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State and Territory Profile

STATE/TERRITORY PROFILE - KENTUCKY

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 24.18% 44.63%
6 to 17-Years Old 21.11% 39.41%
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):
    		 $128,407,082
    • CCDF Federal Expenditure:
    		 $112,156,501
    • CCDF State/Territory Expenditure:
    		 $16,250,581
    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:
    		 $17,650,163
    • Quality Activities (Set Aside Funds):
    		 $22,205,905
    • Infant and Toddler (Targeted Funds):
    		 Not available
    • Quality Expansion Funds (Targeted Funds):
    		 $-4,201,672
    • School-Age/Resource and Referral (Targeted Funds):
    		 $-354,070
    Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for Child Care
    • TANF – Total Child Care Expenditure:
    		 $984,946
    Bullet icon TANF – Direct Expenditure on Child Care: $984,946
    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:
    		 $27,731
    • Tax Credit Federal Number of Claims:
    		 54,990
    • 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:
    		 $45,820,389
    • Number of Family Child Care Homes Participating:
    		 226
    • Number of Child Care Centers (includes Head Start Programs) Participating:
    		 1,263
    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:
    		 $132,456,737
    • Head Start State/Territory Allocation:
    		 Not available
    • Number of Children Participating:
    		 11,927
    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:
    		 $10,989,398
    • Number of Children Served (Ages 3- through 5-Years-Old):
    		 10,430
    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:
    		 $6,558,761
    • Number of Children Served (Ages Birth through 2-Years-Old):
    		 4,228
    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:
    		 $119,820,503
    • Enrollment (4-year-olds and under):
    		 17,045
    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 $5,656.00 $4,808.00 $2,771.00 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
    		 Not available
    • 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
    		 Yes
    • 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
    		 Yes
    • Other:
    		 Described Below
    Licensed child-care centers and certified family child-care homes are required to report ages of children they are able to serve. Efforts are made to ensure that children are placed in settings that will serve all children in the family and will not require children to change placements as they age. Efforts are made to ensure full-day coverage of services for children that includes before- and after-school as needed. Regional needs assessments are conducted to look at child care partnerships and identify barriers to high quality services that meet the developmental needs of all children as well as family needs, including type and hours of care.
    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
    		 Not available
    • 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:
    		 Described Below
    Income based sliding scale is utilized for assigning co-payments. Web Link: CCAP Income Guideline<br /><br />Web Link: CCAP Income Guideline
    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:
    		 Described Below
    Homeless households during an initial application are unique from other eligibility types as the household is entitled to up to three calendar months from the date of application to return verification. This allows the household to return all required documentation gradually, if needed. Homeless cases are approved and enrollment starts when the head of household provides ID. (If a driver’s license is provided, it does not matter if it is expired.) Households that return all required information and are technically and financially eligible at the end of the three (3) calendar month period, will not see a change in the certification period at approval of application. Homeless households must meet all other technical and financial eligibility criteria in order to continue with the program.<br /><br />Homeless households can qualify to gain initial eligibility via Job Search if the client does not meet the work requirement and wants to use the once in twelve (12) months Job Search at the time of application. The client must work register and complete the DCC-90P, CCAP Job Search Documentation form, with a minimum of ten (10) contacts to constitute a complete form.
    Families Receiving TANF*
    • Prioritize for enrollment
    		 Not available
    • 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:
    		 Described Below
    TANF families are given priority after special needs children and a priority over families with very low incomes.
    * 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
    Child care services are not made available through grants or contracts.
    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
    Child care services are not made available through grants or contracts.
    Base payment rates and percentiles
    Age Center Percentile of most recent MRS Family Child Care Percentile of most recent MRS
    Infant $ 24.00/ day 29th $ 21.00/ day 37th
    Toddler $ 24.00/ day 35th $ 21.00/ hour 47th
    Preschool $ 21.00/ day 30th $ 19.00/ day 39th
    School Age $ 20.00/ day 51st $ 18.00/ day 46th
    Effective date of payment rates: 2/1/2016
    Market rate survey (MRS) date: 3/30/2018
    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
    		 Yes
    • 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
    		 Yes
    • 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 $900.00 $44.00 4.80 $3,699.99 $294.00 7.90%
    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
    		 Department for Community Based Services, Division of Protection and Permanency are authorized to waive co-payments for protective and preventive cases and indicate wavier on the DCC-85, Approval for Child Care form.<br /><br />Citation: 922 KAR 2:160 Child care assistance program Section 5
    • 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
    		 Not available
    • Describe:
    		 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 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) 5:1 10
    Toddler (35 months) 10:1 20
    Preschool (59months) 12:1 24
    School-age (6 years) 15:1 30
    School-age (10 years and older) 20:1 30
    If any of the responses above are different for exempt child care centers, describe which requirements apply: Described Below
    N/A
    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 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 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 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 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 Not available
    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 Not available
    Partnerships with community-based organizations Not available
    Other Yes
    Describe Other: Described Below
    CHFS employees receive training on cultural competency, effective communication, and the use of interpreters/translators, as well as the policy and procedures on access to LEP services at no cost and without unreasonable delay.
    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) 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 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 Not available
    Partnerships with state and local IDEA Part B, Section 619 and Part C providers and agencies Not available
    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 Commonwealth of Kentucky provides, upon request, reasonable accommodations, including auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in all services, programs, and activities. DCBS collaborates with the Department for Public Health First Steps early intervention program providing services to families and children age’s birth to three who have developmental disabilities.
    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 May of 2018, CHFS transitioned to a new web platform. The new platform is designed to meet website accessibility standards in accordance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. The Division of Child Care landing page can be easily found through a basic web search. The landing page connects providers, parents, and the general public to regulations, FAQs, and resources. For example, the Kentucky All STARS landing page provides a brief overview of the quality rating and improvement system and also links to sub-pages, such as the Provider Information Page, to find additional resources on more concentrated. All CHFS web pages include contact information, links to related services, and Spanish translation. The Division of Child Care also has a Policies and Procedures Coordinator who is responsible for website updates. That staff member is constantly evaluating the site for potential improvements and making additions and changes as the need is identified.

