Due to a new statewide computer system, about 1,500 Hamilton County child care providers will encounter big changes starting this spring. 

• Beginning April 1, they will be paid monthly by the State through Electronic Funds Transfer. (They now get biweekly checks from the County.)
   
• They will sign agreements with the State. (Before April 1, 2010, they contracted with the County.)
   
• Home child care providers will begin paying union dues for the first time. (Home providers have been non-unionized.)
   
• They will establish weekly full-time, part-time, and hourly child care rates for each age range of children -- infants, toddlers, preschool, and school children. (They have more flexibility now.)

Long-term plans call for providers to do more by computer and less by paper as the state implements the Child Care Information Data System (CCIDS). For example, a swipe card system for parents is anticipated in the fall. The State is planning a “provider portal” where providers will enter rates and other information. 

Hamilton County Child Care staff – who certify home providers and assist low-and moderate-income families with finding and paying for child care – will notice little change in their work processes. Hamilton County served about 14,000 children a month and spent about $90 million on child care assistance in 2009. The agency will use its in-house system for eligibility and authorization, and time and attendance tracking and reporting.