Every three years the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) in partnership with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is required under federal law to conduct a survey to collect and analyze the rates for early care and education services paid across the state. In addition to the federal requirement, Ohio Revised Code (ORC) requires that a market rate survey (MRS) be completed every two years. DCY/ODJFS uses this data to establish reimbursement rates for their publicly funded child care (PFCC) program which offers financial assistance to eligible parents to help them with early care and education costs while they engage in work, education, or job training. DCY/ODJFS has contracted with Strategic Research Group (SRG) to assist with conducting this year’s survey to gather and compile the rate information and analyze the results. The survey results may impact the reimbursement rates of nearly 2,300 centers, 1,700 family child care home providers, and approximately 75 approved day camps that currently serve children eligible for PFCC.

What information do we need from you?

DCY/ODJFS needs to collect information on rates, enrollment, other fees charged to families, and barriers to participation in the PFCC program. To reimburse providers with rates that are based on the current market rates within the early care and education industry, DCY/ODJFS needs this information from early care and education providers who serve families who pay for this care without any financial assistance as well as providers who participate in the PFCC program.

Why do I need to complete this survey if DCY/ODJFS licensing rules already require me to enter my rates into the OCLQS Provider Portal?

In addition to the rate collection, federal law requires states to collect information on fees charged, barriers to participation, and other relevant information needed to assist in determining reimbursement rates. This is completed via the survey.

Will my information be kept confidential?

Yes. To ensure confidentiality, responses in the database will be associated only with a randomly assigned passcode and not linked directly with identifying provider information. Any reports created or published will only summarize the responses across all providers and will not contain any individual provider information.

How long will the survey take?

The survey should take about 15 minutes to complete.

How is the information that I provide used?

The goal of the market rate survey is to compile a snapshot of the early care and education landscape and the cost of these services in Ohio. The information is then used to inform state leadership.

What if I own multiple locations? Do I have to complete a survey for each site I own or can I complete one survey?

Providers with multiple locations are asked to submit a separate survey with information about each location. You will be sent a separate link for each location. If you have more than one location with the same enrollment and rate information, please complete a survey for one location and send an e-mail to mrs2024@websrg.com with the provider ID(s)/license number(s) of the other location(s).

If my center does not charge families directly and does not have a rate sheet, what should I do?

Please complete the survey, as the survey includes additional questions beyond the collection of rates and enter “NA” in the rate section.

Are surveys going to all Ohio Department of Education (ODE) licensed school-age and preschool programs?

Any ODE program with a provider agreement is being invited to complete the survey, including before and after school programs.

Should summer camps fill out the survey?

All approved day camps regulated by DCY/ODJFS are being invited to complete the survey.

Should DCY/ODJFS licensed before and after school care programs fill out the survey?

Yes, as the PFCC rates traditionally have a separate rate for the school year versus summer school-age care.

When is the survey due?

Please complete the survey by May 10, 2024.

Is there additional information I will be asked to provide?

Once you have completed the survey, you may be requested to submit your advertised tuition fees (rate sheet) for quality assurance purposes. If selected to submit your rate sheet, you will receive an e-mail one to three days after the completion of your MRS.

Where can I get answers to my questions about the survey?

If you have questions about this project, please contact Alicia Leatherman at Alicia.Leatherman@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov or Nicole Goudy at Nicole.Goudy@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov.

Direct specific questions about the survey to SRG at mrs2024@websrg.com or call Dr. Tina Kassebaum at 1-800-341-3660.

ODJFS and SRG Contacts

Alicia Leatherman
Chief Strategy Officer
Ohio Department of Children and Youth

Tina Kassebaum, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Strategic Research Group