Department of Health and Human Services 
OFFICE OF 
INSPECTOR GENERAL 
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 
FOR 
QUALITY CHILD CARE 
STATE ADMINISTRATORS PERSPECTIVES 
JUNE GIBBS BROWN 
Inspector General 
FEBRUARY 1999 
OEI-97-07-00420  OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL 
The mission of the Office of Inspector General (OIG), as mandated by Public Law 95-452, is to 
protect the integrity of the Department of Health and Human Services programs as well as the 
health and welfare of beneficiaries served by them.  This statutory mission is carried out through a 
nationwide program of audits, investigations, inspections, sanctions, and fraud alerts.  The 
Inspector General informs the Secretary of program and management problems and recommends 
legislative, regulatory, and operational approaches to correct them. 
Office of Evaluation and Inspections 
The Office of Evaluation and Inspections (OEI) is one of several components of the Office of 
Inspector General.  It conducts short-term management and program evaluations (called 
inspections) that focus on issues of concern to the Department, the Congress, and the public.  The 
inspection reports provide findings and recommendations on the efficiency, vulnerability, and 
effectiveness of departmental programs. 
OEI's Region VII, Kansas City office prepared this report under the direction of James H. Wolf, 
Regional Inspector General.  Principal OEI staff included: 
REGION  HEADQUARTERS 
Deborah Walden, Project Leader  Linda Hall, Program Specialist 
Ray Balandron, Program Analyst  Ann OConnor, Program Specialist 
Barbara Tedesco, Technical Support Staff 
To obtain copies of this report, please call the Kansas City Regional Office at (816) 426-3697. 
Reports are also available on the World Wide Web at our home page address: 
http://www.dhhs.gov/progorg/oei  E X E C U T I V E  S U M M A R Y

PURPOSE 
To determine the perceptions of State child care administrators regarding technical assistance 
provided under contracts with the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Child Care 
Bureau. 
BACKGROUND 
The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 repealed  a 
number of child care programs and created a single, integrated Child Care and Development 
Block Grant for low-income families.  Program goals include: promoting parental choice; 
encouraging States to provide consumer education to parents; and helping States implement 
health, safety, licensing, and registration standards.  The program is currently funded for a total of 
$20.9 billion for Fiscal Years 1996-2002. 
The ACF contracts with outside entities to provide technical assistance funded through this Grant. 
This technical assistance includes the coordination and support of regional and national 
conferences,  national workgroups, leadership forums, audio conference calls, and creation of the 
National Child Care Information Center.  In 1997, ACF further expanded its technical assistance 
capabilities by creating the Child Care Technical Assistance Network. 
We surveyed State child care administrators regarding their sense of the technical assistance 
provided and the extent to which it meets their needs.  We asked them about the format, content, 
and logistical support for the technical assistance they received. 
FINDINGS 
Format 
Large national conferences and small regional meetings are the most beneficial technical 
assistance formats.  Thirty-five of the 49 administrators indicate they find large national 
conferences the most beneficial format because it provides them with opportunities to network 
with other State administrators and learn from one another.  For the same reasons, 32 
administrators also find small regional meetings more beneficial than some technical assistance 
formats.  They comment that regional events also provide them opportunities to more directly 
address State and regional issues. 
The National Child Care Information Center is also a valuable technical assistance tool. 
Almost all State child care administrators are familiar with the National Child Care Information 
Center and the Child Care Bulletin published by the Center.  They report information received 
from the Center is helpful, timely, and meets some of their technical assistance needs. 
Improvements are needed to make audio conference calls more effective.  Administrators find 
audio conference calls are not always timely and often only serve to convey information they have 
already received in writing.  They also comment they need more advance notice of upcoming 
audio conference calls. 
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iii  Content 
State administrators are more satisfied with the content and focus of national conferences 
than other technical assistance events.  When asked to rate their satisfaction with the content 
and focus of technical assistance based on whether or not the issues addressed their needs and 
concerns, most administrators expressed satisfaction with national conferences.  Significantly 
fewer were satisfied with the content and focus of other types of technical assistance events. 
Payment rates, Federal reporting, child care information systems, and public-private 
partnerships top the list of State technical assistance needs.  Thirty-two administrators 
identified establishing payment rates to insure equal access to child care as an area in which they 
are most in need of technical assistance.  It is followed by Federal reporting, child care 
information systems, and public-private partnerships as other areas where technical assistance is 
most needed. 
State administrators are unsure whether the focus of the new technical assistance network of 
projects will address their individual States technical assistance needs.  Forty-one of the 49 
State administrators are aware of the new technical assistance network of projects.  While they 
are generally satisfied the technical assistance areas selected to make up the new network will 
address national needs, they are less satisfied that the new technical assistance network will meet 
individual State needs. 
Logistical Support 
Some logistical support areas need improvement.  State administrators are generally satisfied 
with hotel accommodations, meeting facilities, and travel arrangements.  However, they are less 
satisfied with the timeliness of agendas and advance notices of upcoming events, organization of 
registration packages, accuracy and completeness of participant lists, and the timeliness of travel 
reimbursement. 
RECOMMENDATIONS 
Our respondents obviously valued many aspects of ACFs technical assistance program.  Based 
on our analysis of their responses and their own suggestions, we recommend that ACF focus on 
the five following general approaches to enhance their program. 
- - Maintain and improve effective technical assistance formats. 

