State and Territory Profile
STATE/TERRITORY PROFILE - PUERTO RICO
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 | |
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57.78% | 79.82% |
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54% | 77.07% |
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
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
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
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/data/fy-2020-preliminary-data-table-6
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$40,214,184 |
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$39,982,219 |
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Not available |
Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2023). CCDF Expenditures for FY 2021 (all appropriation years). Table 4a: All expenditures by State- Categorical Summary. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/data/table-4a-all-expenditures-state-categorical-summary-fy-2021
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2023). CCDF Expenditures for FY 2020 (all appropriation years). Table 3a - All Expenditures by State – Detailed Summary. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/data/table-3a-all-expenditures-state-detailed-summary-fy-2020
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2023). CCDF Expenditures for FY 2020 (all appropriation years). Table 3a - All Expenditures by State – Detailed Summary. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/data/table-3a-all-expenditures-state-detailed-summary-fy-2020
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$6,041,028 |
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$6,041,028 |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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
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$135 |
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230 |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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/
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/
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
Source(s): National Institute for Early Education Research. (2022). The 2021 state of preschool yearbook. https://nieer.org/state-preschool-yearbooks-yearbook2021
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$3,318,638 |
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6,825 |
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
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$2,491,836 |
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2,111 |
Source(s): U.S. Department of Education. (2023). Fiscal Years 2022-2024 State Tables for the U.S. Department of Education. https://www2.ed.gov/about/overview/budget/statetables/index.html
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Not available |
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Not available |
Note: Total Expenditure includes all State/Territory, Local, and Federal dollars. In addition to 3 and 4-year-olds, some Pre-kindergarten programs enroll children of other ages.
Source(s): National Institute for Early Education Research. (2023). The 2022 state of preschool yearbook. https://nieer.org/the-state-of-preschool-yearbook-2022
CCDF Subsidy Program Administration
(a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | |
Family Size | 100 % of SMI ($/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 |
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3 | $1,674.00 | $1,423.00 | N/a | N/a |
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.
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Yes |
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Yes |
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Not available |
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Yes |
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Yes |
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Yes |
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Yes |
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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.
Children with Special Needs | |
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Yes |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Yes |
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Not available |
Not available | |
Families with Very Low Incomes | |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Yes |
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Not available |
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Yes |
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Not available |
Not available | |
Children Experiencing Homelessness | |
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Yes |
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Yes |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Yes |
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Not available |
Not available | |
Families Receiving TANF* | |
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Yes |
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Yes |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Yes |
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Not available |
Not available |
* Includes families receiving TANF program funds, those transitioning off TANF through work activities, or those at risk of becoming dependent on TANF.
Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Reports 3.2.2a, 3.2.2b, 3.2.2c, 3.2.2d, 3.2.2a-2, 3.2.2b-2, 3.2.2c-2, and 3.2.2d-2: Increasing Access for Vulnerable Children and Families. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
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Yes |
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Yes |
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Yes |
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Yes |
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Not available |
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Yes |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
Not available |
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Yes |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Yes |
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Not available |
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Yes |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
Not available |
Age | Center | Percentile of most recent MRS | Family Child Care | Percentile of most recent MRS |
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Infant | $ 379.00/ month | 0.75 | $ 310.00/ month | 0.75 |
Toddler | $ 379.00/ month | 0.75 | $ 310.00/ month | 0.75 |
Preschool | $ 369.00/ month | 0.75 | $ 369.00/ month | 0.75 |
School Age | $ 288.00/ month | 0.75 | $ 222.00/ month | 0.75 |
Effective date of payment rates: 10/1/2019 | ||||
Market rate survey (MRS) date: 7/12/2019 |
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.
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.
