HomeMy WebLinkAbout20181951.tiffRESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE REVISIONS TO OPERATIONS MANUAL, SECTION 6.000, CHILD CARE
POLICY
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to
Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of
administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and
WHEREAS, the Board has been presented with Revisions Manual, Section 6.000, Child
Care Policy, for the Department of Human Services Operation Manual, and
WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said revisions, a copy
of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld
County, Colorado, that the Revisions to Section 6.000, Child Care Policy, for the Department of
Human Services Operations Manual, be, and hereby are, approved.
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted
by the following vote on the 20th day of June, A.D., 2018.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WEL COUNTY, COLORADO
ATTEST: da,44) x11o;
Ste Moreno, Chair '
Weld County Clerk to the Board
Deputy Clerk to the Bo
County • orney
Date of signature: 61.--30-41
CC 07-30-h?
2018-1951
HR0089
PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM
DATE June 15, 2018
TO Board of County Commissioners — Pass -Around
FR Judy A Griego, Director, Human Services
RE Weld County Department of Human Services'
Policies and Guidelines Manual Revisions and
Additions
Please review and indicate if you would like a work session prior to placing this item on the Board's agenda
Request Board Approval of Department of Human Services' Policies and Guidelines Manual Revisions
and Additions. These policies were revised to reflect current processes or further define the Department's
activities and responsibilities They include Qualified (Unlicensed Home Providers) rates which were increase
and incentivized as part of our strategic County recruitment of providers The entry income eligibility level was
increased from 170% to 185% of federal poverty level and the exit income eligibility level was decreased from
225% to 85% of the state median income An incentive package was included to support the development and
retention of Qualified providers
The policies were developed by involved Department staff and were provided to Legal for review and
comments
e 6 2 10 - Weld County Human Services Child Care Policy (Revision).
I do not recommend a Work Session I recommend approval of new and revised Department Policies and rates
Approve Schedule
Recommendation Work Session
Sean P Conway
Julie A Cozad
Mike Freeman
Barbara Kirkmeyer, Pro -Tern
Steve Moreno, Chair
Other/Comments
2018-1951
Pass -Around Memorandum, June 15, 2018 — (Not in CMS)
cof 0
Page 1
(-IROO�q
CHAPTER 6 - WELD COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES CHILD CARE POLICY
ARTICLE II - Child Care
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) A program of the State Division of Child Care
which provides child care subsidies to families in the following programs Low -Income, Colorado Works
and Child Welfare Child Care
6 014 1- Child Care Assistance
6 014 11 - Low -Income Child Care Eligibility
A Families who meet eligibility requirements of Section 3 9 of the Colorado Department of Human
Services, Staff Manual Volume 3
B The entry income eligibility level for the Low -Income Program is 185% of federal poverty
C The exit income eligibility level for the Low -Income Program is 85% of the state median income
D Applicants and recipients must cooperate with Child Support Services (CSS) by providing verifiable
information about the absent parent However, individual circumstances may warrant the applicant
and recipient to apply for a "good cause" for nonparticipation with CSS Good cause criteria can be
found in Section 3 9 of the Colorado Department of Human Services, Staff Manual Volume 3 Teen
parents enrolled full-time and participating in a secondary education or GED programs will be
exempt from cooperating with CSS
6 014 12 - Colorado Works Child Care Eligibility
A Eligibility for Applicants/Recipients of Colorado Works Basic Cash Assistance Program
1 Each applicant and recipient will complete the necessary State applications to determine
eligibility for Colorado Works
2 Each applicant and recipient will complete an additional Individual Assessment and an
Individual Responsibility Contract for the Low -Income Child Care Program in order to be in
compliance with Colorado Works eligibility requirements
3 Recipients must cooperate with their Individual Responsibility Contracts to continue to be
eligible to receive Colorado Works Child Care
4 Recipients who are no longer eligible for Basic Cash Assistance may still be eligible for Low -
Income Child Care per the Colorado Department of Human Services, Staff Manual Volume 3
Eligibility will be determined based on Volume 3 and this Section
B Eligibility for Applicants of the Colorado Works Diversion
1 Each applicant must complete and follow steps 1-3 in Section 6 014 11 (A)
2 Requests for diversions for the applicant may be submitted by the applicant and/or Department
staff
3 The Diversion Committee will review Colorado Works Child Care diversion requests Diversions
may be approved by the Director of the Department or his/her designee, in lieu of the Diversion
Committee
6 014 13 - Child Welfare Child Care
Child Welfare Child Care will be approved by the Child Welfare Administrator based on the assessed
needs of the family
6 014 14 - Child Care Assistance Transition Program
The Department does not currently offer a transition program
6 014 15 - Parental Fee Hardship and 20% Rule
6 014 15 1- Parental Fee Reduction for Hardship
The Department may grant a child care parental fee reduction for hardship on occasion Guidelines
for approving a reduction follows
A All requests for a child care parental fee reduction for hardship must be received in writing,
using the Hardship Fee Assessment Form
B Supporting documentation must be provided to verify the income and expenses on the Hardship
Fee Assessment Form
C Child care parental fee reductions will be considered when all forms of income exceed monthly
basic expenses such as rent, electricity, gas, basic phone and medical/health
D Other funding sources may be utilized to prevent utilizing child care parental fee reductions for
hardships
E Child care parental fee reductions will be re-evaluated every six months or sooner when
circumstances change
F Child care parental fee reductions for hardship decisions will be made by the Director of Human
Services or designee
G Written justification and approval of child care parental fee reductions will be placed in the case
file and noted in the case record in the Child Care Automated Tracking System (CHATS)
6 014 15 2 - 20% Rule
Weld County does not utilize the 20% Rule per Section 3 9 of the Colorado Department of Human
Services, Staff Manual Volume 3
6 014 16 - Child Care Authorizations for Low -Income and Colorado Works Child Care
Child Care authorizations will be based on the caretaker or caretakers' eligible activity, as well as the
children and adolescents' verified need In some occasions, verified need will exceed the total number of
hours needed for an eligible activity
6 014 161- Verified Needs that Exceed Eligible Activities
A Travel Time Extra care can be approved for children that have a caretaker(s) that travel to and from
their approved eligible activity Verification is required when authorizing additional care
B Study Time Extra care can be approved for children that have a caretaker(s) in an educational
activity Verification is required when authorizing additional care
C Decoupled Schedule The Department can authorize care for hours differing from when the
caretaker(s) are in the caretakers' eligible activity As an example, care could be approved for a
caretaker who works full-time overnight and then needs care during the day, for the caretaker to
sleep
Caretaker(s) are required to fill out a Child Care Needs Assessment if they are asking for additional
care Additional verification may be requested, to verify the additional care needed This verification must
be in writing Authorizations of care in excess of the eligible activities must be approved by the Child Care
Program Manager
6 014 17 - Training and Education
"Training and Education" definition
A Educational programs including regionally accredited post -secondary training for a Bachelor's
degree or less, or
B A workforce training program such as vocational or technical job skills training Workforce
training programs include educational activities such as high school diploma, high school
equivalency examination, English as a Second Language, or adult basic education
Low -Income Child Care recipients are eligible for up to forty-eight (48) months of "Training and
Education" as an eligible activity
6 014 18 - School Age
The Department defines 'school age" as being six years of age and older
6 014 2 - Quality Child Care Ratings for Licensed Providers
6 014 21- Quality Child Care Levels for Centers (Exhibit A)
The Weld County Department of Human Services will use the Colorado Department of Human
Services Quality Rating and Improvement System This system can be found on the State of Colorado's
Office of Early Childhood Education website The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) is the
designated entity that will certify the child care provider's level
6 014 22 - Center Quality Child Care Levels for School -Ages Six and Older (Exhibit B)
The current CDHS Colorado Shines Model does not recognize or evaluate school -age classrooms, in
centers or in school age sites Weld County, with the assistance of community input, has developed
a tiered reimbursement model for licensed child care centers and school -age sites, for the purpose
of recognizing quality in school -age classrooms and school -age sites
1 School -Age Tiered Reimbursement Model
a) Level 1 Rating Current Child Care License with the State of Colorado
b) Level 2 Rating
i Meeting Level 1 requirement
ii Registration in the State of Colorado's Professional Development Information System
(PDIS) by all staff that provides child care for school -age children
iii Successful completion of Level 2 training modules (10 hours each) by 75% of all staff that
provides child care for school -age children
iv Successful completion of self-assessment/professional development plan within PDIS by
75% of all staff that provides child care for school -age children
✓ . Successful completion of the Mental Health First Aid Training by the Director or Program
Lead.
c) Level 3 Rating:
i. Meeting Level 2 requirements.
ii. Minimum score of 3.75 on the School -Age Care Environmental Rating Scale or equivalent
evidence based rating scale, as approved by the WCDHS.
iii. Successful completion of the Mental Health First Aid training by 50% of all staff that
provides child care for school -age children.
iv. Director or Program Lead obtain a current Colorado Department of Education Early
Childhood Professional Credential I.
