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State and Territory Profile

STATE/TERRITORY PROFILE - INDIANA

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 17.91% 36.6%
6 to 17-Years Old 15.17% 33.45%
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
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
    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):
    		 $214,582,918
    • CCDF Federal Expenditure:
    		 $179,378,173
    • CCDF State/Territory Expenditure:
    		 $35,204,745
    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:
    		 $19,598,806
    • Quality Activities (Set Aside Funds):
    		 $19,598,806
    • 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:
    		 $76,508,162
    Bullet icon TANF – Direct Expenditure on Child Care: $14,673,160
    Bullet icon TANF – Transfer to CCDF: $61,835,002
    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:
    		 $54,290
    • Tax Credit Federal Number of Claims:
    		 102,480
    • State/Territory Tax Credit Available - 2019:
    		 No
    • 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:
    		 $55,390,850
    • Number of Family Child Care Homes Participating:
    		 1,792
    • Number of Child Care Centers (includes Head Start Programs) Participating:
    		 925
    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:
    		 $119,946,559
    • Head Start State/Territory Allocation:
    		 Not available
    • Number of Children Participating:
    		 10,789
    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:
    		 $9,574,622
    • Number of Children Served (Ages 3- through 5-Years-Old):
    		 12,695
    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:
    		 $10,054,869
    • Number of Children Served (Ages Birth through 2-Years-Old):
    		 11,346
    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:
    		 Not available
    • Enrollment (4-year-olds and under):
    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 $5,198.00 $4,419.00 $2,161.00 0%
    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;
    		 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
    		 Yes
    • Other:
    		 Described Below
    Documentation of a child with special needs must be made by evidence of enrollment in one or more of the following programs or services: Children with Special Health Care Services as provided by the State of Indiana; or First Steps Early Intervention System for a child professionally diagnosed with disabilities or a copy of the child’s Individualized Education Plan, or Verification of Supplemental Security Income, or Statement from a health care professional which includes the child’s diagnosis. The Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) has also updated policies and procedures to allow children who turn 13 during their subsidy period to continue services till the end of their subsidy period. This allows for there to be continuity of care and allows for families to plan for care needs. The OECOSL also allows for children participating in the On My Way Pre-k program to have access to a full day of services regardless of the family’s work schedule (i.e. the family is only working part time). This action has been taken to acknowledge the developmental need of Pre-k students and the importance of the Pre-k instructional year preparing them for the beginning of school.
    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
    		 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
    		 Yes
    • Other:
    		 Described Below
    Documentation of a child with special needs must be made by evidence of enrollment in one or more of the following programs or services:<br /><br />Children with Special Health Care Services as provided by the State of Indiana<br />First Steps Early Intervention System<br />Head Start for a child professionally diagnosed with disabilities<br />A copy of the child's Individualized Education Plan<br />Verification of Supplemental Security Income<br />Statement from a health care professional which includes the child’s diagnosis.<br /><br />Special needs are identified on the CCDF application, and children with special needs receive priorty over other CCDF eligible families.
    Families with Very Low Incomes
    • Prioritize for enrollment
    		 Yes
    • Serve without placing these populations on waiting lists
    		 Not available
    • Waive co-payments
    		 Yes
    • Pay higher rates for access to higher quality care
    		 Yes
    • Use grants or contracts to reserve slots for priority populations
    		 Yes
    • Other:
    		 Described Below
    Very low Income level is defined as below 100% of the federal poverty level. Familes receive the same priorty as other CCDF eligible familes. Copayments are waived for familis with income under 100% of the Federal Poverty Level.
    Children Experiencing Homelessness
    • Prioritize for enrollment
    		 Yes
    • Serve without placing these populations on waiting lists
    		 Not available
    • Waive co-payments
    		 Yes
    • Pay higher rates for access to higher quality care
    		 Yes
    • Use grants or contracts to reserve slots for priority populations
    		 Yes
    • Other:
    		 Described Below
    Families who reside in a homeless or a domestic violence shelter, half-way house or in a public place such as a sidewalk, park or car by written response on the CCDF application will receive priority over other CCDF eligible families.
    Families Receiving TANF*
    • Prioritize for enrollment
    		 Yes
    • Serve without placing these populations on waiting lists
    		 Not available
    • Waive co-payments
    		 Yes
    • Pay higher rates for access to higher quality care
    		 Yes
    • Use grants or contracts to reserve slots for priority populations
    		 Yes
    • Other:
    		 Described Below
    TANF families receive priorty over non-TANF families to receive CCDF services. Co payment is waived for TANF familis who are below poverty level. OECOSL coordinates with the TANF offices in receiving referrals.
    * 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
    		 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
    		 Not available
    • 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 $ 236.00/ week 0.2297 $ 130.00/ week 0.3994
    Toddler $ 209.00/ week 0.2151 $ 125.00/ week 0.4476
    Preschool $ 176.00/ week 0.2719 $ 100.00/ week 0.378
    School Age $ 166.00/ week 0.3913 $ 100.00/ week 0.6845
    Effective date of payment rates: 10/1/2018
    Market rate survey (MRS) date: 6/28/2018
    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.
    		 Yes
    • 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 $1,703.00  $85.00 5.00 $2,161.00 $151.00 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.
    		 Yes
    • 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
    		 CCDF Policy and Procedure Manual<br />2.9.2 CPS SERVICE AND FINANCIAL NEED POLICY <br />The service and financial need requirements are waived for children who have been referred by the CPS caseworker as needing out of home care as part of the CPS case plan.