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Not available |
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Yes |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
(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)? |
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3 | $888.75 | $18.95 | 2.00 | $1,510.88 | $132.65 | 9.00% |
Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 3.4.1a Family Size of 3: Family Contribution to Payment - CCDF Co-Payments by Family Size. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Yes |
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For children identified as being under the protection of the State, we do not require co-payments in the Childcare service. The income of families with children under the protection of the state are exempt from the evaluation of their income and activity. Therefore, we consider it as a zero income ($ 0.00), which automatically falls as a family with less than half of the state median income reason why they do not have co-payments. |
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Yes |
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Described Below |
Families with income less than 50% of the state median income do not have to pay co-payments. Childcare Program Regulation Art. 2.11, Procedural Manual, Eligibility Section, Chapter XIII. |
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
Age of Children | Child-Staff Ratio | Group Size |
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Infant (11 months) | Not available | Not available |
Toddler (35 months) | Not available | Not available |
Preschool (59months) | Not available | Not available |
School-age (6 years) | Not available | Not available |
School-age (10 years and older) | Not available | Not available |
If any of the responses above are different for exempt child care centers, describe which requirements apply: | Not available | |
Not available |
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.
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
Yes/No | CCDF Funds | Other Funds | Other (describe) | |
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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 | Not available | Not available | 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 | Not available | Not available | 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 | Not available | Not available | 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 | Not available | Not available | 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 |
Other (describe) | |
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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.
Application in other languages (application document, brochures, provider notices) | Not available |
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 |
The ACUDEN webpage has the information in Spanish, due to this being the principal language in Puerto Rico. Moreover, the page has the capacity to translate the information into English and other languages in order to make it more accessible to the different populations. Families interested in requesting services can fill out the applications at all of the child care centers by fund allocation and administered by ACUDEN, in addition to all of he regional offices of the Department of Family. At these locations, they can receive orientation on the services that are offered and assistance in completing the application, should this be required. At the majority of the offices of the Child Care Program, there is personnel that can at least communicate in both of the most used languages in Puerto Rico, that is Spanish and English, to thereby facilitate communication with applicants. |
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.
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 | 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 | Yes |
Availability and/or access to specialized services (e.g., mental health, behavioral specialists, therapists) to address the needs of all children | Yes |
Other | Not available |
Describe Other: | Described Below |
Assessments and therapeutic services in the area of mental health are coordinated through municipal and state agencies. The Program webpage is written and designed to access information in a quick and simple manner to ensure that people with disabilities face minimal difficulties. This page is also certified by the Puerto Rico Technological Assistance Program as provided by the State Accessibility Act, No. 006-2017 – pursuant to Law 229 of 2003. Every service provider in the program is legally obligated to guarantee adequate access and services to children with special needs. For this, technical assistance is coordinated through the Childhood Development Unit along with the Advancing Together (“Avanzando Juntos”) Program of the Department of Health. This coordination helps the provider to provide adequate accessibility, adaptation of educational curricula, and coordination of health services for children with special needs through the Department of Health. Training sessions and technical assistance are coordinated through the Advancing Together (“Avanzando Juntos”) Program of the Department of Health and the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Education to assist providers and employees in the proper practices for children with special needs. Collaborative agreements have been established with the Department of Health and the Department of Education to provide assistance to children served at the child care centers. Assessments and therapy A través de agencias municipales y estatales de se coordinan evaluaciones y servicios terapéuticos en el área de salud mental para nuestros niños. |
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.
How the Lead Agency ensures that its website is consumer-friendly and easily accessible | ACUDEN’s website is available through www.acuden.pr.gov. This facilitates access from any device with internet connection, including mobile devices. This site is designed so that the general public can easily access it, since it specifically identifies the information about the Child Care Program. The design is appealing yet simple, using visual strategies to classify the information in a simple manner. The information provided is written in a simple and concise manner so that individuals of different educational levels can understand it and benefit from it. |
How the website ensures the widest possible access to services for families that speak languages other than English | The principal language in Puerto Rico is Spanish. Therefore, the webpage is written in this language. However, for those participants that require access to the information in another language, the page has a button option to change the language and facilitate its interpretation. |
How the website ensures the widest possible access to services for persons with disabilities | The agency’s website provides the information on teh Child Care Program for access by the general public, but it is also reviewed and certified by the Puerto Rico Technological Assistance Program as provided by the State Accessibility Act, No. 006-2017 – pursuant to Law 229 of 2003. The Technological Assistance Program is the agency that evaluates and guarantees that the webpages of the government and state agencies comply with the proper accessibility for persons with disabilities. |
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.