FY15 Aspirational Budget
Presentation to the Fiscal Committee
November 8, 2013
EEC State Budget History
$560
$553.43
(Amount in Millions)
$540
$537.23
$520
$509.28
$508.59
$500
$495.97
$495.18
$480
$460
$479.22
$462.16
$440
FY2006
2
$505.35
FY2007
FY2008
FY2009
FY2010
FY2011
FY2012
FY2013
FY2014
FY14 EEC Budget
Line Item
Descriptor
FY14 GAA
3000-1000
Administration
$ 12,844,972
3000-2000
3000-3000
3000-3050
Access Management
$
5,873,862
$
250,000
$ 76,991,445
3000-4050
3000-4060
Innovative curriculum in preschool programs
Supportive
TANF Related Child Care
Income Eligible Child Care
$ 128,063,499
$ 222,840,742
3000-4065
Early Education Provider Quality Enhancements
$
3000-4070
Waitlist Remediation
$ 15,000,000
3000-5000
Grants to Head Start
$
8,100,000
3000-5075
UPK
$
7,500,000
3000-6075
Mental Health
$
750,000
3000-7050
Services for Infants and Parents
$ 18,164,890
3000-7070
Reach Out and Read
$
1599-0500
XXXX-XXXX
Caseload Study
Salary Rate Reserve
$
500,000
$ 11,500,000
150,000
800,000
$ 509,329,410
3
Strategic Plan Context
The presentation of the FY14 budget request is in the context of
the EEC Strategic Plan.
QUALITY: Create and implement a system to improve and
support quality statewide.
WORKFORCE: Create a workforce system that maintains
worker diversity and provides resources, supports, expectations,
and core competencies that lead to the outcomes we want for
children.
ACCESS: Increase and promote family support, access, and
affordability. All preschool children have access to high quality
pre-kindergarten programs that meet family needs.
ACCESS / TRANSPORTATION: All preschool children have
access to high quality pre-kindergarten programs that meet
family needs.
INFRASTRUCTURE: Build the internal infrastructure to support
achieving the vision.
4
Ongoing Needs
We have many ongoing needs to consider, as follows:
5
1.
Investment in Field Quality: Prior to the Consolidated Net
Surplus (CNS) rate increase proposed for FY14, there had not
been a rate increase since March 2009, which was less than 1%.
The increase will add about $.78 to each of the rates, but this is
still low and inadequate.
2.
Access for Children: Voucher access opened in October 2013;
it had been closed since February 2011. While we are placing
approximately 3,300 children in new vouchers, the waitlist
remains around 40,000.
3.
Quality Programs: Investments in quality initiatives and
programs must be sustained.
4.
Transportation: Funding is needed to support the cost of
transportation in the field. The last transportation rate increase
was May 2006.
5.
Staffing to Support Historical Deficit in Licensing, Monitoring,
and Program Management.
Rate Increase
Key findings of the recently completed Market Rate Survey are:
6

Prices for center-based care and family child care are highest in
the Metro, Boston and Northeastern regions.

Reimbursement rates are significantly below the 75th price
percentiles for all age groups in all regions of the state.

Consistent with 2010 results, prices decreased significantly in
center-based settings as the age of the child increases, while
prices in family child care settings decrease less as the age of
child increases.

The price changes for family child care since 2010 were less
significant than those from 2008-2010 reported in the last market
price survey.

A comparison of EEC after-school rates and market prices finds
that reimbursement rates are below the 75th price percentiles in
all regions and are below the 50th percentiles in all regions,
except for the Western Region.

