TANF*
    • Prioritize for enrollment
    		 Not available
    • Serve without placing these populations on waiting lists
    		 Not available
    • 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:
    		 Described Below
     Participation with the Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho (TAFI) program is a qualifying activity. TAFI families are not required to pay a copay; they receive the entire Local Market Rate for which they are eligible.
    * 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
    		 Not available
    • Programs to serve infants and toddlers
    		 Not available
    • 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
    		 Not available
    • Programs to serve children in underserved areas
    		 Not available
    • Programs that serve children with diverse linguistic or cultural backgrounds
    		 Not available
    • Programs that serve specific geographic areas (urban)
    		 Not available
    • Programs that serve specific geographic areas (rural)
    		 Not available
    • Other:
    		 Described Below
    Not applicable
    Use of Grants or Contracts to Increase the Quality of Specific Types of Child Care
    • Programs to serve children with disabilities
    		 Not available
    • Programs to serve infants and toddlers
    		 Not available
    • 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
    		 Not available
    • Programs to serve children in underserved areas
    		 Not available
    • Programs that serve children with diverse linguistic or cultural backgrounds
    		 Not available
    • Programs that serve specific geographic areas (urban)
    		 Not available
    • Programs that serve specific geographic areas (rural)
    		 Not available
    • Other:
    		 Described Below
    Not applicable.
    Base payment rates and percentiles
    Age Center Percentile of most recent MRS Family Child Care Percentile of most recent MRS
    Infant $ 696.00/ month 39th $ 618.00/ month 60th
    Toddler $ 684.00/ month 50th $ 588.00/ month 55th
    Preschool $ 623.00/ month 54th $ 555.00/ month 60th
    School Age $ 434.00/ month 58th $ 488.00/ month 58th
    Effective date of payment rates: 10/1/2016
    Market rate survey (MRS) date: 7/1/2018
    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.
    		 Not available
    • Other differential rates or tiered rates.
    		 Not available
    • Tiered or differential rates are not implemented.
    		 Yes
    CCDF Co-Payemts by Family Size
    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 $1.00 $40.00 4000 $2,252.00 $150.00 6.8
    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..
    		 Not available
    • Describe contributions/co-payments for families who are receiving or needing to receive protective services
    		 Not available
    • 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 contributions/co-payments for other criteria (See table below)
    		 Described Below
    IDAPA 16.06.12.503  COPAYMENTS. Eligible families, except TAFI families participating in non-employment TAFI activities and guardians of foster children, must pay part of their child care costs. Providers are responsible for ensuring families pay the determined child care costs and must not waive these costs.
    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) Ratios determined by point system Group size not regulated
    Toddler (35 months) Ratios determined by point system Group size not regulated
    Preschool (59months) Ratios determined by point system Group size not regulated
    School-age (6 years) Ratios determined by point system Group size not regulated
    School-age (10 years and older) Ratios determined by point system Group size not regulated
    If any of the responses above are different for exempt child care centers, describe which requirements apply: Described Below
    Idaho does not exempt child care facilities receiving CCDF funds from group or ratio 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 Not available Not available
    Developing, maintaining, or implementing early learning and developmental guidelines Yes Yes Not available Not available
    Developing, implementing, or enhancing a tiered quality rating and improvement system Yes Yes Not available Not available
    Improving the supply and quality of child care services for infants and toddlers Yes Yes Not available Not available
    Establishing or expanding a statewide system of CCR&R services Yes Yes Not available Not available
    Facilitating compliance with state/territory requirements for inspection, monitoring, training, and health and safety standards Yes Yes Not available Not available
    Evaluating and assessing the quality and effectiveness of child care services within the state/territorys Yes Yes Not available Not available
    Supporting accreditation Yes Yes Not available Not available
    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 Not available Not available
    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 Not available Not available Not available Not available
    Use of Quality Funds - Continued
    Other (describe)
    Supporting the training and professional development of the child care workforce Not available
    Developing, maintaining, or implementing early learning and developmental guidelines Not available
    Developing, implementing, or enhancing a tiered quality rating and improvement system Not available
    Improving the supply and quality of child care services for infants and toddlers Not available
    Facilitating compliance with state/territory requirements for inspection, monitoring, training, and health and safety standards Not available
