R986-700-741. CCQS Rating and Status

  (1) Each licensed center program shall receive a CCQS rating or status, unless the program withdraws from participation following the process established by OCC policy.

  (a) A licensed center program who chooses not to apply for a certified quality rating will receive a default rating.

  (b) A DWS-Eligible child care program is required to participate in CCQS to remain an eligible provider. Participation means maintaining at least a default rating. An eligible provider is not required to submit an application for a certified quality rating.

  (c) All CCQS ratings or statuses shall be made public on the Care About Childcare website.

  (d) A DWS-eligible child care program which withdraws from participation in CCQS will become ineligible to receive CC subsidy and OCC grants or funding.

  (2) A program may apply for a certified quality rating in accordance with OCC policy through the Care About Childcare website.

  (a) A rating shall be awarded or a status shall be assigned no later than 180 days after the application was submitted.

  (b) Certified quality ratings will be published publicly on the first day of the month of the certified rating period.

  (3) A certified quality rating shall remain in place during the 12-month certified quality rating period unless a program:

  (a) loses its license in good standing and goes on conditional license; or

  (b) is disqualified from accepting funds from CCDF.

  (4) The 12-month certified quality rating period may be modified when a program is receiving CCQS technical assistance and support from OCC, in accordance with OCC policy.

  (5) Recertification. Upon expiration of the certified quality rating period, a program must recertify in order to maintain a certified quality rating.

  (a) A program must follow the recertification procedures established by OCC policy.

  (b) A program failing to recertify in a timely manner may receive one of the following ratings or statuses until a certified quality rating is awarded:

  (i) a default Foundation of Quality rating for a program that is DWS-Eligible;

  (ii) not participating status for a program that is not DWS-Eligible; or

  (iii) denied participation status for a program operating on a conditional license at the time of recertification.