EEC rates are above the 25th percentile for after-school care in
only three regions.
Results of Market Price Survey
Center Based Child Care
Region
Western
Central
Northeastern
Metro
Southeastern
Boston
Age Group
EEC Rate
25th
Percentile
30th
Percentile
40th
Percentile
50th
Percentile
60th
Percentile
75th
Percentile
Infant
$47.90
$47.13
$47.65
$50.00
$51.93
$53.00
$55.75
Toddler
$43.20
$43.30
$44.00
$45.60
$47.25
$49.80
$53.50
Preschool
$33.40
$34.75
$35.00
$37.00
$38.00
$39.00
$44.06
Infant
$49.20
$50.00
$51.64
$54.00
$55.00
$56.00
$59.50
Toddler
$44.20
$45.59
$47.00
$49.00
$50.80
$52.00
$58.75
Preschool
$33.40
$36.87
$37.91
$40.00
$41.00
$44.00
$45.50
Infant
$54.95
$56.00
$60.03
$64.98
$68.40
$70.20
$76.00
Toddler
$52.85
$54.00
$55.90
$55.90
$62.35
$65.89
$70.00
Preschool
$36.70
$39.90
$40.00
$44.00
$47.00
$50.56
$59.70
Infant
$59.50
$67.85
$69.90
$72.93
$75.00
$78.65
$85.86
Toddler
$52.85
$60.00
$62.00
$64.88
$70.20
$73.83
$80.70
Preschool
$36.70
$50.00
$51.75
$55.00
$58.55
$62.00
$67.77
Infant
$47.90
$50.00
$50.00
$50.00
$55.00
$56.40
$64.58
Toddler
$44.20
$46.00
$48.00
$49.00
$50.00
$50.00
$58.95
Preschool
$33.40
$37.00
$37.50
$40.00
$42.00
$45.91
$51.00
Infant
$54.55
$53.03
$54.77
$57.44
$66.51
$69.45
$75.36
Toddler
$48.40
$50.50
$52.00
$53.35
$60.00
$64.06
$71.40
Preschool
$36.70
$37.50
$39.00
$41.60
$47.20
$50.73
$56.40
The “percentile” column is the percentage of providers in the PCG sample for those who answered the survey that
would accept the EEC rate based on the published rate for that region and age group.
7
Results of Market Price Survey
Family Child Care
Region
Western
Central
Northeastern
Metro
Southeastern
Boston
8
Age Group
EEC Rate
25th
Percentile
50th
Percentile
75th
Percentile
EEC Market
Access Rate
Infant
$30.10
$32.00
$35.00
$40.00
22.1%
Toddler
$30.10
$30.00
$35.00
$40.00
33.3%
Preschool
$26.40
$30.00
$35.00
$40.00
9.5%
Infant
$31.80
$33.00
$40.00
$45.00
17.1%
Toddler
$31.80
$32.00
$40.00
$45.00
24.5%
Preschool
$26.40
$30.00
$40.00
$45.00
9.3%
Infant
$31.50
$34.25
$45.00
$50.05
18.5%
Toddler
$31.50
$32.50
$44.00
$54.37
22.8%
Preschool
$27.85
$30.00
$40.00
$50.00
15.4%
Infant
$34.35
$45.00
$56.50
$65.00
3.8%
Toddler
$34.35
$41.50
$55.00
$65.00
8.5%
Preschool
$27.85
$41.50
$55.00
$65.25
8.1%
Infant
$31.80
$35.00
$40.00
$45.00
8.1%
Toddler
$31.80
$35.00
$40.00
$45.00
17.6%
Preschool
$26.40
$30.00
$38.00
$54.75
3.7%
Infant
$31.50
$32.00
$40.00
$54.50
17.4%
Toddler
$31.50
$30.00
$40.00
$51.50
31.1%
Preschool
$27.85
$30.00
$38.00
$53.88
11.5%
Results of Market Price Survey
Out of School
Region
Western
Central
Northeastern
Metro
Southeastern
Boston
9
Age Group
Before School
After School
Full Day Holiday
Full Day Summer
Before School
After School
Full Day Holiday
Full Day Summer
Before School
After School
Full Day Holiday
Full Day Summer
Before School
After School
Full Day Holiday
Full Day Summer
Before School
After School
Full Day Holiday
Full Day Summer
Before School
After School
Full Day Holiday
Full Day Summer
EEC Rate
$7.25
$15.25
$30.70
$30.70
$7.25
$15.25
$30.70
$30.70
$7.70
$17.05
$31.75
$31.75
$7.90
$17.50
$32.65
$32.65
$7.25
$15.25
$30.70
$30.70
$7.90
$17.50
$32.65
$32.65
25th
Percentile
$6.77
$14.16
$29.00
$30.00
$7.63
$14.00
$33.00
$27.60
$11.60
$17.55
$30.75
$36.00
$8.75
$18.68
$28.60
$31.80
$9.75
$17.00
$30.00
$30.00
$7.95
$15.70
$22.08
$28.75
50th
75th
Percentile Percentile
$8.00
$10.00
$15.00
$18.50
$30.70
$34.00
$33.45
$35.25
$9.97
$10.92
$18.68
$21.00
$35.00
$42.04
$35.00
$36.49
$20.00
$42.00
$21.60
$24.95
$40.00
$50.00
$44.00
$50.00
$11.13
$32.42
$22.15
$27.00
$49.50
$64.15
$41.00
$52.50
$16.75
$19.06
$19.00
$25.00
$38.00
$40.00
$35.00
$38.00
$8.80
$9.50
$19.00
$22.00
$30.00
$37.50
$31.77
$40.75
EEC Market
Access Rate
34.6%
60.0%
50.0%
37.1%
21.4%
28.7%
18.5%
33.5%
4.1%
22.1%
26.1%
16.7%
19.3%
12.0%
27.1%
26.2%
4.7%
13.5%
27.0%
29.3%
16.6%
30.7%
68.2%
51.3%
RATE INCREASE
FY14 Consolidated Net Increase



10
EEC has received $11.5M as part of the Consolidated Net Surplus
(CNS) to dedicate to an across the board rate increase for all
center based, family child care providers, and family child care
systems.
This is roughly a raise of $.78 on the daily rate.
The rate increase will be retroactive to July 1, 2013.
RATE INCREASE
Rate Increase: $13,657,652

The cost of a 3% rate increase as a separate cost for each of the
caseload accounts is as follows:
IE: $7,274,381
 DTA: $4,031,960
 DCF: $2,351,311

11

This is the equivalent of an $.82 addition to the daily rate.