    Evaluating and assessing the quality and effectiveness of child care services within the state/territorys Not available
    Supporting accreditation Not available
    Supporting state/territory or local efforts to develop high-quality program standards relating to health, mental health, nutrition, physical activity, and physical development Not available
    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 Not available
    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 Yes
    Bilingual outreach workers Yes
    Partnerships with community-based organizations 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 2.1.1-1 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 Yes
    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 Not available
    Ensuring accessibility of environments and activities for all children Not available
    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 Not available
    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 The Lead Agency ensures that its website is consumer-friendly and easily accessible in a variety of ways. First, the website www.Idahostars.org is used as the platfrom to promote all information to parents and providers and is easy to naviagate for users looking for information. Second, the website www.idahochildcarecheck.org is the identified website hosting all information pertaining to health inspections and substantiated complaints. Both sites include a search feature and the websites do not include jargon or complicated references. The text is written in plain language, with hover text to describe further, information pertaining to a topic or issue. The website also provides detailed information about who to contact for further information.
    How the website ensures the widest possible access to services for families that speak languages other than English The Lead Agency website as well as IdahoStars website are offered in Spanish and interpretation services are available for those calling or needing services in person. The user can use the translate option with their browser if they want to translate to another language. For operations, we have the interpreter signs in the offices with languages listed so the customer can point to the language they need. Then we connect via phone for a conference call. As soon as the customer comes to the front desk we identify the language barrier and offer.
    How the website ensures the widest possible access to services for persons with disabilities The Department, IdahoStars and Idaho Child Care Check websites are ADA compliant to ensure accessibility to person with disablitlies.  IDHW process for ADA compliance is listed below Compliance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) is required of all web pages developed for or by the State. These standards apply for all contractors funded by DHW with federal funds. In general:  Provide a text equivalent for every non-text element (for example, using the “alt” attribute). Non-text elements include images, graphical representations of text (including symbols), image map regions, animations (for example animated GIFs), applets and programmatic objects, ASCII art, scripts, images used as list bullets, spacers, graphical buttons, sounds (played with or without user interaction), stand-alone audio files, audio tracks of video, and video. Ensure that text equivalents for dynamic content are updated when the dynamic content changes. Ensure that all information conveyed with color is also available without color (for example, from context or markup). Clearly identify changes in the natural language of a web page’s text and any text equivalents (for example captions). Organize web pages so that they can be read without stylesheets. For example, when an HTML page is rendered without the associated style sheets, it must still be possible to read the page. Do not use the “Blink” tag or any other method to control the flicker of an end-user’s screen.  Use the clearest and simplest language appropriate for a website's content. If you use images and image maps:  Provide redundant text links for each active region of a server-side image map; or Provide client-side image maps instead of server-side image maps, except where the regions cannot be defined with an available geometric shape. If you use tables: For data tables, identify row and column headers; or For data tables that have two (2) or more logical levels of row or column headers, use markup to associate data cells and header cells. If you use applets and scripts, ensure that pages are usable when scripts, applets, or other programmatic objects are turned off or not supported. If this is not possible, provide equivalent information on an alternative accessible page. If you use multimedia: Until user agents can automatically read aloud the text equivalent of a visual track, provide an auditory description of the important information of the visual track of a multimedia presentation; or For any time-based multimedia presentation (for example, a movie or animation), synchronize equivalent alternatives (for example, captions or auditory descriptions of the visual track) with the presentation. If, after best efforts, you cannot create an accessible page, provide a link to an alternative page that uses World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) technologies, is accessible, has equivalent information (or functionality), and is updated as often as the inaccessible (original) page.
    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.

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