✓ . Have one of the following Family Partnership Domains in place, at the site:
1) Home language/Cultural Competency;
2) Care Coordination/Transitions; or
3) Family Engagement.
✓ i. Successful completion of one of the cultural respectfulness trainings by 75% of all staff
that provides child care for school -age children: [KM1][TG2]
1) Drug Culture Awareness and Prevention Training, as approved by WCDHS; which
includes a zero -tolerance policy, included the parent's handbook.
2) Gang Culture Awareness and Prevention Training; as approved by WCDHS; which
includes a zero -tolerance policy included in the parent's handbook.
3) Violence, Bullying and Awareness Prevention Training, as approved by WCDHS;
which includes a zero -tolerance policy included in the parent's handbook.
e) Level 4 Rating:
Meeting Level 2 [KM3][TG4]requirements.
ii. Minimum score a 4.75 on the School -Age Care Environmental Rating Scale or equivalent
evidence based rating scale, as approved by WCDHS.
iii. Successful completion of Mental Health First Aid training by 75% of all staff that provides
child care for school -age children.
iv. Director or Program Lead obtain a current Colorado Department of Education Early
Childhood Professional Credential II.
✓ . Have any two of the following Family Partnership Domains in place, at the site:
1) Home language/Cultural Competency;
2) Care Coordination/Transitions; or
3) Family Engagement.
✓ i. Successful completion of two of the cultural respectfulness trainings (as outlined in 3.vi.1-
3) by 75% of all staff that provides care for school age children.
✓ ii. Be willing and able to accept special needs children, as identified by a professional, in the
school -age setting. [KM5][TG6]
f) Level 5 Rating:
i. Meeting Level 2 [KM7][TG8]requirements.
ii. Successful completion of Level 2 training modules (10 hours each) by 100% of all staff
that provides care to school -age children.
iii. Completion of a self-assessment/professional development plan within PDIS by 100% of
all staff that provides care to school -age children.
iv. Minimum score a 5.75 on the School -Age Care Environmental Rating Scale or equivalent
evidence based rating scale, as approved by WCDHS.
✓ . Successful completion of Mental Health First Aid training by 100% of all staff that
provides child care for school -age children.
✓ i. Director or Program Lead obtain a current Colorado Department of Education Early
Childhood Professional Credential III.
✓ ii. Have all three of the Family Partnership Domains in place, at the site:
1) Home language/Cultural Competency;
2) Care Coordination/Transitions; and
3) Family Engagement -Early Intervention or Resources given to families prior to
suspension or expulsion.
✓ ii. Successful completion of three of the cultural respectfulness trainings (as outlined in
3.vi.1-3) by 75% of all staff that provides care for school age children.
✓ iii. Be willing and able to accept special needs children, as identified by a professional, in
the school -age setting. [KM9][TG10]
6.014.22 Verification and Renewal Requirements
This section addresses the documentation that is required from the provider to prove to WCDHS
that the school -aged provider has met the identified level of quality within the site. It also
addresses, where required, how often trainings and ratings need to be renewed, to maintain or
increase levels of quality within the site.
a) Center or School -age Child Care License must provide current verification of license from the
Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS).
i. Renewal is based on CDHS requirements.
b) Verification that all current staff providing care for school age children are registered in the
State of Colorado Professional Development Information System, including:
i. A log of all current staff that provide care for school age children and verification of the
percentage of staff that have completed the registration process.
ii. PDIS printouts detailing each staff member's registration.
c) Verification for all staff that provides care to school age children have completed the'
required training, in PDIS, by Level, which includes
i A log of all staff that provides care to school -age children and verification of the
percentage of staff that have completed the required training
ii PDIS printouts, that the appropriate percentage of staff have completed the required
trainings
iii Renewals for these trainings are based on the Colorado Shines Standards
d) Verification for all staff that provides care to school age children have completed the
required self-assessments/professional development plans, including
i A log of all staff that provide care to school -age children working at the site and
verification of the percentage of staff that have completed the required self-
assessment/professional development plans
ii PDIS printouts, indicating the appropriate percentage of staff have completed the
required self-assessment/professional development plans
e) Verification for all staff that provides care to school age children have completed the Mental
Health First Aid training, every three years, including
I
i A log of all staff that provides care to school -age children working at the site and
verification of the percentage of staff that have completed the required Mental Health
First Aid Training
ii Document certifying successful completion of the Mental Health First Aid Training
f) Verification of the Director or Program Lead's Colorado Department of Education (CDE),
Early Childhood Professional Credentialing, of Level 3, 4 or 5
g) Verification of School -Age Care Environmental Rating Scale, rating or equivalent evidence
based rating model, which includes a certified original or copy, showing proof of rating
i If equivalent evidence based rating model is used, it must be pre -approved by WCDHS,
before'being used for the tiered reimbursement model
h) Verification of Family Partnership
i Home Language/Cultural Competency includes
1) A current policy stating that the site will accommodate family's linguistic needs,
which is included in the parent's handbook
2) Proof that information and materials are given to families, based on families
preferred language
3) Completion of parent surveys indicating parents' satisfaction with the provider's
communication style
4) Advertisement of program to accommodate multiple languages, based on needs of
families
ii Care Coordination/Transitions Policy and Procedures including
1) Current policy on picking children up from school or for school -age sites, have a
central care location, included in the parent's handbook
iii Family Engagement includes
1) A current policy stating availability of early intervention services to the students and
families, either internally or externally, prior to suspension and/or expulsion,
included in the parent's handbook
2) Must have documented evidence of giving community services referrals, to parents,
if needed
i) Verification of Cultural Respectfulness
i Drug Culture Awareness and Prevention
1) A log of all staff that provide care to school -age children working at the site and
verification of the percentage of staff that have completed the required training
2) Originals or copies, certifying successful completion of this training
3) A current policy stating that the site has a zero tolerance on drug use This must also
be in the parent's handbook
4) Proof that information and materials are given to families about drug awareness,
prevention and community resources
5) Provider agrees to participate in provider and parent surveys and/or assessments,
to evaluate the outcomes of this awareness and prevention training and policy The
surveys and/or assessments will be conducted by WCDHS or WCDHS approved
vendor
ii Gang Culture Awareness and Prevention
1) A log of all staff that provide care to school -age children working at the site and
verification of the percentage of staff that have completed the required training
2) Originals or copies, certifying successful completion of this training
3) A current policy stating that the site has a zero tolerance on gang activity within the
provider's site This must also be in the parent's handbook
4) Proof that information and materials are given to families about gang culture
awareness, prevention and community resources
5) Provider agrees to participate in provider and parent surveys and/or assessments,
to evaluate the outcomes of this awareness and prevention training and policy The
surveys and/or assessments will be conducted by WCDHS or WCDHS approved
vendor
iii Violence and Bullying Awareness and Prevention
1) A log of all staff that provide care to school -age children working at the site and
verification of the percentage of staff that have completed the required training
2) Originals or copies, certifying successful completion of this this training
3) A current policy stating that the site has a zero tolerance on violence and bullying
within the provider's site This must also be in the parent's handbook
4) Proof that information and materials are given to families about violence and
bullying awareness, prevention and community resources
5) Provider agrees to participate in provider and parent surveys and/or assessments,
to evaluate the outcomes of this awareness and prevention training and policy The
surveys and/or assessments will be conducted by WCDHS or WCDHS approved
vendor
j) Verification of Providing Care to Special Needs Children
i A current policy is in place stating that the provider accepts children with special needs
and will accommodate individual's needs
ii Information is in the parent's handbook stating that the provider accepts children with
special needs and will accommodate individual's needs
2 Level Reviews
a) Providers can request Level reviews, to increase their ratings, at the beginning of every
quarter (January, April, July, and October)
i Providers must submit all complete documentation, at the same time
b) WCDHS will review the Level request and make a determination within 30 calendar days
i The effective date of the Level and corresponding reimbursement rate will be in
accordance with the Colorado Department of Human Services Rules
c) Level ratings may be good for up to three years, depending on the times and expiration
dates, for the individual requirements within each Level
