Currently in California, Child care agencies are paid by multiple rates. My agency has proposed a new rate (a single rate structure) to meet new federal regulations and reduce bureaucracy. Once approved, the single rate will replace the current, multiple rate payment. The new rate figures will be available in Summer 2025.
The following graph shows the difference between current rate and new rate. If the new rate is higher than the current rate, it shows green color. Otherwise, it shows red color. Since the new rate is not yet available, my team used projected figures for the new rate.
I need to review the new rates in equity lens and provide recommendations to my management team. In other words: How do we confirm if the new rates are equitable?
I did not have any prior knowledge in equity, so I am a bit lost.
Where should I start? I would like your suggestions.
This are many variables here. The state in question is very large, many income brackets, access to child care will vary, various demographics etc. The question at hand will affect many families and is a very important one. I don’t have an answer to your question but I commend you asking it and looking at this through an equity lens. Good luck with your work!
I don’t view equity as a checkbox or a question that has a yes / no answer. Rather, it might be helpful to start by asking - what do you / your agency mean by equitable?
I find the We All Count data equity framework helpful for thinking through questions I might ask. For example - how was this decision made to change the rate? Who made the decision? Who was and wasn’t at the table? Are you looking at impacts on families, communities, child care agency staff … ? How is “success” defined and who defined it?
A recommendation you might think about is that, once rates are available, proposing some sort of research / evaluation to understand community perspectives and impacts re: the new rate. You’re at a great start by thinking through this question, and We All Count has some amazing resources!
You might consider checking out the Public Policy Institute of California’s poverty measure (CPM). Unlike the federal poverty rate, CPM takes into account the cost of living and resources from social safety net programs. If you are moving to one rate, that rate might not be sufficient for folks in areas where cost of living is high. Or for folks who have not signed up for social safety net programs. Basically, your instincts are correct! One rate will affect people differently, depending on where they live. https://www.ppic.org/blog/poverty-varies-widely-across-californias-regions/
These are such excellent replies and suggestions! Thanks @MJD@efrost and @Jadevieira_Bristol If I were asked to try to provide some thoughts on whether or not the new rates are equitable, I’d spend most of my initial time trying to get a concrete and measurable definition of the idea of “equitable” in this situation. What specific question are you trying to answer? This will make the next steps much easier. Let us know how it’s going @8_mile_road