- -   Focus technical assistance on areas of interest to program administrators.

- -   Improve logistical support.

- -   Continue to support the National Child Care Information Center, but enhance the

technical assistance provided by the website.

- -   Reevaluate the structure and content of audio conference calls to better meet

State administrators needs.

The report contains specific suggestions for each of these areas. 
AGENCY COMMENTS 
The ACF concurs with our recommendations and describes various improvements in their 
technical assistance initiatives.  Their comments are included in Appendix D. 
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iv  T A B L E  O F  C O N T E N T S

PAGE 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
INTRODUCTION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 
FINDINGS 
The Formats Used to Deliver Technical Assistance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 
	 Large National Conferences and Small Regional Meetings are the Most Beneficial 
Technical Assistance Formats 
  Improvements are Needed to Make Audio Conference Calls More Effective 
  National Forums/Roundtables are Beneficial Technical Assistance Formats 
  The Defined Focus of Targeted Technical Assistance Makes It a Beneficial Format 
	 The National Child Care Information Center is a Valuable Technical Assistance 
Tool 
The Content and Focus of Technical Assistance Events  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 
  Administrators are Less Satisfied with the Focus of some Technical Assistance 
  State Administrators Technical Assistance Needs 
	 Administrators are Unsure the New TA Network of Projects Will Meet Their 
Individual State Needs 
Logistical Support  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 
  Some Logistical Support Areas Need Improvement 
RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11 
APPENDICES 
A:	 Format and Content: How State Child Care Administrators Rate Their Satisfaction with 
Technical Assistance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1 
B:  Technical Assistance Needs Identified by State Child Care Administrators  . . . . . . . . .  B-1 
C:  Logistical Support: How State Child Care Administrators Rate Their Satisfaction  . . .  C-1 
D:  Agency Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1 
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 I N T R O D U C T I O N

