Background:
The Child Care Development Block Grant Act of 2014 requires each
state to complete a market rate survey (MRS) to be used in establishing rates
for publicly funded child care. In 2022, in accordance with Chapter 5104. of
the Ohio Revised Code, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS)
conducted the MRS through an electronic survey sent to all licensed providers
to capture rate data by age category and time served (i.e., full time, part
time, hourly). Cluster analysis identified three cluster groupings of rates
indicating three distinct, county-based, market rate structures in Ohio.
Implementation:
ODJFS implemented new rates for publicly funded child care based
on the 2022 MRS and federal guidance requiring base rates to be at or above the
25th percentile of the market. The new county categories and provider payment rates
were drawn from discretionary funds to pay for services provided on or after July
2, 2023. Listed below are the counties that changed payment categories.
Additionally, the new county categories and payment rates are on the attached
appendix.
County
| Current Cluster | 2023 Cluster |
Defiance
|
2
|
3
|
Fayette
|
1
|
2
|
Guernsey
|
1
|
2
|
Hancock
|
2
|
3
|
Holmes
|
2
|
3
|
Rule 5101:2-16-10 has been amended to update Appendix A with the
new rates.
Please contact the Child Care Policy Help Desk at
1-877-302-2347, option 4, if you have any questions.