i The criterion within each Level must be kept current, to maintain the Level rating
d) Level reviews can be appealed by the provider and will be conducted within 15 days of the
request for appeal
i The Director's decision on the appeal, is final and not appealable to the Colorado
Department of Human Services
e) WCDHS reserves the right to visit and audit provider records, as applicable to this model, at
any time, without advance notice
3 Qualified Exempt Child Care Homes Quality Ratings (Exhibit C)
Weld County has developed a tiered reimbursement model for qualified exempt child care homes
See Exhibit C
Qualified Child Care Home Tiered Reimbursement Model
a Level 1
1 All existing qualified exempt child care providers will be grandfathered in at this Level,
as of March 31, 2017 or when this model is fully implemented
ii For all new qualified exempt child care providers after March 31, 2017 or when this
model is fully implemented, all providers will need to do the following, prior to being a
contracted qualified exempt child care provider
1) Must meet all background check requirements as required by State of Colorado
Statute and Rules
2) Must attend any county required trainings, such as New Provider Orientation
3) Point of Service Orientation
4) Any other State of Colorado defined requirement
iii For all new and renewed qualified exempt child care providers after March 31, 2017, all
providers will need to do the following, in addition to A 1 (ii), within 90 days of being a
contracted qualified exempt child care provider or risk having the fiscal agreement
closed
1) Successfully complete a training in general child development and brain science
2) Successfully complete a training in leadership, management and administration
2 Level 2
a) Meet all the requirements of Level 1
b) Successfully complete pre -licensing training offered by the State of Colorado
c) Successfully develop individual personal growth goals as it applies to providing child care
d) Register in the State of Colorado's Professional Development Information System (PDIS)
4 Level3
a) Meet all the requirements of Level 2
b) Successfully complete a brain science training, as approved by WCDHS
c) Successfully complete multiple age growth and development training, as approved by
WCDHS
d) Reserved
e) Successfully complete the State of Colorado's Introduction to CPR and First Aid training
f) Successfully complete CPR and First Aid Certification Program
g) Successfully complete the State of Colorado's Child Care and Preschool Immunization
training
5 Level4
a) Meet all the requirements of Level 3
b) Successfully complete the State of Colorado's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and
Abusive Head Trauma training
c) Successfully complete the State of Colorado's Prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
and Use of Safe Sleeping Practices training
d) Successfully complete Mental Health First Aid training
e) Successfully complete the State of Colorado's Standard Precautions training
6 Level5
a) Meet all the requirements of Level 4
b) Successfully complete the State of Colorado's Administration of Medication training
c) Successfully complete the State of Colorado's Building and Physical Premises Safety/Storage
of Hazardous Materials and Bio-Contaminants process
d) Successfully complete the State of Colorado's Disaster Preparedness and Emergency
Response process
e) Successfully complete the State of Colorado's Precautions in Transporting Children process,
if providing transportation, for children
f) Successfully complete 10 hours of training, of the provider's choice, in the catalog of
Colorado Shines Level 2 Courses, in the State of Colorado's PDIS system
6 014 3 Verification and Renewal Requirements
This section addresses the documentation that is required, from the provider, to prove to
WCDHS that the qualified exempt provider as met the identified level of quality, within the
site It also addresses, where required, how often trainings and ratings need to be renewed,
to maintain or increase levels of quality, within the home
a) For trainings that are not in the PDIS system, providers must provide original or copies of
certificates, proving that the provider has successfully completed the training(s)
b) Provide proof that the provider has registered in PDIS
c) Provide individual personal growth goals as it applies to providing child care, to WCDHS
d) Provide proof of CPR and First Aid Certification is current
e) For trainings that are in the PDIS system, providers must provide printouts from the PDIS
system, proving that the provider has successfully completed the training(s)
f) Provide documentation that proves that the provider has successfully completed the
following State of Colorado's processes in
i Building and Physical Premises Safety/Storage of Hazardous Materials and Bio-
Contaminants
ii Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response
iii Precautions in Transporting Children, if applicable
g) Trainings that are required to be completed annually, to maintain the Level rating
i Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma, and
ii Prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Use of Safe Sleeping Practices, and
iii Mandatory Reporter Training, and
iv Standard Precautions, and
v Child Care and Preschool Immunization, and
vi Any other trainings or processes required by State Rule
6 014 3 Reduction in Level or Model Rating
It is the provider's responsibility to notify WCDHS within ten (10) calendar days of the
provider's reduction in level(s) or change in Departmentally approved model The provider
will have ninety (90) calendar days to rectify the rating or the provider will be reimbursed at
the lowest level the provider is eligible for
6 014 3 Child Care Provider Rates
A WCDHS cannot reimburse a child care provider more than what the provider charges its private -
pay families
B Reimbursement rates for centers can be found in the attachment called "Center Rates" (Exhibit
A)
C Reimbursement rates for school -age children in centers and school age sites can be found in the
attachment called "School Age Children in Centers and School Age Site Rates" (Exhibit B)
D Reimbursement rates for qualified homes can be found in the attachment called "Qualified
Home Rates" (Exhibit C)
E Child Care Incentives for Qualified Exempt Providers (Exhibit D)
F Registration, Activity and Transportation
a) Activity and Transportation WCDHS pays licensed child care providers $1 per day for activity
fees for children eighteen (18) months and older and $2 per day for transportation fees for
children and adolescents three (3) years and older Providers must also charge private -pay
families these same fees if the Department is to reimburse the provider
b) Registration WCDHS will not pay registration fees for care
G Provider Part -Time Daily Rates
The provider part-time daily rate is calculated at 55% of the full-time daily rate Rates will be
rounded up to the highest cent
H Special Needs Rates
Providers caring for a disabled child can be reimbursed up to two times the regular reimbursement
rate Disabled child is defined in Section 3 9 of the Colorado Department of Human Services, Staff
Manual Volume 3
I Traditional and Non-traditional Hours and Rates
Providers will be paid the rate type in which more than fifty (50%) percent of the care is provided
Traditional hours start at 6 00 AM until 6 00 PM, Monday through Friday All other hours within the
week are considered non-traditional hours
6.000CHAPTER 6 - WELD COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES CHILD CARE POLICY
ARTICLE II - Child Care
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP). A program of the State Division of Child Care
which provides child care subsidies to families in the following programs: Low -Income. Colorado Works
and Child Welfare Child Care.
6.014.1 - Child Care Assistance
6.014.11 - Low -Income Child Care Eligibility
A. Families who meet eligibility requirements of Section 3.9 of the Colorado Department of Human
Services.. Staff Manual Volume 3.
The entry income eligibility level for the Low -Income Program is 17-0185% of federal poverty.
The exit income eligibility level for the Low -Income Program is 225% of federal poverty85% of the
state median income.
Applicants and recipients must cooperate with Child Support Services (CSS) by providing verifiable
information about the absent parent. However, individual circumstances may warrant the applicant
and recipient to apply for a "good cause" for nonparticipation with CSS. Good cause criteria can be
found in Section 3.9 of the Colorado Department of Human Services. Staff Manual Volume 3. Teen
parents enrolled full-time and participating in a secondary education or GED programs will be
exempt from cooperating with CSS
6.014.12 - Colorado Works Child Care Eligibility
Eligibility for Applicants/Recipients of Colorado Works Basic Cash Assistance Program.
1 Each applicant and recipient will complete the necessary State applications to determine
eligibility for Colorado Works.
2 Each applicant and recipient will complete an additional Individual Assessment and an
Individual Responsibility Contract for the Low -Income Child Care Program in order to be in
compliance with Colorado Works eligibility requirements.
3 Recipients must cooperate with their Individual Responsibility Contracts to continue to be
eligible to receive Colorado Works Child Care.
4 Recipients who are no longer eligible for Basic Cash Assistance may still be eligible for Low -
Income Child Care per the Colorado Department of Human Services. Staff Manual Volume 3.
Eligibility will be determined based on Volume 3 and this Section.
Eligibility for Applicants of the Colorado Works Diversion
1. Each applicant must complete and follow steps 1 3 in Section 6.014 11 (A).
2. Requests for diversions for the applicant may be submitted by the applicant and/or Department
staff.
The Diversion Committee will review Colorado Works Child Care diversion requests. Diversions
may be approved by the Director of the Department or his/her designee, in lieu of the Diversion
Committee.
6.014.13 - Child Welfare Child Care
Child Welfare Child Care will be approved by the Child Welfare Administrator based on the assessed
needs of the family.
