Attendance-based subsidy policy alarms providers; centers warn of closures and inequity

Multiple child care providers told the oversight board the adoption of an attendance-based subsidy payment model will destabilize operations and disproportionately harm vulnerable and rural programs. Angie Hicks Maxey of Tiny Tots described the practical impact: "If I was using this system, I would be receiving 0.5 of my reimbursement rate, which would be devastating." She said the policy will force staffing cuts and classroom closures when attendance is unpredictable.

Laura Taylor, a Region 2 provider, said she will begin enforcing a 16‑day minimum attendance policy to avoid insolvency: "I am mandating that people come at least 16 days a month, or I can't hold their spot because I don't have any other choice in order to make payroll." Providers noted that many children with sporadic attendance are those with disabilities, in foster care, or experiencing housing instability — the same children the system aims to serve. WCCA board members urged exceptions or tiered policies for families with predictable attendance challenges and requested that DCYF involve providers earlier in implementation and guidance to avoid unintended collateral effects.

Why it matters: Attendance-based payments shift financial risk to providers and appear likely to reduce access for children with variable participation patterns, unless targeted exceptions are adopted.