    • 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
    CCDF Policy and Procedure Manual <br />OMW 3.11.1 CO-PAYMENT POLICY <br />Applicants chosen and determined eligible for the OMW program will not be charged a family co-payment during the entire subsidy period. These children are considered a CCDF priority.
    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) 4:1 8
    Toddler (35 months) 7:1 14
    Preschool (59months) 10:1 20
    School-age (6 years) 15:1 30
    School-age (10 years and older) 15:1 30
    If any of the responses above are different for exempt child care centers, describe which requirements apply: Described Below
    Exempt providers, that care for more than 16 children and accept CCDF vouchers, must maintain the same ratios and group size requirement as licensed centers. Licensed exempt providers, caring for 16 or fewer children and accept CCDF vouchers, must meet the same ratio and group size requirements for a licensed child care home. Teacher/caregiver qualifications for exempt centers must be eighteen (18) years of age.
    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 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 Yes 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 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 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 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 local CCR&R and CCDF Intake agencies are required to provide outreach to english languge learners and to accommodate eligible persons with disabilities or special needs. The accommodations could include going to the person's home to take an application or providing sign language. Partnerships with community based organizations assist in identifying and providing appropriate accommodations. Inclusion specialists are available to provide on-site technical assistance for child care programs serving children with special needs. Enhanced child care referral services are available to families from the CCR&R to help find a child care provider for their child with special needs. The Lead Agency hosts a website that shares information about available family and provider supports. The Lead Agency has provided all Intake Agents, CCR&R agencies, and Child Care Licensing Consultants with the "FSSA Resource Guide". This guide is dedicated to helping Hoosiers live productive, safe and healthy lives. The information in this guide is designed to help providers, community serving agencies and faith-based organizations connect those who are in need with services. The guide is available online for providers at http://www.in.gov/fssa/files/FSSA_Resource_Guide.pdf.
    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) Yes
    Caseworkers with specialized training/experience in working with individuals with disabilities Not available
    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 Not available
    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 Yes
    Describe Other: Described Below
    The local CCR&R and CCDF Intake agencies are required to provide outreach and to accommodate eligible persons with disabilities or special needs. The accommodations could include going to the person's home to take an application or providing sign language. Partnerships with community based organizations assist in identifying and providing appropriate accommodations. Inclusion specialists are available to provide on-site technical assistance for child care programs serving children with special needs. Enhanced child care referral services are available to families from the CCR&R to help find a child care provider for their child with special needs. The Lead Agency hosts a website that shares information about available family and provider supports. The Lead Agency has provided all Intake Agents, CCR&R agencies, and Child Care Licensing Consultants with the "FSSA Resource Guide". This guide is dedicated to helping Hoosiers live productive, safe and healthy lives. The information in this guide is designed to help providers, community serving agencies and faith-based organizations connect those who are in need with services. The guide is available online for providers at http://www.in.gov/fssa/files/FSSA_Resource_Guide.pdf.
    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 State hosted site, www.childcarefinder.in.gov (CCF) has detailed information available about the types of care available, provides definitions of the type of child care programs available, as well as a search of regulated providers where families can view inspection reports, validated complaints, and negative actions that have been taken, child care locations, quality levels and capacities. This CCF site is accessible in four languages: English, German, Spanish and Burmese, and it is compatible with adaptive technologies.
    The site www.brighterfuturesindiana.org is accessible in English with many components available in Spanish. The Brighter Futures site is geared towards families and includes additional information, including videos to explain the diversity of care, information on developmental milestones and support for parents seeking resources, parent tips and support resources, information on the Indiana Early Learning Foundations, and links to CCF. Each site has linked childcare search tools available and include a wide array of information. The Brighter Futures site has both content and videos translated into Spanish, and it is compatible with adaptive technologies so all families can learn about Early Learning Foundations and Best Practices for families in supporting their children.
    The third site focuses on the state-funded On My Way Pre-K grant program for early childhood providers http://providers.brighterfuturesindiana.org/ . This site houses information regarding how to become an approved On My Way Pre-k provider, the application process, information about how to talk to families about the program, and payment practices.
    The last site, http://www.in.gov/fssa/2552.htm provides regulatory information about Indiana’s program. This site provides information about the licensing rules, market rates, payment practices, background checks and other information pertaining to the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL). This site is 508 compliant and has Google Translate available as well as Browse Aloud which reads the text or a text only version.
    How the website ensures the widest possible access to services for families that speak languages other than English The ChildCareFinder website is translated availabile in four languages:

    English
    Spanish
    German
    Burmese

    The Brighter Futures website has videos and content in both English and Spanish.
    How the website ensures the widest possible access to services for persons with disabilities All three websites are compatible with adaptive technologies and meet ADA standards.
    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

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