Prior to the rate increase to be implemented this year, the last
rate increase was March 2009 when we gave .45%.

We will implement the same policy for the rate increase as used
in FY09: “This increase shall be directed to expenditures for
salaries, benefits, and stipends for professional development of
early education and care workers or other programmatic quality
improvements.”
ACCESS: DCF
3000-3050
For supportive early education and care services; provided, that
funds from this item shall only be expended for early education
and care costs of children with active cases at the department of
children and families; provided further, that the department of
early education and care, in collaboration with the department of
children and families, shall maintain a centralized list detailing
the number of children eligible for services in this item, the
number of supportive slots filled and the number of supportive
slots available; provided further, that funds may be used to
provide services during a transition period of 6 months for
families upon the closure of their case; and provided further,
that all children eligible for services under this item shall receive
those services ............$76,991,445
12
ACCESS: DCF
DCF Supportive Child Care:
13

Provides child care for children with active protective cases with DCF –
predominantly for “intact” families; limited access for foster families.

FY2013: $78M, serving approximately 5,000 to 5,500 children.

DCF determines family’s child care needs and manages authorizations,
referrals and waiting lists through area offices.

EEC manages procurement of services, administration, payment, and
contract oversight from their central office.

Supportive Providers manage enrollment, process authorizations and
reauthorizations, and terminations

Current access is through a network of Supportive Child Care contracts
awarded in 2010.

Standard provider rate includes $17.22/day add-on, per child, to support
transportation and case management services.
ACCESS: DCF
EEC currently manages DCF child care through contracted and expansion
slots.
14
EEC Contracted & Expansion
Slots
Current Status (as of 11/5/13)
EEC awarded 4,753 DCF slots to
Contracted Providers
4,407 (93% filled)
801 expansion units available
for use
787 (98% filled)
5,554 slots available in total
5,194 (93.52% filled)

The DCF waitlist is maintained by 29 Area Offices which periodically report
the waitlist number via Survey Monkey.

Most recent report shows approximately 625 children on the “placement
waitlist”.

DCF has 22,000 open cases and believes that a large percentage of these
open cases would receive child care if it were available.

Questions for consideration are: How can we determine true need? How
can access be improved?
ACCESS: DCF
In 2012, DCF served 22,593 children, in home, kinship, foster home, IFC,
and residential programs.
Age
Home
Kinship
Foster
Home
IFC
Residential
Totals
0-2 yrs
5,145
539
713
80
1
6,478
3-5 yrs
5,064
470
463
147
3
6,147
6-11 yrs
8,445
591
447
311
174
9,968
18,654
1,600
1,623
538
178
22,593
Total

15
Questions for consideration are: How can we determine true need? How
can access be improved?
ACCESS: DCF

How can we determine true need? How can access be improved?

EEC supports the construction of a credible DCF waitlist to build a long term
financing model to support the need represented by the waitlist.

We further support financing that supports DCF’s best estimate that satisfies
their near term need.
Cost of Waitlist Reduction by Average Cost Per Child
Number of Children
16
Supportive
5,000
$
66,188,112
10,000
$
132,376,223
15,000
$
198,564,335
20,000
$
264,752,447
ACCESS: DCF

How can we determine true need? How can access be improved?

EEC supports the construction of a credible DCF waitlist to build a long term
financing model to support the need represented by the waitlist.

We further support financing that supports DCF’s best estimate that satisfies their
near term need.

In the absence of a credible waitlist number, but aware of the need, EEC proposes a
pilot program which makes vouchers available to all contract providers.

The vouchers will be managed by EEC and will be given to providers who can prove
the need to provide service to a DCF child above their contract allocation.

A particular emphasis will be on the delivery of these vouchers to children in Western
Massachusetts.

We propose serving 500 children at a cost of $6,618,810.
Cost of Waitlist Reduction by Average Cost Per Child
Number of Children
17
Supportive
500
$
6,618,810
1,000
$
13,237,620
1,500
$
19,856,430
2,000
$
26,475,240
ACCESS: DTA

