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CCDF Quality Infant/Toddler Earmark:

Reported Uses in State and Territory FY2004-2005 CCDF Plans

Poster Session Presented at the State Child Care Administrator's Meeting

July 28 and 29, 2004

Washington, DC

Prepared by National Infant & Toddler Child Care Initiative @ ZERO TO THREE

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Graphic of the Eco Model

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Methodology

• Activities were identified from Section 5.1.1 of the FY2004-2005 CCDF Plans.

• Reported activities were coded using the key elements and their corresponding sub-categories.

• e.g., Professional Development: Training

• Sometimes one activity supported various elements, or various sub-categories within one element, and were coded accordingly. e.g., Professional Development: Training and Scholarships/Stipends

• Sometimes a State or Territory had multiple activities that addressed the same element. In calculating percentages, if a State or Territory had at least one activity that addressed the element, it was counted as supporting that element.

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Limitations

• Some activities were not reported in sufficient detail to code them, and were not included in the calculations.
• This was often the case with States that have local governance systems.
• Only activities reported in the section labeled "infants and toddlers" were included. There may be other activities in Section 5.1.1 that include infants and toddlers, but were reported elsewhere, and these were not included in the calculations.
• e.g., CCR&R activities may have been reported in the section labeled "R&R"
• This was done in an effort to isolate infant and toddler activities funded, at least in part, by infant/toddler earmark funds from those funded by other quality earmark dollars.

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Please Note.

The examples provided in this poster are only a sampling of what was reported in the Plans, for the purpose of illustrating activities for each element.

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Most Commonly Addressed Elements with CCDF Infant/Toddler Earmark Funds

• Professional Development
• Facilities  (through grants to facilities and higher reimbursement rates)
• Child Care Resource & Referral
• Child Care Settings & Activities
• Parent & Family Involvement
• Program Standards

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Professional Development

Over 90% of States and Territories
reported using the earmark to support professional development activities.

Most often through efforts related to:

• Training, which was sometimes linked to a credential or certificate
• Scholarships or Stipends for training
• Hiring or training infant/toddler specialists

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Map Showing the States that support professional development activities.  48 states including the District of Columbia and 3 territories support professional development activities.  Those states and territories that do not are:  New Mexico, Missouri, Connecticut, Puerto Rico, and Northern Marianas.

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Professional Development Activities
Training Linked to a Credential or Certificate

• Utah's Infant Toddler Endorsement requires 40 hours of specialized training that is provided through the CCR&R system.

• Caregivers interested in Wisconsin's Infant/Toddler Credential complete 12 credits of coursework, which includes a Capstone Experience during which students compile a portfolio that is reviewed before the credential is granted.

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Professional Development Activities Training in the Territories

• Training provided for infant/toddler caregivers in the Territories have varying foci.
• In American Samoa, training focuses on the development of age-appropriate activities.
• Guam provides training that helps caregivers develop knowledge and skills to include children with special needs.
• Workshops and conferences in the Virgin Islands address specific child health and safety issues.

Professional Development Activities Scholarships and Stipends for Training

• In West Virginia, providers who complete the One Step at a Time training receive a bonus of $400 for their participation.
• Similarly, Iowa caregivers that attend the full 40 hours of PITC training receive a bonus of $200.
• Montana caregivers who participated in the Infant Toddler Demonstration Project and completed their Infant/Toddler Certification received wage stipends based on the number of infants and toddlers in their direct care.

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Professional Development Activities Scholarships and Stipends for Training

Scholarships and stipends are also granted to help providers obtain training that leads to an infant/toddler CDA or credential (e.g., New York, Texas and Rhode Island).

In 3 States, Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Carolina, this was accomplished by dedicating earmark funds to the state's T.E.A.C.H. program

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Professional Development Activities Resources for Training

Oklahoma reports distribution of a video on developmental stages for infants and toddlers with age-appropriate activities that is distributed to caregivers by licensing staff. The video also informs providers about health and safety issues (i.e., immunizations and SIDS).

South Carolina also provides an extensive list of appropriate materials and equipment and has developed a Plan a Room Guide for Infants and Toddlers.

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Professional Development Activities Mentoring

Oregon reports using the earmark to support infant and toddler providers who participate in the Statewide Mentoring Program administered by Portland State University.

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Facilities

Over 50% of States and Territories reported using the earmark to support Facilities activities, such as:

•        Enhancement/Expansion Grants
•        Technical Assistance to Programs
•        Higher Reimbursement Rates/Bonus
•        Lending Libraries
•        Start-Up Grants

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32 states and 2 territories support facilities

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Facilities Activities Enhancement/Expansion Grants

Several States link monies granted for enhancement or expansion with training.

In Maine, caregivers receive equipment stipends of $500-$1,500 (depending on how many new spaces they plan to add, from 1 to 3) upon completion of a weeklong Infant Toddler Summer Institute.