PURPOSE 
To determine the perceptions of State child care administrators regarding technical assistance 
provided under contracts with the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Child Care 
Bureau. 
BACKGROUND 
Legislation 
The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 repealed  the Title 
IV-A child care programs (Aid to Families with Dependent Children/Job Opportunities and Basic 
Skills Child Care, Transitional Child Care, and At-Risk Care) and created a single, integrated 
Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) (also called the Child Care Development 
Fund) for low-income families.  Program goals include: promoting parental choice; encouraging 
States to provide consumer education to parents; and helping States implement health, safety, 
licensing, and registration standards.  The program is currently funded for a total of $20.9 billion 
for Fiscal Years 1996-2002. 
Funding 
Consolidation of all child care programs into the CCDBG dramatically increased the amount of 
technical assistance funds available, from $2.6 million in FY96 to $6.6 million in FY97, to over 
$7 million in FY98.  With the Presidents new child care initiative announced in January 1998, 
the ACF estimates that funding available for technical assistance could increase even more. 
Technical Assistance Contracts 
The ACF initially awarded a contract for technical assistance to J&E Associates for Fiscal Years 
1993 and 1994.  The technical assistance provided through this contract focused on certificate 
payment programs mandated by newly enacted legislation.  This legislation required that States 
have a system capable of operating a certificate payment program in place by October 1, 1992  to 
allow parental choice in the selection of child care providers.  Under this contract, States and 
tribes were surveyed regarding their certificate program capabilities and technical assistance 
needs.  In addition, regional meetings, forums, and national child care conferences were 
conducted. 
Upon expiration of the contract with J&E Associates, a new 3-year contract was awarded to 
Trans-Management Systems Corporation (T-MSC) in cooperation with Collins Management 
Consulting.  With reauthorization of the Child Care and Development Block Grant in 1996, this 
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1  contract was extended for an additional year.  Technical assistance provided under contracts with 
these companies included convening, supporting, and/or administering 
  State, territorial, and tribal work groups, 
  annual conferences, such as National State Child Care Administrators Conferences, 
National American Indian and Alaska Native Child Care Conferences, and national 
leadership forums focused on specific issues related to child care, 
  regional child care conferences, and 
  the National Child Care Information Center. 
Contractor responsibilities also encompass a multitude of logistical support activities associated 
with convening and coordinating workgroups and conferences, such as securing adequate meeting 
facilities, hotel accommodations and presenters, compiling invitation and participant lists, 
designing agendas, and providing advance notice of upcoming events.  They also provide travel 
arrangements and reimbursement for conference presenters, and in some instances (i.e., National 
State Child Care Administrators Conference) for some conference attendees. 
The National Child Care Information Center complements, enhances, and promotes child care 
linkages and serves as a mechanism for supporting quality, comprehensive services for children 
and families.  To carry out their work, it provides question and answer services, an Internet and 
digital library, information resources collection and dissemination, and linkages to other websites 
and information sources.  Questions and requests for information received by the Center come 
from a variety of sources via telephone (1-800-616-2242), fax, e-mail, and contacts at meetings 
and conferences.  The Information Center activities include 
	 dissemination of child care information in response to requests from States, 
Territories and Tribes, policymakers, parents, programs, organizations, child care 
providers and the public, 
	 serving as the adjunct for the Educational Resources Information Center 
clearinghouse for child care via the National Child Care Information Center 
website, and 
  publication of the Child Care Bulletin newsletter. 
In 1997, the ACF redesigned their technical assistance approach to address emerging child care 
issues and technical assistance needs.  Through this redesign the ACF created a Child Care 
Technical Assistance Network which was in the early stages of development at the time we 
conducted this study and not evaluated.  This new Network is comprised of seven independent 
projects, each awarded to an individual contractor.  These projects and contract awardees are the 
	 National Child Care Information and Technical Assistance Center (Collins 
Management Consulting, Inc.), 
	 Child Care Technical Assistance Logistics Support Project (Trans-Management 
Systems Corporation), 
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2    Healthy Child Care America Campaign (American Academy of Pediatrics), 
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3
  	 Tribal Child Care Technical Assistance Center (Native American Management 
Services, Inc.), 
  Public/Private Partnerships Project (The Finance Project), 
	 Child Care Inclusion for Children with Disabilities United Cerebral Palsy 
Association), and 
	 Child Care Information Systems Technical Assistance Project (SRA International, 
Inc.). 
These projects will allow continuation of the National Child Care Information Center, Healthy 
Child Care America Campaign, website and Child Care Bulletin.  They will also play a major role 
in continuing to address ongoing and emerging child care issues and technical assistance needs at 
both the national and State levels through national and regional conferences, forums, and audio 
conference calls. 
SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY 
This inspection focuses on the perceptions of State child care administrators regarding contracted 
technical assistance provided by the ACF, Child Care Bureau, with block grant funds.  We mailed 
survey instruments to the child care administrators for each of the 50 States and the District of 
Columbia.  We received 49 completed survey instruments.  Alaska and Alabama did not 
participate in the study because their State child care administrator positions were vacant, and 
none of the remaining staff have attended or are familiar enough with the technical assistance 
events to respond.  We also made telephone contacts as necessary to clarify responses and/or 
collect additional information.  No consideration was given to the length of time responding 
administrators had held their current positions. 
Through these surveys we solicited information on State child care administrators satisfaction 
with the focus and format of technical assistance events, the timeliness of information provided 
presenters and panel members, and their opportunities to provide input. 
In addition, we asked State child care administrators a number of questions regarding the focus 
and format of technical assistance events in which they have participated.  We also asked them to 
identify their immediate and future technical assistance needs, and their perceptions regarding 
whether or not the new technical assistance network of projects will meet those needs.  However, 
because these projects have only recently been developed and are in the early stages of 
implementation, we did not ask the administrators to rate their satisfaction with technical 
assistance provided through the new network. 
This is one of three inspections to focus on various entities perceptions of technical assistance 
provided by the ACF, Child Care Bureau.  In two future reports, we will address the perceptions 
of those involved in child care at the community level and at the ACF regional office staff level. 
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4  We conducted our review in accordance with the Quality Standards for Inspections issued by the 
Presidents Council on Integrity and Efficiency. 
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5
 F I N D I N G S