18
EEC recommends that we fund this account in FY15 at the proposed
maintenance level of $ 134,398,656.
ACCESS: Income Eligible (IE)
Cost of Waitlist Reduction by Average
Cost
Number of Children
5,0 0 0
$
4 3 ,2 2 3 ,8 8 5
10 ,0 0 0
$
8 6 ,4 4 7,76 9
2 0 ,0 0 0
$
172 ,8 9 5,53 9
4 0 ,0 0 0
$
3 4 5,79 1,0 77
FY2013 Average Cost
Inco me Elig ib le
Inf ant
$
11,3 12 .3 1
T o d d ler
$
10 ,4 3 2 .4 1
Pr e- Scho o l
$
7,6 18 .6 1
Scho o l A g e
$
5,2 15.78
$
8 ,6 4 4 .78
F Y 2 0 13 A ver ag e C o st
Cost of Waitlist Reduction by Age Group
1000
2000
3000
Inco me Elig ib le
19
We offer choosing a
number of children to
serve or serving a
particular age group.
EEC proposes serving
5,000 children at a cost
of $43,223,885.
Inco me Elig ib le
Inf ant
$
11,3 12 ,3 0 9
$
T o d d ler
$
10 ,4 3 2 ,4 10
Pr e- Scho o l
$
Scho o l A g e
$
2 2 ,6 2 4 ,6 18
4000
5000
$ 3 3 ,9 3 6 ,9 2 6
$ 4 5,2 4 9 ,2 3 5
$
56 ,56 1,54 4
$ 2 0 ,8 6 4 ,8 2 0
$
3 1,2 9 7,2 3 0
$ 4 1,72 9 ,6 3 9
$ 52 ,16 2 ,0 4 9
7,6 18 ,6 0 6
$
15,2 3 7,2 13
$
2 2 ,8 55,8 19
$ 3 0 ,4 74 ,4 2 5
$ 3 8 ,0 9 3 ,0 3 2
5,2 15,78 3
$
10 ,4 3 1,56 5
$
15,6 4 7,3 4 8
$ 2 0 ,8 6 3 ,13 1
$ 2 6 ,0 78 ,9 14
Caseload Waitlist 11/2012 - 10/2013
Priority
Child of Foster Care
Child of Homeless family
Child of Military Personnel
Child of Teen Parent
Child with Special Needs
Continuity of Care: Prior Year Summer Only
Continuity of Care: Aging Out
Continuity of Care: Approved Break in Service
Continuity of Care: ARRA
Continuity of Care: Geographic Relocation
Continuity of Care: Homeless Contract
Continuity of Care: Supportive Referral
Continuity of Care: Teen Parent Contract
General Priority
Grandparent/Guardian Families
No Priority - Other Family Member
Parent with Special Needs
Sibling: Contract
Sibling: Voucher
Summer only care
N/A
Grand Total
11/30/12 12/31/12 01/31/13 02/28/13 3/28/13 4/30/13 5/28/13 6/30/13 7/31/2013 8/30/13 9/26/13 10/30/13
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
276
282
288
290
285
289
299
305
169
180
194
196
520
536
558
566
576
591
609
641
454
458
487
479
101
105
116
116
123
117
90
91
68
44
43
49
477
481
489
513
507
523
525
556
365
389
423
414
2,117
2,198
2,234
2,291
2,355
2,442
2,524
2,615
1,776
1,893
1,922
1,816
120
135
149
161
164
167
173
177
139
151
163
157
409
411
402
398
399
404
414
416
205
248
274
253
442
451
470
473
482
490
523
585
484
493
530
502
146
149
148
146
141
142
143
141
51
54
60
52
182
186
198
201
207
221
222
224
145
154
161
159
25
27
29
32
31
30
37
35
29
30
29
29
269
279
288
296
308
324
352
371
256
265
284
280
32
32
28
27
28
28
29
30
16
18
22
24
39,470
40,431
41,722
42,588 43,315
44,861
45,970
47,737
32,881
34,266
35,725
34,708
541
547
565
566
576
584
609
632
349
344
350
345
282
295
314
327
338
363
393
422
357
381
411
401
805
806
805
807
807
823
840
837
436
424
426
381
654
672
714
729
771
788
804
850
737
753
792
775
788
804
833
845
870
815
792
797
544
566
542
435
899
893
919
923
958
1,024
1,074
1,233
853
856
863
879
556
541
523
518
509
501
500
495
4
6
16
14
48,555
49,720
51,269
52,295
53,241
55,026
56,422
Data Report created on October 30, 2013
** Excludes Unborn children, Children 13 or older, “0” zip codes and towns out of state
.
20
58,695
40,318
41,973
43,717
42,348
ACCESS
EEC Waitlist vs. IE Children Served
65,000
Reason for sharp
decline: Waitlist
adjusted to exclude
archived children
60,000
55,000
50,000
45,000
Waitlist
40,000
IE Children Served
35,000
30,000
25,000
21
Jul-13
Apr-13
Jan-13
Oct-12
Jul-12
Apr-12
Jan-12
Oct-11
Jul-11
20,000
Spike in July 09 is due to 3A to 3D transitional children from
DTA to IE.
Caseload Waitlist 11/2012 - 10/2013
Priority
Child of Foster Care
Child of Homeless family
Child of Military Personnel
Child of Teen Parent
Child with Special Needs
Continuity of Care: Prior Year Summer Only
Continuity of Care: Aging Out
Continuity of Care: Approved Break in Service
Continuity of Care: ARRA
Continuity of Care: Geographic Relocation
Continuity of Care: Homeless Contract
Continuity of Care: Supportive Referral
Continuity of Care: Teen Parent Contract
General Priority
Grandparent/Guardian Families
No Priority - Other Family Member
Parent with Special Needs
Sibling: Contract
Sibling: Voucher
Summer only care
N/A
Grand Total
Infant
15
49
5
173
47
1
2
4
3
6
2
20
2
4,568
20
23
14
195
144
5
5,298
Toddler
32
106
10
149
253
1
2
52
5
20
11
45
7
7,291
58
27
57
146
84
4
8,360
Data Report created on October 30, 2013
** Excludes Unborn children, Children 13 or older, “0” zip codes and towns out of state
22
PreSchool School Age
63
169
18
73
572
5
29
128
9
40
14
111
10
10,222
101
44
134
100
49
35
2
11,926
86
155
16
19
944
150
220
318
35
93
2
104
5
12,627
166
307
176
334
158
835
12
16,750
Total
October 30,
2013
196
479
49
414
1,816
157
253
502
52
159
29
280
24
34,708
345
401
381
775
435
879
14
42,348
ACCESS: IE