New Hampshire caregivers who complete the Wheelock graduate seminar "Caring for Infants and Toddlers" and agree to increase their capacity by 4 babies are eligible for $4,000 equipment grants to improve their environment after the course.

Grants administered by the Minnesota CCR&Rs to increase the capacity of infant/toddler care require participation in the Infant/Toddler Intensive Training Project.

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Facilities Activities Higher Reimbursement Rate

Six states (Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Vermont) reported using the earmark to support a higher reimbursement rate for the presence of infants and toddlers.

Illinois' Infant and Toddler Incentive Program pays up to a 10 percent add-on to centers that serve a high number of subsidized children two years old or younger (homes and group homes are not eligible for this program).

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Child Care Resource & Referral

About 30% of States and Territories reported using the earmark to help CCR&R programs in efforts to serve infants, toddlers, their families, and their caregivers.

Any activity administered through CCR&R is included in this element, such as:

•        Infant/Toddler Specialists
•        Training/Technical Assistance
•        Planning
•        Consumer Education
•        Resources for Training

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18 states support child care resource and referral activities with the CCDF Quality Infant/Toddler Earmark.

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Child Care Resource & Referral Activities Infant/Toddler Specialists, Training & Consumer Education

In Kentucky, the earmark supports Infant/Toddler Specialists employed by CCR&R agencies. Earmark funds also provide CCR&Rs with the option of purchasing first aid or CPR training for registered or certified providers and the option of developing or purchasing consumer education materials for parents.

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Child Care Resource & Referral Activities Training and Technical Assistance

New York is working to establish 7 regional Infant Toddler Technical Assistance Centers. This initiative will be implemented by the state-funded CCR&R agencies to provide technical assistance, resources and training to providers who serve or are planning to serve infants and toddlers.

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Child Care Resource & Referral Activities Planning

Minnesota's CCR&R Network will convene to plan for system-wide improvements in infant and toddler care through development of a comprehensive work plan that will serve as a roadmap for state policy on infants and toddlers.

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Child Care Settings & Activities

About 25% of States and Territories reported using the earmark to support efforts related to Child Care Settings and Activities, which includes:

•       Model Programs
•       Kith & Kin Care
•       Family Child Care
•       Teen Parents
•       Campus-Based Child Care
•       Child Care for Homeless or Foster Children
•       Curriculum Implementation

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15 States Support Child Care Activities and Settings with the CCDF Quality Infant/Toddler Earmark.

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Child Care Settings & Activities

There was no prevailing support for any one type of caregiver or parent population, but several states reported support to:

•       Model Programs
•       Kith & Kin Providers
•       Family Child Care
•       Teen Parents

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Child Care Settings & Activities Model Programs

Tennessee has 16 sites practicing PITC that will be maintained as model sites and that have received substantial monies for equipment and resources.

The lead agency in South Carolina reports participation in the public-private partnership that created the University of South Carolina/Gateway Academy Child Development and Research Center. The interior of this center of excellence was designed by a national consultant in infant/toddler environments, and it will be open to providers seeking strategies on creating appropriate environments for infants and toddlers.

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Child Care Settings & Activities Kith & Kin Providers

In New Jersey, staff at CCR&R agencies support caregivers in approved homes (settings that meet child care safety requirements, but are not state registered), by providing on-site training and technical assistance, safety equipment, and books. The majority of the children cared for in these settings are infants and toddlers.

Michigan also supports informal infant and toddler caregivers by giving them priority for public and mental health consultation, and through the Early Head Start Expansion/Informal Care Providers Demonstration Project.

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Parent & Family Involvement

Almost 20% of States and Territories reported using the earmark to support Parent & Family Involvement through activities such as:

•       Development/Distribution of Parent Resources
•       Parent Training
•       Home Visiting
•       Warm Lines

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9 States and 2 Territories support parent and family involvement with the CCDF Quality Infant/Toddler Earmark.

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Parent & Family Involvement Activities Parent Resources and Parent Training

Two States used earmark funds to support development and distribution of parent tool boxes.

In conjunction with other agencies, Virginia supported distribution of a New Parent Tool Kit as part of the Governor's Education for a Lifetime Initiative.

In South Dakota, a Parent/Infant Welcome Box is sent to every newborn infant as part of the Governor's Bright Start initiative and parents of children birth to three are offered a 6-week Responsive Parent Training course.

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Parent & Family Involvement Activities Consumer Education Materials

Nevada sponsored the development of an infant checklist as a resource to help parents identify quality infant care.

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Program Standards

About 17% of States and Territories reported using the earmark to support Program Standards, including:

•       Tiered Reimbursement or Bonuses*
•       Accreditation Grants
•       Technical Assistance and Support

*Given to providers or programs for meeting established requirements exceeding those stipulated by licensing and regulations. This is differentiated from higher reimbursement rates that support the element of facilities because they expand supply by being an incentive to serve infants and toddlers.

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10 States Support Program Standards with the CCDF Quality Infant/Toddler Earmark.