    "Benefind was introduced in 2017 as a one-stop-shop for assistance and support programs in Kentucky. By interagency agreement, the Office of Administrative Technology Services unifies the Kentucky Integrated Child Care System (KICCS) and Public Child Care
    https://benefind.ky.gov/"

    Web Link: Department for Community Based Services https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dcc/Pages/default.aspx
    Web link: Benefind https://benefind.ky.gov/
    How the website ensures the widest possible access to services for families that speak languages other than English Information on the Benefind system is available in the following languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, Bosnian, Chinese, French, Russian, Somali, and Vietnamese.

    CHFS makes Language Access Services available to persons with Limited English Proficiency. Interpretation is provided free-of-charge to clients of the Cabinet. Language Access staff provide translation of written materials as well as interpreter services for direct communication.

    The primary language offered is Spanish, but information is readily available in the top nine most common languages in Kentucky. In the event there is an interpretation need for a less common language, the Language Access staff will assist with identification of interpreters. DCBS and its contractual partners follow the CHFS Office of Human Resource Management's procedures for providing Language Access Services to client with LEP. Other languages common in Kentucky's population include Vietnamese, Somalian, and Russian.
    How the website ensures the widest possible access to services for persons with disabilities In May of 2018, CHFS transitioned to a new web platform. The new platform is designed to meet website accessibility standards in accordance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Images on the CHFS website include alternative text describing the graphics. Pages are designed to be compatible with screen reading software.

    Accomodations Statement from the CHFS website: The Commonwealth of Kentucky provides, upon request, reasonable accommodations including auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in all services, programs and activities. To request materials in an alternative format, each agency web site provides information for contacting the person or persons responsible for providing the service within the agency. Persons with hearing and speech impairments can contact each agency by using the Kentucky Relay Service, a toll-free telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD). For voice to TDD, call 800-648-6057. For TDD to voice, call 800-648-6056.

    Web Link: Department for Community Based Services
    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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