6.014.14 - Child Care Assistance Transition Program
The Department does not currently offer a transition program
6 014 15 - Parental Fee Hardship and 20% Rule
6 014 15 1 - Parental Fee Reduction for Hardship
The Department may grant a child care parental fee reduction for hardship on occasion Guidelines
for approving a reduction follows
A All requests for a child care parental fee reduction for hardship must be received in writing,
using the Hardship Fee Assessment Form
B Supporting documentation must be provided to verify the income and expenses on the Hardship
Fee Assessment Form
C Child care parental fee reductions will be considered when all forms of income exceed monthly
basic expenses such as rent, electricity, gas, basic phone and medical/health
D Other funding sources may be utilized to prevent utilizing child care parental fee reductions for
hardships
E Child care parental fee reductions will be re-evaluated every six months or sooner when
circumstances change
F Child care parental fee reductions for hardship decisions will be made by the Director of Human
Services or designee
G Written justification and approval of child care parental fee reductions will be placed in the case
file and noted in the case record in the Child Care Automated Tracking System (CHATS)
6 014 15 2 - 20% Rule
Weld County does not utilize the 20% Rule per Section 3 9 of the Colorado Department of Human
Services, Staff Manual Volume 3
6 014 16 - Child Care Authorizations for Low -Income and Colorado Works Child Care
Child Care authorizations will be based on the caretaker or caretakers' eligible activity, as well as the
children and adolescents' verified need In some occasions, verified need will exceed the total number of
hours needed for an eligible activity
6 014 161- Verified Needs that Exceed Eligible Activities
A Travel Time Extra care can be approved for children that have a caretaker(s) that travel to and from
their approved eligible activity Verification is required when authorizing additional care
B Study Time Extra care can be approved for children that have a caretaker(s) in an educational
activity Verification is required when authorizing additional care
C Decoupled Schedule The Department can authorize care for hours differing from when the
caretaker(s) are in the caretakers' eligible activity As an example, care could be approved for a
caretaker who works full-time overnight and then' needs care during the day, for the caretaker to
sleep
Caretaker(s) are required to fill out a Child Care Needs Assessment if they are asking for additional
care Additional verification may be requested, to verify the additional care needed This verification must
be in writing Authorizations of care in excess of the eligible activities must be approved by the Child Care
Program Manager
6 014 17 - Training and Education
"Training and Education" definition
Educational programs including regionally accredited post -secondary training for a Bachelor's
degree or less; or
B. A workforce training program such as vocational or technical job skills training Workforce
training programs include educational activities such as high school diploma, high school
equivalency examination, English as a Second Language. or adult basic education.
Low -Income Child Care recipients are eligible for up to forty etghtforty-eight (48) months of "Training
and Education" as an eligible activity.
6.014.18 - School Age
The Department defines 'school age" as being six years of age and older.
6.014.2 - Quality Child Care Ratings for Licensed Providers
6.014.21 - Quality Child Care Levels for Centers
Exhibit A)
The Weld County Department of Human Services will use the Colorado Department of Human
Services Quality Rating and Improvement System. This system can be found on the State of Colorado's
Office of Early Childhood Education website. The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) is the
designated entity that will certify the child care provider's level. For more details than what -is -fisted +n
Section -&014, see attachment CC -1
6.014.22 - Center Quality Child Care Levels for School -Ages Six and Older (Exhibit B)
The current CDHS Colorado Shines Model does not recognize or evaluate school -age classrooms, in
centers or in school age sites. Weld County, with the assistance of community input, has developed
a tiered reimbursement model for licensed child care centers and school -age sites, for the purpose
of recognizing quality in school -age classrooms and school -age sites.
1. School -Age Tiered Reimbursement Model
a) Level 1 Rating: Current Child Care License with the State of Colorado.
b) Level 2 Rating:
i. Meeting Level 1 requirement.
ii. Registration in the State of Colorado's Professional Development Information System
`PDIS) by all staff that provides child care for school -age children.
iii. Successful completion of Level 2 training modules '10 hours each
by 75% of all staff that
provides child care for school -age children.
iv. Successful completion of self-assessment/professional development plan within PDIS by
75% of all staff that provides child care for school -age children.
v. Successful completion of the Mental Health First Aid Training by the Director or Program
Lead.
c) Level 3 Rating:
i. Meeting Level 2 requirements.
ii. Minimum score of 3.75 on the School -Age Care Environmental Rating Scale or equivalent
evidence based rating scale, as approved by the WCDHS.
iii. Successful completion of the Mental Health First Aid training by 50% of all staff that
provides child care for school -age children.
iv. Director or Program Lead obtain a current Colorado Department of Education Early
Childhood Professional Credential I.
v. Have one of the following Family Partnership Domains in place, at the site:
1) Home language/Cultural Competency;
2) Care Coordination/Transitions; or
3; Family Engagement.
vi. Successful completion of one of the cultural respectfulness trainings by 75% of all
staff that provides child care for school -age children: [KM11[TG2'
1) Drug Culture Awareness and Prevention Training, as approved by WCDHS; which
includes a zero -tolerance policy, included the parent's handbook.
2) Gang Culture Awareness and Prevention Training; as approved by WCDHS; which
includes a zero -tolerance policy included in the parent's handbook.
3) Violence, Bullying and Awareness Prevention Training, as approved by WCDHS;
which includes a zero -tolerance policy included in the parent's handbook.
e) Level 4 Rating:
i. Meeting Level 2 [KM3][TG4]requirements.
ii. Minimum score a 4.75 on the School -Age Care Environmental Rating Scale or equivalent
evidence based rating scale, as approved by WCDHS.
iii. Successful completion of Mental Health First Aid training by 75% of all staff that provides
child care for school -age children.
iv. Director or Program Lead obtain a current Colorado Department of Education Early
Childhood Professional Credential II.
v. Have any two of the following Family Partnership Domains in place, at the site:
1) Home language/Cultural Competency;
2
Care Coordination/Transitions; or
3) Family Engagement.
vi. Successful completion of two of the cultural respectfulness trainings (as outlined in
3.vi.1-3) by 75% of all staff that provides care for school age children.
vii. Be willing and able to accept special needs children, as identified by a professional,
in the school -age setting. [KM5][TG6]
ft Level 5 Rating:
i. Meeting Level 2 [KM7][TG8]requirements.
ii. Successful completion of Level 2 training modules (10 hours each: by 100% of all staff
that provides care to school -age children.
iii. Completion of a self-assessment/professional development plan within PDIS by 100% of
all staff that provides care to school -age children.
iv. Minimum score a 5.75 on the School -Age Care Environmental Rating Scale or equivalent
evidence based rating scale, as approved by WCDHS.
✓ . Successful completion of Mental Health First Aid training by 100% of all staff that
provides child care for school -age children.
✓ i. Director or Program Lead obtain a current Colorado Department of Education Early
Childhood Professional Credential III.
✓ ii. Have all three of the Family Partnership Domains in place, at the site:
1) Home language/Cultural Competency;
2
Care Coordination/Transitions; and
3
Family Engagement -Early Intervention or Resources given to families prior to
suspension or expulsion.
vii. Successful completion of three of the cultural respectfulness trainings 'as outlined in
3.vi.1-3) by 75% of all staff that provides care for school age children.
viii. Be willing and able to accept special needs children, as identified by a professional,
in the school -age setting. [KM9}[TG101
6.014.22 Verification and Renewal Requirements
This section addresses the documentation that is required from the provider to prove to WCDHS
that the school -aged provider has met the identified level of quality within the site. It also
addresses, where required, how often trainings and ratings need to be renewed, to maintain or
increase levels of quality within the site.
a) Center or School -age Child Care License must provide current verification of license from the
Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS).
i. Renewal is based on CDHS requirements.
b) Verification that all current staff providing care for school age children are registered in the
State of Colorado Professional Development Information System, including:
i. A log of all current staff that provide care for school age children and verification of the
percentage of staff that have completed the registration process.
ii. PDIS printouts detailing each staff member's registration.
c) Verification for all staff that provides care to school age children have completed the
required training, in PDIS, by Level, which includes:
i. A log of all staff that provides care to school -age children and verification of the
percentage of staff that have completed the required training.
ii. PDIS printouts, that the appropriate percentage of staff have completed the required
trainings.
iii. Renewals for these trainings are based on the Colorado Shines Standards.
d) Verification for all staff that provides care to school age children have completed the
required self-assessments/professional development plans, including:
i. A log of all staff that provide care to school -age children working at the site and
verification of the percentage of staff that have completed the required self-
assessment/professional development plans.
ii. PDIS printouts, indicating the appropriate percentage of staff have completed the
required self-assessment/professional development plans.
e) Verification for all staff that provides care to school age children have completed the Mental
Health First Aid training, every three years, including:
i. A log of all staff that provides care to school -age children working at the site and
verification of the percentage of staff that have completed the required Mental Health
First Aid Training.
ii. Document certifying successful completion of the Mental Health First Aid Training.
f) Verification of the Director or Program Lead's Colorado Department of Education (CDE`,
Early Childhood Professional Credentialing, of Level 3, 4 or 5.
g) Verification of School -Age Care Environmental Rating Scale, rating or equivalent evidence
based rating model, which includes a certified original or copy, showing proof of rating.
i. If equivalent evidence based rating model is used, it must be pre -approved by WCDHS,
before being used for the tiered reimbursement model.
h) Verification of Family Partnership:
i. Home Language/Cultural Competency includes:
1
A current policy stating that the site will accommodate family's linguistic needs,
which is included in the parent's handbook.
2) Proof that information and materials are given to families, based on families
preferred language.
3: Completion of parent surveys indicating parents' satisfaction with the provider's
communication style.
4) Advertisement of program to accommodate multiple languages, based on needs of
families.
ii. Care Coordination/Transitions Policy and Procedures including:
1
Current policy on picking children up from school or for school -age sites, have a
central care location, included in the parent's handbook.
iii. Family Engagement includes:
1) A current policy stating availability of early intervention services to the students and
families, either internally or externally, prior to suspension and/or expulsion,
included in the parent's handbook.
