Q&A
DOE's new policies and processes to address payment issues for providers
1:58:12
ยท
145 sec
Deputy Chancellor Simone Hawkins outlines the Department of Education's efforts to improve payment processes for early childhood education providers.
- Acknowledges the need for improvement in payment processes and contract structures
- Mentions plans to release a new system to improve turnaround time on payments and allow providers to track their payment status
- Discusses building internal capacity to improve communication and partnership with providers
- Plans to provide back-office support to providers who need assistance with administrative responsibilities
- Emphasizes the need to streamline processes overall
Simone Hawkins
1:58:12
for more information on that last bit but some of the work that we're doing and thank you for that because a lot of work must be done around our payment processes in general.
1:58:22
And so again some of that is very much contingent around the structure of our contracts.
1:58:28
I've heard from some providers specifically those who used to be under early learn now with us around shifting how they are reimbursed.
1:58:36
I think that also is a point of tension in community is that we do have this base plus model.
1:58:41
It works for some, it doesn't work for others, but it doesn't recognize fixed costs as compared to variable costs.
1:58:47
And so looking at that as we reimagine the system is something we should consider.
1:58:51
Systems as mentioned.
1:58:53
And so the current system that we use specifically for our CBO's, it's a little dated and it can definitely use an evolution of sorts and so we are looking right now to release a new system that we hope will improve not just our turnaround time on payments, but also allow providers to see where they are in the queue.
1:59:14
Sometimes not knowing is half the battle, right, or knowing is half the battle.
1:59:18
If I don't know if I'm gonna get money tomorrow and next week that adds to the anxiety that many of our providers have and we want to alleviate that.
1:59:25
We also need to build internal capacity within my team so we can improve our communication and how we proactively partner with providers payments and how quickly we issue and remit those payments.
1:59:36
And then lastly as something I mentioned earlier, know, being able to provide some back office support separately to our provider community.
1:59:46
We are clear and we are aware of the admin responsibility related to these contracts.
1:59:51
Some have the ability to do it others don't and so nonetheless folks need to get paid on time.
1:59:57
And so we're figuring out ways that we can provide that in the future to individual providers who need it.
2:00:04
And so if there are ever any issues around payment providers are encouraged to reach out, reach out to me.
2:00:11
I have said that in many spaces, my team doesn't like when I say that but I invite that if it's helpful.
2:00:17
And also we have to do better just frankly at just streamlining process through and through.
2:00:22
And so we have bridge loans, I'm sad that Ingrid wasn't aware of our bridge loan process, that's something she could have explored and we often offer that to programs who are in a contract registration process.
2:00:34
I am sad to hear that she's going through that and I'm sorry Ingrid that that's your experience.