In the appendices we provide detailed tabulation of survey responses.  The following is a 
summary of the results as they pertain to the format, focus, and logistical support for technical 
assistance. 
The Formats Used to Deliver Technical Assistance 
Large National Conferences and Small Regional Meetings:  The most beneficial formats 
because of the networking opportunities they provide 
National Conferences 
Most (46) of the 49 State child care administrators have participated in National State Child Care 
Administrators Conferences.  When asked to identify formats they find most beneficial, 
35 administrators indicate they find large national conferences one of the most beneficial technical 
assistance formats because it provides them with opportunities to network with other State 
administrators and learn from one another.  In their comments, they express appreciation for the 
opportunities these events have provided them to network, share information, obtain advice and 
exchange ideas on alternative approaches and creative strategies, and to discuss and clarify issues. 
They are also more satisfied with the issues chosen as the focus for national conferences than with 
other types of technical assistance as indicated in the chart in Appendix A. 
Regional Meetings/Conferences 
Most (44) of the 49 administrators have also participated in regional meetings or conferences. 
For the same reasons they find national conferences beneficial (i.e., opportunities for networking 
and sharing information), 32 administrators indicate they find regional meetings and conferences 
beneficial formats as well.  However, most administrators prefer small regional meetings over 
large regional events.  We also note that while State administrators find regional meetings and 
conferences beneficial, they are less satisfied with the focus of regional events than with national 
events.  They comment that State administrators and ACF regional office staff should be allowed 
to determine the focus of regional events, as nationally selected issues do not always meet 
individual State or regional needs. 
In addition to the networking opportunities, administrators find regional events more productive 
than some technical assistance formats.  Regional events provide them with opportunities to more 
directly address State and regional issues.  They also comment that increasing the number of 
regional meetings would ensure better attendance in technical assistance events because limited 
travel funds often restrict travel outside a State or region.  Because of such budgetary restraints, 
administrators suggest that funds be made available for them to attend regional meetings, and that 
technical assistance be planned in conjunction with other events to minimize expenses. 
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6  Audio Conference Calls: Improvements are needed to make them more effective 
The majority of child care administrators (46) have participated in audio conference calls 
conducted by the technical assistance contractor.  In fact, 40 administrators have participated in 
3 or more calls, 30 in 5 or more, and 16 in at least 6 audio conference calls.  Likewise, 
40 administrators indicate they have been given opportunities to provide input into audio 
conference calls, 41 to ask questions during the calls, and 37 to provide feedback after the calls. 
While most administrators have participated in audio conference calls, only about half 
(24) indicate they find these calls to be a beneficial format for providing technical assistance. 
They comment that issues discussed on audio conference calls are sometimes but not always 
timely and that some calls are just a verbal repeat of information they have already received in 
writing.  They believe periodic calls where administrators have an opportunity to highlight what 
they are doing, or in which a panel discusses initiatives from different States, are most helpful. 
Likewise, one administrator suggests the calls be used to provide more specific explanations and 
information.  Another advises they be scheduled immediately following national conferences held 
by other organizations (i.e., American Public Human Services Association) and used to 
disseminate child care information released or discussed at those conferences.  However, other 
administrators point out that audio conference calls are a very cost effective strategy and that the 
Child Care Bureau should keep them coming. 
When asked if they receive timely notification of upcoming audio conference calls, 
39 administrators state they usually receive notification in a timely manner, but 10 others said they 
did not.  Their comments indicate that timely notification is received for some calls, but not 
others, and that notification of upcoming calls is sometimes received only a day or two in 
advance.  They indicate they receive at most only 1-2 weeks notice of upcoming calls, and would 
prefer more advance notice. 
National Forums and Roundtables: Beneficial formats, but few administrators have 
participated in these events 
The Child Care Bureau also conducts national forums and roundtables through the technical 
assistance contracts.  These events are 1 or 2 day meetings, each focused on a specific child care 
issue of national interest.  To date, issues addressed by these forums include empowerment zones, 
family-centered child care, consumer education, inclusion of children with disabilities, and child 
care research. 
While the technical assistance provided through these forums and roundtables is not directed at 
State Administrators, 18 administrators have attended a national forum or roundtable, 14 of which 
indicate they find this method of technical assistance to be beneficial.  With the exception of the 
National State Child Care Administrators Conferences, these administrators rate their satisfaction 
levels with the focus and format of national forums/roundtables higher than other types of 
technical assistance.  However, of the 22 administrators that expressed an opinion about their 