2) Must have documented evidence of giving community services referrals, to parents,
if needed.
i) Verification of Cultural Respectfulness:
i. Drug Culture Awareness and Prevention:
1) A log of all staff that provide care to school -age children working at the site and
verification of the percentage of staff that have completed the required training.
2) Originals or copies, certifying successful completion of this training.
3) A current policy stating that the site has a zero tolerance on drug use. This must also
be in the parent's handbook.
4
Proof that information and materials are given to families about drug awareness,
prevention and community resources.
5) Provider agrees to participate in provider and parent surveys and/or assessments,
to evaluate the outcomes of this awareness and prevention training and policy. The
surveys and/or assessments will be conducted by WCDHS or WCDHS approved
vendor.
ii. Gang Culture Awareness and Prevention:
1
A log of all staff that provide care to school -age children working at the site and
verification of the percentage of staff that have completed the required training.
2) Originals or copies, certifying successful completion of this training.
3) A current policy stating that the site has a zero tolerance on gang activity within the
provider's site. This must also be in the parent's handbook.
4) Proof that information and materials are given to families about gang culture
awareness, prevention and community resources.
5) Provider agrees to participate in provider and parent surveys and/or assessments,
to evaluate the outcomes of this awareness and prevention training and policy. The
surveys and/or assessments will be conducted by WCDHS or WCDHS approved
vendor.
iii. Violence and Bullying Awareness and Prevention
1) A log of all staff that provide care to school -age children working at the site and
verification of the percentage of staff that have completed the required training.
2) Originals or copies, certifying successful completion of this this training.
3) A current policy stating that the site has a zero tolerance on violence and bullying
within the provider's site. This must also be in the parent's handbook.
4) Proof that information and materials are given to families about violence and
bullying awareness, prevention and community resources.
5) Provider agrees to participate in provider and parent surveys and/or assessments,
to evaluate the outcomes of this awareness and prevention training and policy. The
surveys and/or assessments will be conducted by WCDHS or WCDHS approved
vendor.
1) Verification of Providing Care to Special Needs Children:
i. A current policy is in place stating that the provider accepts children with special needs
and will accommodate individual's needs.
ii. Information is in the parent's handbook stating that the provider accepts children with
special needs and will accommodate individual's needs.
Level Reviews
a) Providers can request Level reviews, to increase their ratings, at the beginning of every
quarter (January, April, July, and October).
i Providers must submit all complete documentation, at the same time.
b) WCDHS will review the Level request and make a determination within 30 calendar days.
i The effective date of the Level and corresponding reimbursement rate will be in
accordance with the Colorado Department of Human Services Rules.
c) Level ratings may be good for up to three years, depending on the times and expiration
dates, for the individual requirements within each Level.
i The criterion within each Level must be kept current, to maintain the Level rating.
d) Level reviews can be appealed by the provider and will be conducted within 15 days of the
request for appeal.
i The Director's decision on the appeal, is final and not appealable to the Colorado
Department of Human Services.
e) WCDHS reserves the right to visit and audit provider records, as applicable to this model, at
any time, without advance notice.
3. Qualified Exempt Child Care Homes Quality Ratings (Exhibit C)
Weld County has developed a tiered reimbursement model for qualified exempt child care homes.
See Exhibit C.
Qualified Child Care Home Tiered Reimbursement Model.
a. Level 1:
i. All existing qualified exempt child care providers will be grandfathered in at this Level,
as of March 31, 2017 or when this model is fully implemented.
ii. For all new qualified exempt child care providers after March 31, 2017 or when this
model is fully implemented, all providers will need to do the following, prior to being a
contracted qualified exempt child care provider.
1) Must meet all background check requirements as required by State of Colorado
Statute and Rules.
2) Must attend any county required trainings, such as: New Provider Orientation.
3
Point of Service Orientation.
4) Any other State of Colorado defined requirement.
iii. For all new and renewed qualified exempt child care providers after March 31, 2017, all
providers will need to do the following, in addition to A 1 ;ii), within 90 days of being a
contracted qualified exempt child care provider or risk having the fiscal agreement
closed:
1) Successfully complete a training in general child development and brain science.
2) Successfully complete a training in leadership, management and administration.
2. Level 2:
a) Meet all the requirements of Level 1.
b
Successfully complete pre -licensing training offered by the State of Colorado.
c) Successfully develop individual personal growth_goals as it applies to providing child care.
d) Register in the State of Colorado's Professional Development Information System (PDIS)
4. Level 3:
a) Meet all the requirements of Level 2.
b) Successfully complete a brain science training, as approved by WCDHS.
c) Successfully complete multiple age growth and development training, as approved by
WCDHS.
d) Reserved.
e) Successfully complete the State of Colorado's Introduction to CPR and First Aid training.
f) Successfully complete CPR and First Aid Certification Program.
g) Successfully complete the State of Colorado's Child Care and Preschool Immunization
training.
5. Level 4:
a) Meet all the requirements of Level 3.
b) Successfully complete the State of Colorado's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and
Abusive Head Trauma training.
c
Successfully complete the State of Colorado's Prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
and Use of Safe Sleeping Practices training.
d) Successfully complete Mental Health First Aid training.
e) Successfully complete the State of Colorado's Standard Precautions training.
Level 5
1 Meet all the requirements of Level 4.
b) Successfully complete the State of Colorado's Administration of Medication training.
cJ Successfully complete the State of Colorado's Building and Physical Premises Safety/Storage
of Hazardous Materials and Bio-Contaminants process.
d) Successfully complete the State of Colorado's Disaster Preparedness and Emergency
Response process.
e) Successfully complete the State of Colorado's Precautions in Transporting Children process,
if providing transportation, for children.
f) Successfully complete 10 hours of training, of the provider's choice, in the catalog of
Colorado Shines Level 2 Courses, in the State of Colorado's PDIS system.
6.014.3 Verification and Renewal Requirements.
This section addresses the documentation that is required, from the provider/ to prove
to WCDHS that the qualified exempt provider as met the identified level of quality, within
the site. It also addresses, where required, how often trainings and ratings need to be
renewed, to maintain or increase levels of quality, within the home.
a
b
c
I
For trainings that are not in the PDIS system, providers must provide original or copies of
certificates, proving that the provider has successfully completed the training(s).
Provide proof that the provider has registered in PDIS.
Provide individual personal growth goals as it applies to providing child care, to WCDHS.
d) Provide proof of CPR and First Aid Certification is current.
e) For trainings that are in the PDIS system, providers must provide printouts from the PDIS
system, proving that the provider has successfully completed the training s).
f) Provide documentation that proves that the provider has successfully completed the
following State of Colorado's processes in:
i. Building and Physical Premises Safety/Storage of Hazardous Materials and Bio-
Contaminants.
ii. Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response.
iii. Precautions in Transporting Children, if applicable.
g) Trainings that are required to be completed annually, to maintain the Level rating:
i. Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma; and
ii. Prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Use of Safe Sleeping Practices; and
iii. Mandatory Reporter Training; and
iv. Standard Precautions; and
v. Child Care and Preschool Immunization; and
vi. Any other trainings or processes required by State Rule.
6.014.3 Reduction in Level or Model Rating
It is the provider's responsibility to notify WCDHS within ten (10) calendar days of the
provider's reduction in level(s) or change in Departmentally approved model. The provider
will have ninety (90) calendar days to rectify the rating or the provider will be reimbursed at
the lowest level the provider is eligible for.
6.014.3 Child Care Provider Rates
A. WCDHS cannot reimburse a child care provider more than what the provider charges its private -
pay families.
B. Reimbursement rates for centers can be found in the attachment called "Center Rates" (Exhibit
A)
C. Reimbursement rates for school -age children in centers and school age sites can be found in the
attachment called "School Age Children in Centers and School Age Site Rates" 'Exhibit B)
D. Reimbursement rates for qualified homes can be found in the attachment called "Qualified
Home Rates" (Exhibit C)
E. Child Care Incentives for Qualified Exempt Providers. (Exhibit D)
•
F. Registration, Activity and Transportation
a
Activity and Transportation. WCDHS pays licensed child care providers
1 aer day for activit
fees for children eighteen (18) months and older and $2 per day for transportation fees for
children and adolescents three '3; years and older. Providers must also charge private -pay
families these same fees if the Department is to reimburse the provider.
b) Registration. WCDHS will not pay registration fees for care.
G. Provider Part -Time Daily Rates
The provider part-time daily rate is calculated at 55% of the full-time daily rate. Rates will be
rounded up to the highest cent.
H. Special Needs Rates
Providers caring for a disabled child can be reimbursed up to two times the regular reimbursement
rate. Disabled child is defined in Section 3.9 of the Colorado Department of Human Services, Staff
Manual Volume 3.