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Program Standards Activities Tiered Reimbursement or Bonuses

Massachusetts instituted tiered reimbursement linked to specific quality standards emphasizing literacy. For infants and toddlers the standards included having age-appropriate books, reading and repeating nursery rhymes to individual infants and toddlers daily, and submission of a daily curriculum that included daily literacy activities. Participating programs must use the ITERS for annual assessment and development/implementation of improvement plans.

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Program Standards Activities Technical Assistance & Support

Two States report using the earmark to support infant and toddler caregivers' participation in broader programs that offer technical assistance to support meeting standards beyond those required by licensing.

In New Mexico, AIM HIGH assists providers with program improvement and encourages them to work toward accreditation.

 Pennsylvania's Keystone Stars program provides services to help providers meet performance standards associated with one of the four star levels in the State's rating system

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Planning, Research & Evaluation

7 States reported using the earmark to support Planning, Research & Evaluation activities, which include:

•       Development of System Benchmarks/Indicators
•       Data Collection/Reporting
•       Evaluation
•       Creation/Support of Planning Groups
•       Development of Strategic Plans

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7 States Support Research, Planning and Evaluation with the CCDF Quality Infant/Toddler Earmark

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Planning, Research & Evaluation Activities Development of System Benchmarks/Indicators

The Georgia Outcome and Indicator Framework for Birth to Three-Year-Olds provides benchmark indicators to evaluate programs for children up to 4 years in the areas of:

•       developmental outcomes for young children
•       child and family well being
•       quality of and access to services
•       systems capacity

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Planning, Research & Evaluation Activities Data Collection/Reporting and Planning Groups

Oklahoma is conducting research with 41 infant/toddler teachers in Tulsa to determine the impact of Creative Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers and mentors. The I/T Earmark also supports various organizations in their data collection and reporting of information about supply and demand for infant and toddler care.

The Infant and Toddler Services Summit in Massachusetts has collected data to assess current services for children birth to three and their families with the goal of developing a comprehensive plan for the future of these services. The Summit is focusing on workforce development and mental health services for infants and toddlers through two workgroups.

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Public Knowledge & Engagement

2 States reported using the earmark to support activities related to Public Knowledge & Engagement to inform the public about the importance of high quality care and build support for improving the quality of infant/toddler care.

This element includes activities such as:

•       Presentations/Workshops
•       Publications
•       Media Campaigns

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2 states support public knowledge and engagement with the Quality Infant/Toddler Earmark.

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Public Knowledge & Engagement Activities Presentations/Workshops and Publications

Washington provides public awareness and education about brain development as part of the BrainNet initiative, which produces publications and provides presentations through groups of trainers ("Brain Squads") in local communities. 

Alaska plans to educate and engage business and community partners to support working parents, particularly families with infants and toddlers.

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Early Learning Guidelines

Only 2 States mention the development of early learning guidelines for infants and toddlers as an activity supported by infant/toddler earmark funds.

HOWEVER, Over 40% of States and Territories  either already have them or are currently at some stage in the process of developing them.

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25 states and territories have developed or are in the process of developing early learning guidelines for infants and toddlers.

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Early Learning Guidelines Activities

The Arkansas Framework for Infant and Toddler Care includes strategies and activities to guide caregivers, as well as parents who decide to stay at home with their infants and toddlers. An accompanying brochure (Picture This) illustrates the framework's six developmental strands through vignettes.

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Licensing & Regulations

1 Territory reported using the earmark to support activities related to Licensing & Regulations, which includes:

•       Monitoring
•       Enforcement
•       Efforts to improve ratios

 The Virgin Islands use earmark funds to support monitoring of all licensed and registered centers, in conjunction with the Office of Licensing and Regulatory Services.

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Only 1 territory supports child care licensing with the Quality Infant/Toddler Earmark.

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Federal, State & Local Policy

1 State reported using the earmark to support to the element of Federal, State and Local Policy, which include efforts related to:

•       Family Leave Policies
•       Subsidy Policies
•       Policies that Reward Collaboration

Oklahoma uses the earmark to support (in conjunction with various other entities) the Better Baby Care Campaign to improve and provide visibility to policies that govern the quality of infant-toddler care, parent education, family support, and family-friendly practices in the workplace

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1 State reported using the Quality Infant/Toddler Earmark to support to the element of Federal, State and Local Policy.

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Financing

No States or Territories reported using the earmark to support activities related to the element of Financing, which include:

•       Examination of resource allocation
•       Investigation into adding flexibility to categorical programs
•       Creation of partnerships to discover/facilitate the use of new funding sources

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To View State and Territory CCDF Plans

The National Child Care Information Center provides a list of URLs for
State and Territory Plans that are available on-line at http://nccic.org/pubs/stateplan/state-urls.html

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For More Information on Infant/Toddler Child Care Initiatives search the National Initiative's On-Line Database at www.nccic.org/itcc

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National Infant & Toddler Child Care Initiative Website  www.nccic.org/itcc

Email- itcc@zerotothree.org