satisfaction with opportunities to provide input into these events, 9 were dissatisfied. 
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7  )))))))))))
8
 Targeted Technical Assistance: The individually defined focus makes it a beneficial format 
The Child Care Bureau provides some targeted technical assistance to individual States and 
regions.  These events are focused on specific areas of need and provided at the request of State 
administrators and ACF regional office staff.  Sixteen administrators indicate they find these 
events to be one of the more beneficial formats for providing technical assistance because of the 
individually defined focus of the events. 
Administrators comment that targeted technical assistance should be continued, technical 
assistance resources for administrators to travel to other States to exchange information and 
technology should be continued, and that ACF consider grouping States by characteristics, size, 
and technical assistance needs when providing technical assistance. 
The National Child Care Information Center: A valuable technical assistance resource 
The Information Center 
Almost all (48 of 49) State child care administrators are familiar with the National Child Care 
Information Center, and 32 indicate they have contacted the Center for information.  In fact, 
28 administrators indicate the Center is able to provide requested information, the information is 
provided in a timely manner, and it is helpful. 
Child care administrators indicate the majority of their requests to the Center focus on obtaining 
information about child care policies and practices in other States.  Through these requests they 
solicit information about State plans, payment rates, parent fees, voucher systems, waiting lists, 
health and safety criteria, public/private partnerships, complaint logs, and licensing.  In other more 
general requests, they have asked for the names of people associated with specific subject areas 
and/or national organizations, information regarding litigation and legal responsibilities associated 
with parental choice and in-home care, and information about sick child care, quality child care, 
child care resource and referral agencies, Federal reporting requirements, and child growth charts. 
Most administrators learned about the Center at one of the National State Child Care 
Administrators conferences. 
Our findings about the types of information being sought by State child care administrators is 
consistent with information provided by the National Child Care Information Center regarding the 
calls they receive.  The Center reports that from January through April, 1998, they received 2,581 
calls from a variety of sources, and averaged 675 calls per month.  While only 154 of these calls 
were from State agency staff, the number of calls per month from State agencies is continually 
increasing, going from 29 calls in January 1998 to 51 in April 1998. 
The Website 
Most administrators are familiar with the National Child Care Information Center, and 
25 administrators have accessed the Centers homepage on the World Wide Web at 
http://nccic.org.  This website serves as a starting point for child care information available 
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9  on-line through the Internet, and offers links to information about State and tribal program 
activities and profiles, funding resources, national organizations, child care research, welfare 
reform, health and safety, promising practices, leadership forums, conference calendars, and other 
child care resources. The Center reports over 37,000 individuals visited the website in March 
1998, and that each accessed an average of 6 internal pages with each visit. 
Overall, comments regarding the National Child Care Information Center website are favorable. 
Several administrators indicate they consider all information available through the website to be 
helpful and 18 indicate they find information provided via the Internet to be one of the most 
beneficial methods of providing technical assistance.  Of State administrators that have accessed 
the website, 14 report occasional access and 9 report they access the website on a monthly 
basis.  Others indicate that, although they themselves have not accessed the website, members of 
their staff have, with a couple of States indicating they do not yet have Internet access. 
Administrators indicate they were seeking information on links to other child care sites and 
organizations, Federal regulations and reporting requirements, allocation tables, research and 
statistics, data releases, quality child care, sick child care, welfare reform, and market rates when 
they contacted the website.  When asked for suggestions to improve the website, administrators 
would like access to more State comparison data and information about upcoming events made 
available through the website, and that linkages to State agency websites would also be helpful. 
The Child Care Bulletin 
Forty-six of the 49 State child care administrators are familiar with the Child Care Bulletin, a 
newsletter  published by the National Child Care Information Center on a bi-monthly basis. 
Through the Center, the ACF uses this bulletin as a tool to disseminate information resources to 
approximately 3,000 subscribers.  It includes information on Federal requirements and program 
changes, innovative approaches to quality child care, and examples of model programs. 
Most administrators (43) find the issues addressed in the bulletin to be timely, and of interest to 
them in meeting their needs (42).  While a few administrators indicate they consider some of the 
information provided in the bulletin to be after the fact or dated, most administrators 
responses are positive, including such comments as 
I have been impressed by the professionalism of this document. 
I often distribute to 100-150 persons. 
I mail copies to each of the 92 counties and grantees in my State. 