I. Traditional and Non-traditional Hours and Rates
Providers will be paid the rate type in which more than fifty :50%) percent of the care is provided.
Traditional hours start at 6:00 AM until 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. All other hours within the
week are considered non-traditional hours.
Care Levels for Infant through Five Years of Age
For centers, CDHS focus is on infant through five years of age. Levels 1 through 5 are as follows:
A. Level 1: Currently Licensed by the State of -Colorado; a-mi
B. Level 2:
1,- Staff registers in the Professional Development Information System (PDIS).
2 75% of staff complete Level 2 training modules (10 hours each).
3. Completion of Level 2 Quality Indicator Program Assessment.
Completion of Level 2 Quality Improvement Plan.
Submit application for Level 2 recognition. -
C. Levels 3-5. For more details than what is in Section 6.014, see attachment CC -2.
Total
Min.
Points
for
Min.
Points
for
Min.
Points for
Categories
Possible
Level
3
Level
4
Level
-5
Points
31
8
12
18
Professional
2. Family
Partnerships
22
10
13
20
3.
Leadership,
Management
26
12
18
24
& Administration
29
8
13
24
5. Child
Health
14
g
7
9
Optional available
by
12
Colorado
Department
points
of
Human
Services
Minimum
Points
Required
to
43
63
93
Meet
the
Level
Environmental
Rating Score
AI -least
-3.75 with
At
4.75
with
At least
5.75 with
-least
3. Level 3 Rating:
no classroom
below a 3.0
no classroom
below a 4.0
no classroom
below a 5.0
For child care center centers providing -
only the points above are the same,
Categories
Total Possible
Min. Points for
Min. Points for
Mir}. Points for
Points
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
/I. Learning Environment
23
6
10
17
Minimum Points Required to
44
60
88
Meet the Level
6.014.212- Center Quality Child Care Levels for School -Ages Six and Older
Weld County has developed a tiered reimbursement model for licensed child care centers -and school
age sites.
A. School Age Tiered Reimbursement Model.
1. Level 1 Rating: Current Child Care License with the State of Colorado.
2. Level 2 Rating:
Meeting Level 1 requirement.
+{: Registration in the State of
staff that provi-d-e-s child care for school age children.
iii. Successful completion of Level 2 trai- i-ng modules -(10 hows each-} by -7-5% of -ati- taff that provides
child care
ent plan within PDIS by 75% of all
n of the -Mental Health First Aid Training by the -Director $r Program Lead.
Meeting Level- 2 --requirements.
-Minimum score of 3.75 on the School -Age Care Environmental Rating Scale or equivalent evidence
based rating scale, as approved by the Department.
iii. Successful completion of the Mental Health First Aid training by 50% of a-ll sta-f I -evi es child
care for school age children.
iv. Director or Program Lead obtain a current Colorado
Professional Credential I.
v. Have one
�nership Domains in place, at the site:
Home language/Cultural Competency;
Care
3. -Family Engagement.
vi. Successful completion of one of the cultural respectfulness trainings by 75% of all staff that
provides child care for school age children:
1. Drug Culture Awareness and Prevention Training, as approved by the Department; which includes a
zero -tolerance policy, included the parent's handbook.
a;— Gang Culture Awareness -and Prevention Training; as approvec, by the Department; which includes a
zero tolerance policy included in the parent's handbook.
37 - Violence, Bullying and Awareness Prevention Training, as approved by the Department; which
includes a zero tolerance policy included in the parent's handbook.
4. Level 4 -Rating:
i. Meeting Level 2 requirements.
4. Minimum score a 4.75 on the School Age Care Environmental Rating Scale or equivalent evidence
based rating scale, as -approved by the Department.
iii. Successful completion of Mental Health First Aid training by 75% of ail staff that provides child care
for school -age children.
iv. Director or Program Lead obtain a current Co
araco- Department of Ecucation Ear
Professional Credential -14
v, Have any two of t Domains in place; at the site:
I-. Home language/Cultural Competency;
Care Coordination/Transitions; or
y
C
'11
C
'1OO0
3. Family Engagement.
vi. Successful completion of two of the culturalrespectfulness trainings (as outlined in 3.vi.1 3) by 75%
of all staff that provides care for school age children.
vii. Be willing -and able to accept special needs children, as identified by a professional, in the school -
age - setting.
5. Level 5 Rating:
Meeting Level 2 requirements.
ii. Successful
care to school age children.
ours each) by 100% of all staff that provides
Completion of a-self-assessment/professional development pia -n- within PD -15 by 100% of a -I4 staff
that provides care to school age children.
ntal Rating Scale or equivalent evidence
based rating scale, as approved -by the Department.
v:-- Successful completion
care far school -age children.
vi. Director or
Professional Credential III.
vii. Have all three of the Family Partnership Domains in place, at the site:
1. Home language/Cultural Competency;
2- Care Coordination/Transitions; and
3. Family Engagement -Early Intervention or Resources gig
expulsion.
v-i-ii. Successful completion of three of the cultural respectfulness trainings (as outlined in 3.vi.1-3) by
75% re -for school age children
ix. Be willing and able to L
age setting.
B. Verification and Renewal Req-uir-ements: This section ad-d-re-ssc* the -documentation that is required
from the provider to prove to the Department that the school -aged provider as met the identified level
1 staff that provides child
e q-ual+ty withi-n t isite-. ft a so acdresse�, where -
professional, in the school
renewed, -in- order to maintain of increase levels Of quality within the site.
need to be
1. Center or School age Child C
Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Renewal is based on CDHS requirements.
2,— Verification that all current staff that provides care for school age children are registered in the
,
i. A log of all current staff that provides care for school age children and verification of the percentage
of staff that have completed the registration process.
ii. PDIS printouts detailing each staff member's registration.
3. Verification for all staff that provides care to school age children have completed the required
training, in PDIS, by Level, which includes:
i. A log of all staff that provides care to school age children and verification of the percentage of staff
that have completed the required training.
te-d the requ+red trainings.
iii. Renewals for these trainings are based on the -
4. Verification for all staff that provides care to school age children have completed the required self
Feral development plans, including:
i. A log of all staff that provide care to school age
percents e of staff that have comT leted thheq �
ii. PDIS printouts, that the
5. Verification for all staff that provides care to school age
First Aid training, every -three years 4ncluding:
e and verification of the
development plans.
ted the Mental Health
percentage of staff that have completed the required
ii Document certifying successful completion of the
6--- Verification -of the Director or Program Lead's Colorado Department of Education (CDE), Early
Childhood Professional Credentialing, of Level 3, 4 or 5.
7-
• M �. • • • T • • • V v • • • • V . an M �.. J M V �.. • • • • �,. �• V • . }.� • . . u • V • V V N 7 , J • • V W V • • • }� fJ I V V I V I I LA I I I }� I I t,. I V Cd I t,. I I C ` V I LET T T `L,. kJL
Ming model is used, it must be pre -approved by the Department, before being used for the tiered
reimbursement model.
8. Verification of Family Partnership:
+. Home Language/Cultural Competency includes:
1 A current policy stating that the site wi-l-1 needs, which is included in
the parent's handbook.
2. Proof that information and materials are given to families, based on families preferred language.
3-. Completion of -
style.
ii. Care Coordination/Transitions Policy and Procedures including:
provider's communication
based on needs of families.
1. -Current policy on picking children -up from school or for school age sites, have a central care
location, included in the parent's handbook.
iii. Family Engagement includes:
services to the students and families, either
prior to suspension and/or expulsion, included in the parent's handbook.
2. Must have documented evidence -of giving community services referrals, to parents, if needed.
9. Verification of Cultural Respectfulness:
i. Drug Culture Awareness and Prevention:
1 —A log of au staff that provide care to school -age children working at the site and verification of the
percentage of staff that have completed the re-qo-i-red training.
2. Originals or copies, certifying successful completion of this training.
3. A current policy stating that the site has a zero tolerance on drug use. This must also be in the
parent's handbook.
4-- aterials are given to families about drug awareness, prevention -and
community resources.
i-i: Gang Cu
--- I-og-
percentage of staff that have com
to -re Awareness and Prevention:
:o school -age verification of the
2. Originals or copies, certifying- successful completion of this training.
3. A current polio statinom +ham+ +� site ha
This must also- be i-n -the parent's handbook.
provider's site.
4: Proof that information and materials -are given to
prevention and community resources.
+++:--- Violence and Bullying Awareness and Prevention
verification of the
percentage of staff that have completed the required training.
3. A curre
provider's site. This must also be in the parent's handbook.
4— Proof that information and materials are -given to families about violence and
prevention and community resources.
10. Verification
i. A current policy is in place stating that
accommodate individual's needs.
Needs Children:
with special- needs and -wit(
ii. Information is in the parent's handbook stating that the provider accepts
needs and will accommodate individual's needs.
C. Level Reviews.
ratings, at the beginning of every quarter
(January, April, July, and October). Providers must submit all complete documentation, at the same
time.
