Emergency rule amendments were filed on March 30, 2007 to allow the department to adjust reimbursement ceiling rates for providers of publicly funded child care effective May 1, 2007. These rates are the maximum reimbursement rates payable by county departments of Job and Family Services (CDJFS) to child care providers.

These adjusted rates are set at the 65th percentile of the rates reported in the 2006 market rate survey conducted by the Ohio State University Statistical Consulting Service. The number of market rate sectors has been changed from three to six which best represents counties with similar child care rate structures. Analysis of the 2006 market rate survey results demonstrated some categories of care for which the reimbursement ceiling rate should be lowered, however the department has chosen not to reduce any reimbursement ceiling rates at this time.

County departments of Job and Family Services (CDJFS) shall reimburse providers according to the adjusted reimbursement ceiling rates in amended rule 5101:2-16-41 for child care services that are provided on or after May 1, 2007.

Appendix A of rule 5101:2-16-41 is a chart showing reimbursement ceiling rates for each CDJFS to follow. Each chart contains the maximum reimbursement ceiling rates for the five types of providers who are either licensed or certified. Actual payment rates to these providers are based on individual contracts between the CDJFS and the provider.

Appendix A of rule 5101:2-16-41.1 is a chart with hourly rates for payments to Early Learning Initiative (ELI) providers. These rates are being changed to correspond to the adjusted maximum hourly reimbursement ceiling rates for subsidized child care. These payments are made by ODJFS.

The rules contained in this transmittal are:

Rule 5101:2-16-41 Reimbursement Rates for Providers of Publicly Funded Child Care. This rule has been amended to state that May 1, 2007 is the effective date for payment of the adjusted reimbursement rates for providers. The appendix has been amended to show the adjusted maximum reimbursement ceiling rates.

Rule 5101:2-16-41.1 Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Responsibilities for Reimbursement to Early Learning Initiative (ELI) Agencies. This rule has been amended to state that May 1, 2007 is the effective date for payment of the adjusted hourly reimbursement rates for ELI agencies. The appendix has been amended to show the adjusted hourly maximum reimbursement ceiling rates.

If you have questions, please contact the Help Desk for the Office for Children and Families at 1-866-886-3537, option 4.

The electronic version of the Child Care Manual is located at:

http://emanuals.jfs.ohio.gov. The manual contains all child care rules, forms, transmittal letters and procedure letters that the department has issued.

INSTRUCTIONS: The following chart identifies the materials that need to be removed from and inserted into the Child Care Manual (CCM).