Please continue to include ways to access research, studies, etc. 
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10  The Content and Focus of Technical Assistance 
State administrators are more satisfied with the content and focus of national conferences 
than other technical assistance events 
We asked State child care administrators to rate their overall satisfaction with the content and 
focus of technical assistance events based on whether or not the issues meet their needs and 
concerns, and if they receive information when they need it.  In response, 41 of the 49 (91 
percent) administrators are satisfied with the content and focus of national conferences. 
However, fewer administrators (73 to 77 percent respectively) are satisfied with the content and 
focus of audio conference calls and regional meetings, as indicated in the chart in Appendix A. 
State administrators indicate that assistance focused on 1) sharing information and administrative 
concerns with other States, 2) Federal reporting, and 3) welfare reform has been most beneficial 
in meeting their needs.  Those and other technical assistance topics administrators find most (and 
least) beneficial are outlined below, in the order in which they were selected. 
Most Beneficial Technical Assistance Topics 
Number of State Administrators 
Who Selected Topics As: 
Topics  Most Beneficial  Least Beneficial 
Sharing Information & Concerns  34  1 
Federal Reporting  32  5 
Welfare Reform  26  1 
School-Age Child Care  19  4 
Head Start Collaboration  17  7 
Infant/Toddler Care  10  1 
Collaboration with other agencies  10  5 
Inclusion of Children with Disabilities  8  2 
Health and Safety  7  4 
As previously noted, Appendix A contains a complete overview of the administrators satisfaction 
ratings regarding the focus and other aspects of technical assistance. 
Payment rates, Federal reporting, child care information systems, and public-private 
partnerships top the list of State technical assistance needs 
We presented the administrators with a list of technical assistance issue areas and asked them to 
identify those where they feel an immediate need for technical assistance.  From that list, 
32 administrators identified establishing payment rates to insure equal access to child care as an 
area in which they are most in need of immediate technical assistance.  It is followed by Federal 
reporting (27), child care information systems (26), and public/private partnerships (24) as other 
areas of technical assistance need. 
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11  We also asked administrators what issues or subject areas they foresee as their future technical 
assistance needs, and when they anticipate needing the assistance.  Federal reporting and data 
collection requirements topped the list of their future technical assistance needs, followed by 
welfare reform and ensuring equal access to quality child care through payment rates and parent 
co-payments.  A summary of both the immediate and future technical assistance needs identified 
by State child care administrators is outlined in Appendix B. 
State administrators are aware of the new technical assistance network of projects but some 
are unsure whether it will address their individual States technical assistance needs 
To address emerging issues and child care needs, the ACF redesigned their approach to technical 
assistance in 1997, creating the Child Care Technical Assistance Network.  As noted in the 
background of this report, this new network is comprised of seven independent projects, and was 
in the early stages of development at the time we conducted this study. 
Most (41) of the administrators are aware of the new technical assistance network of projects. 
They learned about the network through their contacts with regional and central office ACF 
staff, and through their participation in various technical assistance events and mailings. 
While 34 (83 percent) of the administrators indicate they are satisfied the areas selected to make 
up the new network will address national technical assistance needs, only 29 administrators (69 
percent) are satisfied these same areas will address their specific State needs.  In their comments 
they expressed concern with the number of individual projects and coordination of technical 
assistance provided through the network. 
However, three of the new network projects focus on issue areas identified by a large number of 
State administrators as areas where they need immediate and/or future technical assistance.  As 
stated earlier in this report, 26 administrators identified child care information systems, 
24 identified public-private partnerships, and 16 identified inclusion of children with disabilities as 
areas where they need immediate technical assistance.  In addition, the network retains the 
logistical support project, the National Child Care Information Center and the Healthy Child Care 
America Campaign and establishes a separate project to address tribal needs. 
Logistical Support 
Some logistical support areas need improvement 
State child care administrators are generally satisfied with hotel accommodations, meeting 
facilities, and travel arrangements.  However, they are less satisfied with the timeliness of agendas 
and advance notices of upcoming events, organization of registration packages, accuracy and 
completeness of participant lists, and the timeliness of travel reimbursement for travel 
expenditures covered by the technical assistance contract.  Most of their comments focused on 
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12  the need for more advance notice of upcoming events, more timely reimbursement for travel 
expenditures and better contractor telephone coverage during business hours. 
A chart outlining how the State child care administrators rated their satisfaction with logistical 
support is located in Appendix C. 
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13  R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S

