The Iron Triangle Newsletter
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October 3, 2013

Government Shut Down

October 1 marked the first day of the new federal fiscal year and unfortunately the first federal government shutdown in 17 years. It is not clear how long this shutdown will last. A shutdown lasting a few days to a week, will likely have minor impacts on early childhood programs, whereas a shutdown lasting more than a week will impact government agencies differently.  According to the Early Care and Education Consortium, the impact of the shutdown on early childhood programs funded by each government agency is as follows:  

Department of Health and Human Services: The Child Care and Development Block Grant rules give states several years to spend the flow of funds they receive from the federal government. States receive funds quarterly and that next payment is on hold. Most states have balances that they can continue to  draw down while they wait for a federal agreement to be reached. Head Start grants that have already been awarded and implemented should not be impacted but any grants intended to be awarded October 1 are on hold during the shutdown.  A long-term shut down could affect subsidy reimbursements.

Department of Agriculture: The Child and Adult Care Food program will continue operations in October. Providers can expect timely reimbursements for their September claims.  October is contract renewal month for providers and sponsors.  You can expect delays in renewals and reimbursements due to the shut down.

For updates and more information on this issue, be sure to follow the CCRC on facebook. 


New Ohio State Child Care Rules
The effect on your business.

The following Child Care Manual Rules went in to effect yesterday, October 1st as Step Up to Quality shifted from a three-star system to a 5-star system. 

 

Rule CCMTL 119  outlines the new rules for Step Up to Quality. 

  

 

Rule CCMTL 120 outlines the rule amendments for payments for publicly funded child care.  Pay special attention to items:

  • K - reimbursement rates for accredited programs
  • L- new SUTQ reimbursement rates (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, & 25%)
  • M- highest percentage amendment
  • N-additional fees that providers can require parents to pay on top of reimbursements and co-pays   

The Great Brain Dump

We've talked a lot through out your SSA membership about getting your business practices out of your head and into writing.  Mind mapping is a way to start the process.  Use a mind map to get all your ideas, to-dos, or inspirations out of your head.  Maybe you could even use it for lesson planning.  It is a great tool for visual and non-linear thinkers.

A mind map is a diagram used to visually outline information. A mind map is often created around a single word or text, placed in the center, to which associated ideas, words and concepts are added. Major categories radiate from a central node, and lesser categories are sub-branches of larger branches.  Categories can represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items related to a central key word or idea. Mind maps can be drawn by hand, either as "rough notes" during a lecture or meeting, for example, or as higher quality pictures when more time is available. An example of a rough mind map is illustrated.  

 

Mind mapping can be done the old fashioned way: with pen and paper, or you could check out one of the many apps available to create one electronically. 

 

 

 

Tech Bites: Dropbox 101
 

 

Dropbox is a cloud based; virtual, online storage utility that allows you to access and share your files and documents from anywhere there is an internet connection. Once the application is installed on your computer it appears as a simple file folder allowing you to drag and drop or upload files into that folder. Any files that are uploaded into Dropbox are automatically synchronized with your Dropbox account allowing for immediate accessibility via the internet. Dropbox is available for installation on home computers and laptops (PC or Mac), tablets (iPad, kindle, Samsung Galaxy, etc.) and also as a mobile app for smart phones (iPhone, Android and Blackberry).

 

 Read on about Dropbox 

 

  

 


Tech Bites: Oncare
 

Do you have a question about how to utilize certain features in their OnCare software? Maybe you would like to know about the newest developments in the world of the Shared Solutions Alliance? The CCRC has developed a unique web series that focuses on the different aspects related to these programs and how to utilize them to their fullest potential.

 

The CCRC is constantly adding more content and to our Shared Solutions Alliance YouTube channel. Your comments and likes help us tailor our support services to you: our providers

Be sure to stay tuned in for all of the newest developments regarding SSA and OnCare. Below are the links to several video tutorial examples the CCRC has created to help you with your questions.