ACCESS: $43,223,885

EEC proposes that we should open up access for the waitlist on a
first come first serve basis.
There are presently 42,000 children on the waitlist.
We are presently serving just over 29,000 children in the IE
caseload account as of September’s reports.


23
Program Quality and Improvement
QUALITY PROGRAMS: $5,000,000

Massachusetts’ Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) has been
developed, funded, and implemented with full involvement of EEC’s
community partners and EEC staff.

MA has standards for quality in early education and care programs that are
research-based, broadly understood, successfully implemented, culturally
appropriate, and aligned with a quality-building support system.

Approximately 5,200 programs/providers are participating in QRIS,
representing half of our licensed programs. Additionally, we have 325 public
school programs (license-exempt) also participating in QRIS.

1,361 of these programs have been granted a Level 2 status, and 5 of these
programs are rated a Level 3 pending the successful completion of their
Environment Rating Scales (ERS) classroom observations.
QRIS Program
Type
ASOST
Center
FCC
Grand Total
24
Western
Central
Northeast
South East/
Metro
127
326
691
1144
117
309
851
1277
219
350
1497
2066
215
475
522
1212
155
356
907
1418
Program Quality and Improvement
139, 090 children (full and part time) are enrolled in a QRIS rated program (self-reported
by program/provider):





Infants: 7,480
Toddlers: 19,082
Preschoolers: 67,414
Kindergarteners: 5,430
School Aged Children: 39,684
44,037 of these children are on EEC Subsidies (contracted or voucher slots)
Licensed capacity of program participating in QRIS is 138,133 (enrollment exceeds
capacity because a full time slot may be utilized by more than one child on a part time
basis.)

FCC: 26,564

Small Group: 135

Infant: 4,781

Toddler: 7,960

Preschool: 44,737

Kindergarten: 610

School Age: 32,708

Infant Toddler Mixed: 5,561

Toddler/Preschool Mixed: 2,853

Preschool Mixed: 8,235

Kindergarten/School Aged Mixed: 3,989
25
Program Quality and Improvement
Percent of Preschool Classrooms Meeting the ERS Standards for Quality Care*
26

84% percent of classrooms observed averaged an overall score in the good to excellent
range.

Research has indicated that classrooms meeting the good benchmark on the ERS are
significantly more likely to have a positive impact on children’s outcomes.

Over ¾ of classrooms averaged a score in the good to excellent range for the Space and
Furnishings, Language, Interactions, Program Structures and Parents and Staff Subscales
(as found in the vast majority of studies, programs did struggle with meeting the standards
for Personal Care Routines. Programs also had difficulty meeting standards for the Activities
Subscales).
* based on 207 preschool classrooms in QRIS programs that have applied for Level 3 in MA are higher in quality in comparison
to other studies of quality child in care.
Program Quality and Improvement
SUCCESS
Results from the first ERS classroom observations indicate that programs that have
applied for a Level 3 status are of higher quality than the standard quality found in the general
population of child care programs. This includes findings from MA specific studies, including
the Boston Quality Inventory and the MA School Readiness Study. It is important to note that
programs still need support in the areas of personal care routines and in providing children
with a variety of play activities for a meaningful quantity of classroom time.
Maintaining a Strong Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) requires ongoing support for:
• Planning and Design
• Standards
• Approaches to Implementation
• Accountability and Monitoring
• Provider Support and Sustainability
• Data Collection and Evaluation
• Public Awareness
27
Program Quality and Improvement
Accountability and Monitoring
Development of Inter-Rater Reliability Protocols - $500,000
Standards and accountability are necessary, but not sufficient to generate quality
improvement. An essential element of a QRIS is the support offered to QRIS support
staff (Program Quality Specialists, EPS Grantees, CCR&R Grantees, coaches and
mentors, etc.) to ensure consistent quality of the QRIS standards as well as the
reporting of program QRIS levels to the consumer. Development of inter-rater
reliability protocols will allow EEC to contract with an experienced vendor to:




28
Create consistent delivery of QRIS technical assistance.
Build a uniform practice for program/provider site visits and monitoring.
Create a system for standardized application verification.
Maintain on-going monitoring, guidance and quality checks.
Program Quality and Improvement
Environment Rating Scale (ERS) Classroom Observations - $500,000
The Environment Rating Scales is a research backed instrument that has been used
to measure program quality for over two decades. Classroom observation facilitated
by an ERS Reliable Rater is a vital component of the MA QRIS, accounting for
measurement of 8 CBSB standards, 9 FCC standards, and 13 ASOST standards.
Programs that self-assess in the upper tiers of the system are held accountable for
quality through successful completion of a classroom/program observation by a
certified ERS Reliable Rater.
Family Child Care QRIS Validation Study - $1,000,000
EEC has initiated a QRIS Validation Study with CBSB programs; however, we
delayed inclusion of FCC providers in order to allow them adequate time to move
into the upper tiers of QRIS. Validation of the MA QRIS for our FCC providers will
determine:
• Whether the system’s tiers (levels) accurately reflect different levels of quality.
• Whether the levels of quality are aligned with Center Based/School Based
•
29
program quality.
To what extent those levels of quality are associated with children’s learning
and developmental growth trajectories.
Program Quality and Improvement
Provider Support and Sustainability
QRIS Professional Development - $2,500,000
Professional Development requirements are a key component to MA QRIS, accounting for the
measurement method of 21 CBSB standards, 12 FCC standards and 15 ASOST standards. Despite
the strong link between early childhood educator qualifications and improved child outcomes, the
capacity to educate all MA early childhood educators and providers remains one of the largest
challenges for program movement toward the upper tiers of QRIS.
QRIS exemptions for Professional
Development and Workforce Requirements
have been, and continue to remain,
a consistent request from programs
and providers.
Highest Level of Education
November 4, 2013
7,085
11,928 3,753
17,797
7,719
30
16,299
1,150
16,141
Some High
School
High School
CDA
Ongoing training and support are essential to the knowledge, acquisition, and continued growth of
early childhood educators and providers. Increased support for QRIS professional development will
allow EEC to:
• Develop standardized QRIS orientations for each of the QRIS levels (1-4).
• Offer regional trainings that are essential in understanding QRIS measurement methods.
• Offer content specific trainings that support the five QRIS categories.
• Adapt professional development opportunities to an on-line format, thereby supporting
a greater number of educators and providers for a lower cost.
• Develop an on-line platform to host QRIS professional development resources
and trainings.
Program Quality and Improvement
Data Collection and Evaluation
QRIS Data System - $500,000
Data collection plays a fundamental role in informing policy development. Accurate
data collection is imperative to the creation of strong policy that supports children
and families. The rapid roll-out and growth of the MA QRIS, along with impending
revisions to the system, has resulted in an antiquated data collection system.
Enhancement of the data collection system will allow:
• A more efficient user-friendly experience for programs and providers
participating in QRIS.
• Better tracking of program/provider application status
• Quicker follow through from QRIS support staff.
• Better reporting to local, state and federal partners on QRIS participation levels,
progress toward the upper tiers of QRIS, teacher/provider education levels,
attendance at professional development opportunities, the number of high risk
children served in high quality programs.
• A clearer understanding of the successes and challenges of QRIS participants.
• A simple platform for parents and families to understand and find quality child
care.
31
TRANSPORTATION COST
In June 2012 the Board voted as follows:
Subject to a supplemental budget appropriation the Board
approves an increased transportation provider reimbursement
rate of $16.51 for round trip transportation and $11.11 for oneway transportation for all infants, toddlers, and preschool age
children with the requirement that, if the recommended
reimbursement rate increase is funded, entities that receive
transportation payment from EEC for infants, toddlers, and
preschool age children must dedicate one adult monitor on all
vehicles. The transportation rate of $9.00 per day round trip and
$6.00 per day for one way transportation will remain in effect for
all transportation providers that transport school age children.
32
TRANSPORTATION


33
TRANSPORTATION: $17,586,713
The last transportation rate increase was in May 2006 when the
one way rate increased from $5 to $6 and the round trip rate
increased from $7.50 to $9.00.

The rate of $16.51 per round trip makes providers whole for the
staff time already directed to satisfying the following
recommendations:
 Management Responsibility
 Parent Notification
 Passenger Logs
 Secondary Vehicle Inspection

AND places an adult monitor on vehicles based on the number of
children, ages, and length of routes.

Vehicle monitoring devices will not be required.
TRANSPORTATION COST
An increase in the transportation cost would support the following
expenses at roughly the percentages shown.









34
Driver Expenses: 34.7%
Monitor Expenses: 23.1%
Gas and Maintenance: 24.9%
• Note that the sum for driver, monitor, and gas and
maintenance expense is 82.7% of the total
Equipment: 3.4%
Insurance: 3.7%
Training: .9%
Contract Services: 3.1%
Other: .2%
Admin Expenses: 5.8%
INFRASTRUCTURE COST
In November, 2010, the Board recommended the staffing pattern presented below.
Salary
Child Care Licensing Specialist *
$50,265
16
Director of Operations
$85,276
1
Director of Community Partnership and
Outreach
$75,000
1
$75,000
$76,000
$61,303
$61,303
$61,303
$61,303
$59,292
1
1
1
1
2
2
3
29
Director of Policy, Evaluation & Research
Deputy General Counsel
Policy Analyst - QRIS **
Policy Analyst - Generalist
Family/Community Quality Specialist
Educator Provider Support Specialist
Audit Resolution: Fiscal Monitor ***
Total FY15
* Licensing Specialists; priority to fill positions
** Position funded in RTTT; will end 12/2015.
*** One postion funded by Federal Grant RTTT
35
Board
Rec'd FTE
INFRASTRUCTURE: How Have We Done?
36

Child Care Licensing Specialist (16): We are in the process of hiring 5 licensing
specialists, but this does not bring us to 16.