Colorado -Department of Human Services Rules.
3:- Level ratings may be good for up to t
the individual requirements within eac
maintain the Level rating.
on the times and expiration dates, for
4-: ! ! I ! will be conducted within 15 days of the request
for --appeal. The D+recto-r's de i-sicn an the appeal, is fina1a-nd not appealable to the Colorado
Department of Human Services.
5: The Department reserves the right to visit and audit provider records, as applicable to -this -model,
at any time, with advance notice.
6.014.22 - Licensed Home Quality Child Care Levels for all Ages
A. Level 1: Is Licensed by the State of Colorado; and
B. Level 2:
�. Staff registers in the Professional Development Information System (PD -IS).
2: 75%
modules (10 hours each).
Completion of Level 2 Quality Indicator Program Assessment.
4. Completion of Level 2 Quality Improvement Plan.
5. Submit application for Level 2 recognition.
C. Levels 3 5: To increase licensed child care home providers quality, providers must meet the
r more details than what is listed
Section 6.014, see attachment CC 3.
Total
Possible
Mi-n. Points
Min.
Points
Min.
Points
for
Level
3
for Level
4
for
Level
5
Categories
Points
3
5
7
Professional
1
2. Family
Partnerships
20
8
10
14
3. Leadership,
Management
&
3
4
5
Administration
6
4.
Learning Environment
,-
2-7
6
9
1.6
5. Child
Health
44
6
7
-r
8
by Colorado
Department
of
Human
Services
Minimum Points Required
to
Meet the
25
35
50
Level
TAt least
3.75
At least
4.75
7
A least
5.75
6.014.23 - Qualified Exempt Child Care
Weld County -has developed a tiered reimt
A. Qualified Child Care Home Tiered Reimbursement Model.
1. Level 1:
I.
31, 2017 or when this model is fully implemented.
ii. For all new qualified exempt child care providers after March 31, 2017 or when this model is fully
, , exempt
child care provider.
Must meet all background check
Must attenc any county re
q
uired trainings, such as:
New Provider Orientation.
b. Point of Service Orientation.
3. Any other State of Colorado defined requirement.
i-ii. -For a
will need
tatute and Rules.
new arm renewer qua ified exempt child care providers after March 31, 2017, all providers
to A 1 (ii), within 90 days
vider or risk having the fiscal agreement being closed:
1. Successfully complete a training in - general child development and brain science.
Level 2:
i- Meet all of the requirements of Level 1.
14. Successfully complete pre licensi
iii. Success
iv.
3. Level 3:
i. Meet all of the requirements of Level 2.
i-i. Successfu
ly complete
Colorado's P
to of Colorado.
oats as it applies to providing child care.
t-- -reformation System (PDIS}
approved by the Department.
i-i-i. Successfully complete multiple age -growth and by the
Department.
iv. Reserved.
v: Successfully complete the State of Colorado's Introduction-te-CPR and Firs id tra-i-ning.
R and First Aid Certification Program.
vii. Successfullycomplete the State of Colorado's Child Care and Pres
4. Level 4:
is Meet all of -the requirements of Level
i-i. Successfully complete the State of Colorado's -Prevention
Head Trauma training.
-and Abusive
iii. Successfully complete the State of Colorado's Prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and
Use of Safe Sleeping Practices training.
iv. Successfully complete Mental Health First Aid training.
v. Successfully complete the State of Colorado's Standard Precautions training.
Level 5:
i. Meet all the requirements of Level 4.
ii. Successfully complete the State of Colorado's Administration o _
Socc
and Physical Premises Safety/Storage of
process.
v. Successfully
providing transportation, for children.
cautions in Transporting Children process, if
vi. Successfully complete 10 hours of training, of the provider's choice, in the catalog of Colorado
Shines Level 2 Courses, in the State of Colorado's PENS system.
B. Verification and Renewal Requirements. This section addresses the -documentation that its required,
from the provider, to prove to the Department that the qualified exempt provider as met the identified
level of quality, within the site. It also addresses, where requi-red, how often t-rainings and -ratings need
tole se levels of quality; within the home
1: For trainings-that are not in the PDIS system,
-original or copies of
Provide proof that the provider has registered in PDIS.
3-: Provide applies to providing child care, to the Department.
4. Provide proof of CPR and First Aid Certification is current.
For trainings that are in the POIS system, providers must provide printouts from the PDIS system,
proving that the provider has successfully completed the training(s).
6. Provide documentation that proves that the provider has successfully completed the following
State of Colorado's processes in:
ii. Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response.
iii. Precautions in Transporting Children, if applicable.
7. Trainings that are required to be completed -annually, to maintain the Level rating:
ome and Abusive Head Trauma.
iii. Mandatory Reporter Training.
iv. Standard Precautions.
v. Child Care and Preschool Immunization.
C. Level Reviews:
I
(January, April, July, and -October). Providers must su-hm-i-t all- complete d-ocumentatio-n at the same time.
The effective date of the
Colorado Department of Human Services Rules.
9-c -days.
fiance with the
Level -ratings may be good -for up to one year, depending -on the times a -n -d expiration dates, for the
individual requirements within each Level. The
maintain the -Level rating.
4.
Level must be kept current, to
ealed- by the provider and will be conducted within 15 days of the request
for appeal. The Director's decision on the appeal, +s final and not appealable to the Colorado
Department of Human Services.
5. The Department reserves the right to visit and audit provider records, as -applicable to this model,
at any time, with advance notice.
6.014.24 - Reduction in Level or Model Rating
l_t is the provider's -responsibility to notify the
reduction
calendar days of the provider's
have ninety (90)
calendar days- to- rectify the rating or the provider -will be reimbursed at the lowest level the provider is
eligible for.
6.014.3 - Child Care Provider Rates
t the provider charges its
6.014.31- Centers
The rates
Ages Birth to 6 Months
Level
Full Time
4
$39.23
j
$41.19
_J
$43.25
$46.93
3
J
$47.68
Ages 6 to 12 Months
Level
1
2
Full -Time
$39.23
$41.19
$43.25
$46.93
$47.68
Ages 12 to 18 Months
Level
Full Time
$39.23
$41.19
$43.25
$48.45
$48.45
Ages 18 to 24 Months
Level
4
Full Time
$35.53
$37.31
$40.85
$50.33
$50.33
Ages 24 to 30 Months
Level
1
=1
Full Time
$35.53
$37.31
$39.17
$41.13
$43.19
Ages 30 to 36 Months
Level
_y
Full -Time
$35.53
$37.31
$39.17
$41.13
$43.19
Ages 36 to School Age
Level
4
Full -Time
$29.04
$30.49
$32.04
$34.73
5
$35.30
Schaal Age
Level
Full -Time
I
$31.39
$31.39
$38.82
$39.87
$39.87
( Policy of
6.014.32 Licensed Homes
The rates
Ages Birth to 6 Months
�slf6y-of 3-15-2017 )
Level
Full -Time
-I
$48.48
;'
$ 50.90
$53.45
$56.12
$58.93
Ages 6 to 12 Months
Level
Full -Time
4
$48.48
2
$50.90
$53.45
_;.
$56.12
$58.93
Level
Full Time
I
$48.48
$50.90
$ 53.45
$56.12
$58.93
Level
I
Full Time
S35.48
$35.48
$41.22
$47.48
c
P
Ages 24 to 30 Months
Level
I
2-
3
4
Full Time
$31.09
$32.64
$34.28
$37.69
$37.79
Ages 30 to 36 Months
Level
I
a
Full -Time
$31.09
$32.64
$34.28
$37.69
$37.79
Ages 36 to School Age
Full Time
$26.53
$29.61
$34.55
$34.55
School Age
Level
I
5
Full Time
$25.27
$26..53
$27.86
$-2-x-.89
$30.72
6.014.33 Qualified Homes
Ages Birth to 6 Months
Level
Full Time
1
$-2€66
$28.00
$29.40
$30.87
$32.41
Ages 6 to 12 Months
Level
Full -Time
112_6,46
$29.40
$ 30.87
5
Ages 12 to 18 Months
Level
$32.41
4
2
Full -Time
$26.66
$28.00
$29.40
$30.87
$32.41
Ages 18 to 24 Months
Level
Full -Time
$20,06
$21.07
$22.12
$23.23
$24.39
Ages 24 to 30 Months
Level
f
Ages 30 to 36 Months
Full -Time
$17.65
$18.53
$19.46
$ 20.43
$21.45
Full -Time
$17.65
$18.53
$19.46
$ 20.43
$21.45
Ages 36 to School Age
Level
Full
Time
-1-
$15.55
2
$16.33
$17.14
$18.00
$18.90
School Age
Level
Full Time
4
$15.55
2
$16.33
$17.11
$18.00
S
$18.90
6.014.34 Registration, Activity and Transportation
activity fees for children eighteen (18) months and older and $2 per day for
charge private -pay families these
same fees -if:
B. Registration. The Department will not pay registration fees for care.
6.014.35 Absences and Holidays
computation Tar licensed
e{24) absent days and six (6) holidays.