Our respondents obviously valued many aspects of ACFs technical assistance program.  Based 
on our analysis of their responses and their own suggestions, we recommend the ACF focus on 
the five following general approaches to enhance their program. 
Maintain and improve effective technical assistance formats 
The ACF should provide technical assistance in settings which administrators have identified as 
most conducive to sharing information and learning from one another.  To do that, we 
recommend it 
	 continue to hold  the National State Child Care Administrators Conference on an 
annual basis. 
  plan more small regional events based on state and regional needs. 
	 provide more direct assistance to States through technology transfer and 
information exchange. 
  group States by characteristics, size, and needs. 
Focus technical assistance on areas of interest to program administrators 
To meet the needs identified by State administrators, we recommend that ACF address the 
following issues in future technical assistance events: 
  Payment rates to ensure equal access to quality child care; 
  Federal reporting and data collection; 
  Welfare reform; 
  Public-private partnerships; and 
  Child care information systems. 
Improve logistical support 
To improve logistical support activities the ACF should ensure the contractor providing logistical 
support: 
  furnishes adequate advance notice of upcoming events; 
	 shares event invitation and participation lists with State child care administrators 
for completeness and accuracy; 
  makes reimbursement for travel to events in a timely manner; and 
  provides adequate phone coverage during business hours. 
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14  Continue to support the National Child Care Information Center, but enhance technical 
assistance provided by it 
We recommend the ACF continue to fund the National Child Care Information Center and publish 
the Child Care Bulletin, and that they enhance the website by providing: 
  administrators with more information about the website and how to use it; and 
	 more information 1) which compares State child care practices and policies, 2) 
about upcoming national and regional meetings, and 3) to link users with State 
child care agency websites. 
Reevaluate the structure and content of audio conference calls to better meet State 
administrators needs 
To better meet the needs of State administrators, we recommend ACF: 
	 broaden the scope of audio conference calls to allow more State child care administrators 
to highlight effective practices; 
	 use audio conference calls to summarize and discuss information provided through other 
national organizations conferences (National Child Care Resources and Referral 
Association, American Public Human Services Association, etc.); and 
	 ensure State administrators receive timely notification of upcoming audio conference calls 
and/or establish a set schedule for calls. 
AGENCY COMMENTS 
The ACF concurs with our recommendations and describes various improvements in their 
technical assistance initiatives.  Their comments are included in Appendix D. 
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15  A P P E N D I X  A