Chief of Staff (1): Just hired this position in October 2013.

Direct of Community Partnership and Outreach (1): Position not filled; need
currently being assessed.

Director of Policy, Evaluation, and Research (1): Hired Carol Nolan as Director of
Policy in February 2013.

Deputy General Counsel (1): Hired Felicia Sullivan in September 2013.

Policy Analyst – QRIS (1): Presently funded through RTTT. The position ends
12/31/15.

Policy Analyst – Generalist (1): This position is filled.

Family / Community Quality Specialist (2): One filled, the other is still needed.

Educator Provider Support Specialist (2): Not clear that we still need these
positions.

Audit Resolution - Fiscal Monitor (3): One position funded through RTTT which ends
12/2015.
INFRASTRUCTURE: FTE Update 2014

At the beginning of FY14 we had 153.45 approved FTEs. (We
have a discrepancy of .20 with ANF.)

Administration and Finance has approved eight (8) additional
positions as part of EEC’s FY14 budget:
•
•
•
•

37
Chief of Staff: Hired
Deputy General Counsel: Hired with early permission
Licensors (5): Positions posted
Caseload Budget Manager: Interviews in process
Our revised current FTE total is 161.65 (prior to hiring
fingerprinting staff).
INFRASTRUCTURE: Fingerprinting Update
Chapter 459 of the Acts of 2012 (as amended by Chapter 77 of the Acts of
2013):

Requires and authorizes EEC to conduct fingerprint-based checks of the
state and national criminal history databases.

Requires EEC to conduct Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI)
checks.

Effective September 1, 2013.
In this new process EEC will review:
38

SORI data (for all types of care).

FBI (fingerprint) data (for all types of care including
employees/volunteers/interns of EEC licensed and/or funded programs
and transportation providers but excludes informal relative caregivers).

CORI and DCF data (for family child care-related individuals, all
Licensees and Reviewers, and in home, non-relative care providers).
INFRASTRUCTURE: Fingerprinting Update

39
Because of the new responsibilities placed on EEC, Administration and
Finance has approved eleven (11) additional positions to fulfill EEC’s
responsibilities relative to fingerprinting as follows:
•
Program Coordinators (5): These positions will handle the
administrative aspect of the BRC process: tracking, updating, mailing,
and filing results. They will provide TA to programs and applicants.
•
Reviewers (5): These positions will review discretionary applications
and review rationales for decisions.
•
Application Developer: This position will build an enhanced database
and maintain the CORI / BRC databases.
INFRASTRUCTURE
FY15 Request for New Positions
FIELD STAFF

Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Field Operations (1): $80,000
•

Licensors (5): $57,000
•
40
The Deputy Director of Field Operations for EEC is responsible for the
management of the day to day operations of the licensing, policy
implementation, and regional office functions for a geographical area of
the Commonwealth. This management responsibility requires setting
priorities, deploying resources, directing and guiding agency direct
service staff, and assuring consistency in operations amongst regional
offices and licensing units. This management responsibility also includes
maintaining the integrity of the policy, licensing, investigations, and
regulatory compliance functions through monitoring and maintaining
effective internal controls and quality assurance processes.
The licensing specialists will provide support to the programs the agency
licenses in order to provide quality early learning environments for the
250,000 Massachusetts children the agency is responsible for. The
current caseload ratio for family child care licensors is 280 licenses to 1
licensor. In group child care the ratio is 104 licenses to 1 licensor. The
addition of 5 licensing staff will reduce the caseload ratios to
approximately 250 to 1 for family child care and 85 to 1 for group child
care. This would bring Massachusetts closer to the recommended
national standards of 75 to 1 for family child care and 50 to 1 for group
child care.
INFRASTRUCTURE
FY15 Request for New Positions
FINANCE UNIT

41
Fiscal and Grant Monitors / Auditors (2): $66,000
•
Ensure that funding awarded by EEC through grants is spent
according to the requirements of the grant, the terms and conditions
of the contract, and according to the applicable regulations of the
state oversight agency (Office of the State Comptroller, OSC) as well
as federal regulations.
•
Review grantee budgets and expenditures to ensure that the
requirements of the grants are met.
•
Conduct site visits to Contracted Providers and Child Care Resource
and Referral agencies to determine compliance with the
Commonwealth’s budgeting and pricing regulations and terms of the
provider’s/CCRR contract.
•
Conduct reviews of all contract provider and CCRR attendance and
billing policies and providers oversight to any potential double billing
occurrences.
INFRASTRUCTURE
FY15 Request for New Positions