6.014.36 - Provider Part -Time Daily Rates
The provider part time daily rate is calculated at 55% of the full time daily rate. Rates will be roundedtip
to the highest cent.
6.014.37 - Special Needs Rates
Provioers caring for a disabled chilc can be reimburses up to two times the regular reimbursement rate.
Disabled child is defined in Section 3.9 of the Colorado Department of l -human Services, Staff Manual
Volume 3.
A.
B. Retroactive payments for child care greater than the current month plus two preceding months
for such retroactive payments may be made when there is an on behalf of the
caretaker or provider or there is a Department error. Under no circumstances will payments be made
retroactively for a period longer than the current month plus five pr � th-s less the need f
backdating payment is solely the result of a Department error.
C. Decisions concerning pc
be oecieed on a case by case basis. T
the current month plus two preceding months will
recommendations on all requests for provider payments greater than the current month plus two
Administrator or designee
Welfare Child Care, the
on all requests for provider
payments greater than the current month plus two preceding months. The Child Welfare Division
Manager or designee
ent.
t
w bi
i-ng information for a
iting purposes.
Centers Rates
(Exhibit A)
Full -Time Daily Rates
Ages 0 Months -6 Months
Level Base Rate
Non -Traditional Special Needs
Hour Rate Rate
1 $39 23
2 $41 19
3 $43 25
4 $46 93
5 $47 68
Ages 6 Months -12 Months
Level Base Rate
$58 85
$61 79
$64 88
$70 40
$71 52
$78 46
$82 38
$86 50
$93 86
$95 36
Non -Traditional Special Needs
Hour Rate Rate
1 $39 23
2 $41 19
3 $43 25
4 $46 93
5 $47 68
Ages 12 Months -18 Months
Level Base Rate
$58 85
$61 79
$64 88
$70 40
$71 52
$78 46
$82 38
$86 50
$93 86
$95 36
Non -Traditional Special Needs
Hour Rate Rate
1 $39 23
2 $41 19
3 $43 25
4 $48 45
5 $48 45
Ages 18 Months -24 Months
Level Base Rate
$58 85
$61 79
$64 88
$72 68
$72 68
$78 46
$82 38
$86 50
$96 90
$96 90
Non -Traditional Special Needs
Hour Rate Rate
1 $35 53
2 $37 31
3 $40 85
4 $50 33
5 $50 33
Ages 24 Months -30 Months
Level Base Rate
$53 30
$55 97
$61 28
$75 50
$75 50
$71 06
$74 62
$81 70
$100 66
$100 66
Non -Traditional Special Needs
Hour Rate Rate
1 $35 53
2 $37 31
3 $3917
4 $41 13
$53 30
$55 97
$58 76
$61 70
$71 06
$74 62
$78 34
$82 26
5 $43 19
Ages 30 Months -36 Months
Level
Base Rate
$64 79
Non -Traditional
Hour Rate
$86 38
Special Needs
Rate
1
2
3
4
5
$35 53
$37 31
$39 17
$41 13
$43 19
Ages 3 Years up to School Age
$53 30
$55 97
$58 76
$61 70
$64 79
Non -Traditional
Level Base Rate Hour Rate
$71 06
$74 62
$78 34
$82 26
$86 38
Special Needs
Rate
1
2
3
4
5
$29 04
$30 49
$32 04
$34 73
$35 30
$43 56
$45 74
$48 06
$52 10
$52 95
$58 08
$60 98
$64 08
$69 46
$70 60
School Age Children in Centers and School Age Site Rates
(Exhibit B)
Full -Time Daily Rates
Non -Traditional Hour
Level Base Rate Rate
Special Needs
Rate
1 $31 39 $47 09
2 $31 39 $47 09
3 $38 82 $58 23
4 $39 87 $59 81
5 $39 87 $59 81
$62 78
$62 78
$77 64
$79 74
$79 74
Licensed Home Rates
(Exhibit C)
Full -Time Daily Rates
Ages 0 Months -6 Months
Non -Traditional
Level Base Rate Hour Rate
Special Needs
Rate
1
2
3
4
5
$48 48
$50 90
$53 45
$56 12
$58 93
Ages 6 Months -12 Months
$72 72
$76 36
$80 17
$84 18
$88 39
Non -Traditional
Level Base Rate Hour Rate
$96 96
$101 81
$106 90
$112 24
$117 86
Special Needs
Rate
1
2
3
4
5
$48 48
$50 90
$53 45
$56 12
$58 93
Ages 12 Months -18 Months
Level
Base Rate
$72 72
$76 36
$80 17
$84 18
$88 39
Non -Traditional
Hour Rate
$96 96
$101 81
$106 90
$112 24
$117 86
Special Needs
Rate
1
2
3
4
5
$48 48
$50 90
$53 45
$56 12
$58 93
Ages 18 Months -24 Months
$72 72
$76 36
$80 17
$84 18
$88 39
Non -Traditional
Level Base Rate Hour Rate
$96 96
$101 81
$106 90
$112 24
$117 86
Special Needs
Rate
1
2
3
4
5
$35 48
$35 48
$41 22
$47 48
$47 48
Ages 24 Months -30 Months
$53 22
$53 22
$61 83
$71 22
$71 22
Non -Traditional
Level Base Rate Hour Rate
$70 96
$70 96
$82 44
$94 96
$94 96
Special Needs
Rate
1
2
3
4
$31 09
$32 64
$34 28
$37 69
$46 64
$48 96
$51 42
'$56 54
$62 18
$65 28
$68 56
$75 38
5 $37 79
Ages 30 Months -36 Months
Level
Base Rate
$56 69
Non -Traditional
Hour Rate
$75 58
Special Needs
Rate
1
2
3
4
5
$31 09
$32 64
$34 28
$37 69
$37 79
Ages 3 Years up to School Age
Level
Base Rate
$46 64
$48 96
$51 42
$56 54
$56 69
Non -Traditional
Hour Rate
$62 18
$65 28
$68 56
$75 38
$75 58
Special Needs
Rate
1
2
3
4
5
School Age Rates
$25 27
$26 53
$29 61
$34 55
$34 55
$37 91
$39 80
$44 42
$51 83
$51 83
Non -Traditional
Level Base Rate Hour Rate
$50 54
$53 06
$59 22
$69 10
$69 10
Special Needs
Rate
i 1
2
3
4
5
$25 27
$26 53
$27 86
$29 89
$30 72
$37 91
$39 80
$41 79
$44 84
$46 08
$50 54
$53 06
$55 72
$59 78
$61 44
,
Qualified Rates
Full -Time Daily Rates
Ages 0 Months -18 Months
Non -Traditional Special Needs
Base Rate Hour Rate Rate
$23 00
$34 50 $46 00
Ages 18 Months -36 Months
Non -Traditional Special Needs
Base Rate Hour Rate Rate
$20 00
$30 00 $40 00
36 Months through School Age
Non -Traditional Special Needs
Base Rate Hour Rate Rate
$18 00
$27 00 $36 00
Exhibit D
Onboarding Incentive:
Age appropriate educational materials and supplies etc up to $250/per child Increased needs may be
submitted for approval by the Director of Human Services
Continued Professional Development:
Completion of professional development activities may lead to an incentive Upon completion of
professional development, REACH / Qualified Exempt Providers may submit a request for an
incentive Trainings may include 2Generation Engagement, Trauma Informed, Health and Safety, Early
Childhood Education, other related training may be approved on a case by case basis Verification of
completion, at a minimum, is required and is at the discretion of the REACH team Contingent upon the
type of training acquired, additional information may be required Upon approval, the cost of the
training, up to $100, may be reimbursed along with an incentive for completion
Continuity of Care for Children with Special Needs and/or Challenging Behaviors.
An incentive may be available to REACH / Qualified Exempt Providers who ensure children are able to
have stable'continuous care Providers may request $100 incentive every six months for the retention
of each child with special needs
Incentives are available to REACH / Qualified Exempt Providers who are caring for children with
challenging behaviors as identified by an Early Childhood Mental Health professional from North Range
Behavioral Health and/or the Health Department Consultant Providers who are implementing the
recommendations of the Early Childhood Mental Health professional and the Health Department
Consultant and may request $100 incentive every six months for the retention of each child with special
needs
Providers caring for children with additional care needs are also eligible under this category Additional
care needs includes a child who has a physical and/or mental disability and needs a higher level of care
on an individualized basis than that of his/her peers at the same age, or, who is under court supervision,
including a voluntary out -of -home placement prior to or subsequent to a petition review of the need for
placement (PRNP), and who has additional care needs identified by an individual health care plan (IHCP),
individual education plan (IEP), physician's/professional's statement, child welfare, or individualized
family service plan (IFSP)
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