Department of Health and Human Services 

OFFICE OF 

INSPECTOR GENERAL 

JUNE GIBBS BROWN 

Inspector General 

FEBRUARY 1999 

OEI-97-07-00420 

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 

FOR 

QUALITY CHILD CARE 

STATE ADMINISTRATORS’ PERSPECTIVES 
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 O’Connor, 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 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 repealed a 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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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 State’s 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 ACF’s 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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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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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INTRODUCTION

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 FY’96 to $6.6 million in FY’97, to over 

$7 million in FY’98. With the President’s 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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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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• Healthy Child Care America Campaign (American Academy of Pediatrics), 

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• 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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We conducted our review in accordance with the Quality Standards for Inspections issued by the 

President’s Council on Integrity and Efficiency. 

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FINDINGS

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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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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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 Center’s 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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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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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 

2 

4 

Inclusion of Children with Disabilities 8 

Health and Safety 7 

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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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 State’s 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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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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RECOMMENDATIONS

Our respondents obviously valued many aspects of ACF’s 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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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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APPENDIX 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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APPENDIX 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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* 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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APPENDIX C

LOGISTICAL SUPPORT 

How State Child Care Administrators 

Advance notice of 

upcoming events 

Agendas and event 

instructions 

Registration packages 

Participant lists 

Hotel accommodations 

Meeting facilities 

Travel arrangements 

Travel reimbursement 

Rate Their Satisfaction 

Satisfied Dissatisfied 

Number of Percent of Number of Percent of 

Respondents Respondents Respondents Respondents 

33 75 11 25 

31 66 16 34 

36 77 11 23 

37 80 9 20 

43 91 4 9 

42 88 6 12 

42 89 5 11 

31 74 11 26 

Total 

Number of 

Respondents 

44 

47 

47 

46 

47 

48 

47 

42 

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7APPENDIX D

AGENCY COMMENTS

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