TKW Consulting

Recommendations:
These recommendations are based on input provided by MLFCCA and MACSSA as well as information gathered by the Community Partnerships and Licensing Divisions.

1) Maintain current flexibility for counties in setting and implementing family childcare licensing and background study fees. This recommendation is based on the significant differences that exist between counties in population density, economic status of residents, local employment conditions, county administrative structures and the relationship between the availability of child care services and specific needs in the county.

2) Respond to providers' concerns related to the fees charged and the consistency of
implementing these fees by encouraging MACSSA to coordinate an informational communication piece that could be customized by each county and sent to family childcare providers that would include:

• Information about tasks and responsibilities involved in the licensing process to foster greater understanding of what providers are getting for their money(understanding the services and supports to providers, and protection for children).Some counties may choose to include the actual county costs associated with administering this process.
• A description of the process providers can use to request that licensing fees be reduced and/or waived in applicable counties.
• A summary of the fees charged for various aspects of the licensing process, including whether the background study fee covers all applicable individuals in the household, or is a per-person fee; whether the fees paid cover a one- or two year licensing period; whether there is a change of premise fee; and whether the county has a process to reduce or waive fees.
• A description of options available to providers for payment of licensing fees including, but not limited to, allowing providers to pay for a two-year license in annual installments; accepting credit card payments; allowing providers to pay the applicant fees on an installment basis for up to one year; and allowing providers receiving child care assistance payments from the state to have the fee deducted fromm their payments for up to one year. Counties would be reimbursed by the state forr fees collected in this manner.
• Information on Child Care Resource & Referral services available in the county, including resources which may assist providers with licensing and background study fees.