42
Transportation Monitor (1): $54,000
•
Ensure that funding awarded by EEC for transportation services is
spent according to the requirements of the grant, the terms and
conditions of the contract, according to the applicable regulations of
the state oversight agency (Office of the State Comptroller, OSC),
Registry of Motor Vehicles and other federal regulations.
•
Monitor transportation subcontract agreement between EEC Contract
Providers, Child Care Resource and Referral agencies, and
transportation companies to ensure that the requirements of the
funding are met.
•
Conduct site visits and desk review with contracted providers and
Child Care Resource and Referral agencies to determine compliance
with Transportation polices and oversight plans, passenger logs,
billing, and attendance.
•
Oversight of training requirements, monitoring of drivers in the PQR,
and revision of policies as necessary.
INFRASTRUCTURE
FY15 Request for New Positions
POLICY UNIT

Director of Workforce and Special Projects (1): $73,000
•
•
•
•
43
Oversee the Educator and Provider Regional Partnerships, which
includes 5 Educator Provider Support (EPS) Regional grantees.
Plan monthly EPS grantee meetings and EPS Liaison meetings.
Supervise 3 EPS liaisons at Central Office and the Professional
Qualifications Unit which includes 3 Teacher Qualifications Specialists.
Coordinate and oversee all Professional Development opportunities
including the PD Calendar and PQ Registry.
INFRASTRUCTURE
FY15 Request for New Positions

Director of QRIS (1): $68,000
•
•
•
•

Program Quality Specialists (2): $65,000
•
•
44
Support the MA QRIS through analysis, project development,
implementation, fiscal oversight, coordination and communication.
Ensure that the five key elements of the MA QRIS are embedded in
standards, plans, and policies that guide QRIS development across
the mixed delivery system.
Facilitate monthly program Quality Specialist Unit meetings, including
development of agendas and assignments of QRIS related projects
and tasks.
Coordinate activities to produce RFP and other competitive bidding
processes required for the implementation of the MA QRIS. Design
public awareness and consumer education program to ensure families
are knowledgeable about QRIS.
Provide technical assistance to educators and providers in an assigned
region. Develop an understanding of unique community needs and act
as a liaison for programs, providers, schools, EPS grantees, and
Readiness Centers.
Review QRIS applications by programs and verify self-assessed level
of standards and documentation. In coordination with EEC regional
Licensors, conducts site visits to programs to provide technical
assistance for efforts to improve quality. Plan, prepare, and conduct
QRIS training sessions.
Cost of New Positions
FY15 ASPIRATIONAL BUDGET STAFFING
Total Funds
Needed
Salary
FIELD STAFF
Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Field Operations
1
Licensors
5
$
$
80,000.00
57,164.64
$
$
80,000.00
285,823.20
2
1
$
$
65,776.62
53,908.66
$
$
131,553.24
53,908.66
1
1
2
$
$
$
73,207.18
67,706.23
64,888.72
$
$
$
73,207.18
67,706.23
129,777.44
$
821,975.95
FISCAL and FINANCE
Fiscal and Grant Monitors / Auditors
Transportation Monitors
POLICY
Director of Workforce & Special Projects
Director of QRIS
Program Quality Specialists
13
45
Recommendations
This presentation presents the following recommendations made by the Fiscal
Committee:
An Investment in Quality: $19,479,628
Aligned with our mission and our Strategic Plan, we will invest in quality through
and by the following:
•
Investment in Workforce Quality: A rate increase of 3% or $13,657,652
supports an increase in salaries, benefits, and stipends for child care
workers.
•
Investment in Quality Program Sustainability / Quality Rating Improvement
System (QRIS): A set-aside of $5M supports our investment in QRIS and
helps sustain program improvements supporting children in care.
•
Quality Infrastructure: $821,976 to support staffing which holds child care
providers accountable for health and safety, quality care, and quality
programs.
An Investment in our Children and Families: $49,842,695
•
Access will be opened for preschool age children.
An Investment in Transportation: $17,586,713
•
This request for funds affirms the Board’s vote in June 2012 to increase the
rate paid for transportation to support improvements in the system and the
addition of one adult monitor on all vehicles carrying infants, toddlers, and
preschool children.
Total Funding Request: $86,909,036
46
Proposed FY15 EEC Budget
Descriptor
Administration
New Staff
Access Management
Innovative
Curriculum in
Proposed FY15
Budget
$
13,094,875.00
$
821,976.00
$
6,573,862.00
3000-4050
Preschool
Supportive
Additional Supportive
TANF Related Child Care
$
$
$
$
250,000.00
78,977,039.00
6,618,810.00
134,398,656.00
3000-4060
Income Eligible Child Care
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
237,198,643.00
43,223,885.00
13,657,652.00
17,586,713.00
14,300,000.00
8,100,000.00
7,500,000.00
750,000.00
18,164,890.00
5,000,000.00
750,000.00
606,967,001.00
Line Item
3000-1000
3000-2000
3000-3000
3000-3050
Additional Income Eligible
Rate Increase
47
3000-4070
3000-5000
3000-5075
3000-6075
3000-7050
Transportation
Waitlist Remediation
Grants to Head Start
UPK
Mental Health
Services for Infants and Parents
3000-7070
Quality
Reach Out and Read