This letter explains our paper transmittal reduction plan that will reduce, but not eliminate, the number of paper transmittals and their attachments that are distributed. In conjunction with an agency-wide change in the method for distribution of rules and other hard-copy publications, the Bureau of Child Care and Development will no longer automatically issue hard-copies of final rules and forms to child care providers. In addition to the department's initiative, recent changes in legislation have amended Ohio Revised Code 5104.011(J) to require that the department provide copies of adopted rules to each licensee prior to the effective date of the rule in either paper or electronic form. This policy has already been implemented for non-providers who are holders of the Child Care Manual.

We will transition into the new plan between now and July 1, 2004. During this period of transition, providers will be asked to complete the attached form to select the format in which they wish to receive future program updates relating to the licensing of child care centers and Type A Homes.

Providers will only receive the applicable program updates. Format options are explained below.

Option 1, Standard Distribution. This option is for providers who have Internet access and is the most efficient method of distribution. Providers will receive e-mail notification of program updates during the week that they are published. The e-mail will include links to the electronic manuals and to the Legal/Policy Central Calendar. The Legal/Policy Central Calendar provides a daily list of handbook and/or transmittal letter issuances with links to the electronic manuals site and to printer-friendly (Acrobat) versions of the documents. Electronic notices will normally be received within 5 business days of the director's signature.

Visit the Legal/Policy Central Calendar site at: http://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/lpc/calendar/ and the Electronic Manuals site at: http://emanuals.jfs.ohio.gov/family/CCM/.

Option 2, Paper Distribution. This is the current system used for paper distributions and is for providers who do not have Internet access. Providers will receive paper notices, i.e., CCMTLs and CCMPLs, of applicable program updates which will be limited to a summary of the changes to rules, handbooks and/or policies without attachments. Paper notices will normally be received within 10-15 business days of the director's signature. Providers wanting the complete program update (paper notice with attachments) will have to request that information using the JFS 03400 "Service Provider Update Request Form" which will be included in the transmittal letter notice.

To select the format in which you wish to receive child care program updates, complete and submit one copy of the attached JFS 01988 "Registration for Child Care Program Updates" by June 1, 2004. A copy of the form should be filed in the Appendix section of the Child Care Manual for future reference if updates to the registration are needed.

For questions about this letter, please contact the Child Care Licensing Section at (614) 466-3822.