Format and Content 
How State Child Care Administrators

Rate Their Satisfaction with Technical Assistance

Satisfied  Dissatisfied 
Total 
Number of  Percent of  Number of  Percent of  Number of 
Respondents  Respondents  Respondents  Respondents  Respondents 
National Conferences 
- Focus/Content  41  91  4  9  45 
- Presenters  39  93  3  7  42 
- Opportunities for Input  23  74  14  26  31 
Regional Meetings/Conferences 
General Meetings: 
- Focus/Content  23  77  7  23  30 
- Presenters  25  74  9  26  34 
- Opportunities for Input  26  74  9  26  35 
School-Age Child Care 
- Focus/Content  24  77  7  23  31 
- Presenters  25  83  4  17  30 
Inclusion of Children 
w/Disabilities 
- Focus/Content  12  75  4  25  33 
- Presenters  12  63  7  37  19 
Audio Conference Calls 
- Focus/Content  33  73  12  27  45 
- Presenters/Panel Members  36  80  9  20  45 
- Opportunities for Input  24  75  8  25  32 
Targeted Technical Assistance 
- Presenters  10  77  3  23  13 
Overall Satisfaction w/Focus of Technical Assistance 
- Information Meets Needs 
and Concerns  37  77  11  23  48 
- Information is Received 
When Needed  43  90  15  31  48 
Anticipated Satisfaction with the New Technical Assistance Network of Projects 
- Meets Overall Needs  34  83  7  17  41 
- Meets Specific State Needs  29  69  13  31  42 
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A - 1  A P P E N D I X  B

Technical Assistance Needs

Identified by State Child Care Administrators 
Number of State Administrators 
Technical Assistance Focus/Subject Areas
Immediate Needs  Future Needs 
32  4  Payment Rates to ensure Equal Access to Quality Care 
27  7  Federal Reporting and Data Collection Requirements 
26  3  Child Care Information Systems 
24  4  Public/Private Partnerships 
21  1  Using Technology to Conduct Business 
Electronic Transfer of Benefits or Funds (16) 
Internet (9) 
Intranet (4) 
20  2  Infant/Toddler Care 
18  0  Head Start Child Care Collaboration 
17  5  Welfare Reform and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 
16  3  Children with Disabilities 
16  4  Provider Training Programs 
14  4  Provider Accreditation Programs 
13  0  Subsidized Child Care 
12  0  Health and Safety 
12  0  Federal Regulations, Policies, and Procedures 
12  0  Child Care Resource and Referral Programs 
11  1  School-Age Child Care 
7  0  State/Tribal Coordination 
1  *Consumer Education 
1  *Licensing 
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B - 1  *	 These subject areas were not included in the selection list presented regarding immediate TA needs, but 
were identified by administrators as areas where they will need future assistance. 
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B - 2
 A P P E N D I X  C

LOGISTICAL SUPPORT 

How State Child Care Administrators 
Rate Their Satisfaction 
Satisfied  Dissatisfied 
Total 
Number of  Percent of  Number of  Percent of  Number of 
Respondents  Respondents  Respondents  Respondents  Respondents 
Advance notice of 
upcoming events  33 75  11  25  44 
Agendas and event 
instructions  31 66  16  34  47 
Registration packages  36 77  11  23  47 
Participant lists  37 80  9  20  46 
Hotel accommodations  43 91  4  9  47 
Meeting facilities  42 88  6  12  48 
Travel arrangements  42 89  5  11  47 
Travel reimbursement  31 74  11  26  42 
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C - 1  7 A P P E N D I X  D

AGENCY COMMENTS

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D - 1
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D - 5
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D - 6
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D - 7
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D - 8
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D - 9