The child care market rate survey is conducted every two years for the purpose of determining child care provider rates for providing child care services.  The intent is to establish a "market rate" for child care services that is representative of the community standard.

This year's survey has a different format than in years past.  A representative sample of licensed and registered providers will be contacted by mail or telephone.  In the past, all providers (licensed and registered) received a mail survey to be completed and returned to Research and Evaluation.

The telephone survey began the week of April 5,1999.  The mail survey will be sent to providers in the next few weeks.

County staff should be aware that the survey is taking place in the event providers call with questions.  Central Office has already responded to some inquiries from county staff regarding the telephone survey.  Typical inquiries are about Horizon Research and the purpose of the survey.

Please encourage any provider who is contacted to complete the survey accurately for subsidized or unsubsidized children in their care.  The survey is used by the Division in the development of child care policy and is critical in assessing the success of the child care programs in the state.

If staff is unable to answer specific provider questions, please get all pertinent information and contact the Child Care unit in Central Office at 573-751-9488.

The cooperation of county staff with this project is appreciated.  We anticipate the results of the survey to be available in mid-summer.

• Review this memorandum with all appropriate staff.

 
• Field any questions received from child care providers regarding the child care market rate survey.

 
• Contact the Child Care unit with any questions that cannot be answered at the local level.