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The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) provides federal money to states and territories to provide assistance to low-income families, to obtain quality child care so they can work, attend training, or receive education. Within the broad federal parameters, States and Territories set the detailed policies. Those details determine whether a particular family will or will not be eligible for subsidies, how much the family will have to pay for the care, how families apply for and retain subsidies, the maximum amounts that child care providers will be reimbursed, and the administrative procedures that providers must follow. Thus, while CCDF is a single program from the perspective of federal law, it is in practice a different program in every state and territory.

The CCDF Policies Database project is a comprehensive, up-to-date database of CCDF policy information that supports the needs of a variety of audiences through (1) analytic data files, (2) a project website and search tool, and (3) an annual report (Book of Tables). These resources are made available to researchers, administrators, and policymakers with the goal of addressing important questions concerning the effects of child care subsidy policies and practices on the children and families served. A description of the data files, project website and search tool, and Book of Tables is provided below:

1. Detailed, longitudinal analytic data files provide CCDF policy information for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the United States territories and outlying areas that capture the policies actually in effect at a point in time, rather than proposals or legislation. They capture changes throughout each year, allowing users to access the policies in place at any point in time between October 2009 and the most recent data release. The data are organized into 32 categories with each category of variables separated into its own dataset. The categories span five general areas of policy including:

• Eligibility Requirements for Families and Children (Datasets 1-5)
• Family Application, Terms of Authorization, and Redetermination (Datasets 6-13)
• Family Payments (Datasets 14-18)
• Policies for Providers, Including Maximum Reimbursement Rates (Datasets 19-27)
• Overall Administrative and Quality Information Plans (Datasets 28-32)

The information in the data files is based primarily on the documents that caseworkers use as they work with families and providers (often termed "caseworker manuals"). The caseworker manuals generally provide much more detailed information on eligibility, family payments, and provider-related policies than the CCDF Plans submitted by states and territories to the federal government. The caseworker manuals also provide ongoing detail for periods in between CCDF Plan dates.

Each dataset contains a series of variables designed to capture the intricacies of the rules covered in the category. The variables include a mix of categorical, numeric, and text variables. Most variables have a corresponding notes field to capture additional details related to that particular variable. In addition, each category has an additional notes field to capture any information regarding the rules that is not already outlined in the category's variables.

Beginning with the 2020 files, the analytic data files are supplemented by four additional data files containing select policy information featured in the annual reports (prior to 2020, the full detail of the annual reports was reproduced as data files). The supplemental data files are available as 4 datasets (Datasets 33-36) and present key aspects of the differences in CCDF-funded programs across all states and territories as of October 1 of each year (2009-2023). The files include variables that are calculated using several variables from the analytic data files (Datasets 1-32) (such as copayment amounts for example family situations) and information that is part of the annual project reports (the annual Book of Tables) but not stored in the full database (such as summary market rate survey information from the CCDF plans).

2. The project website and search tool provide access to a point-and-click user interface. Users can select from the full set of public data to create custom tables. The website also provides access to the full range of reports and products released under the CCDF Policies Database project.

The project website and search tool and the data files provide a more detailed set of information than what the Book of Tables provides, including a wider selection of variables and policies over time.

3. The annual Book of Tables presents key aspects of the differences in CCDF funded programs across all states and territories as of October 1, 2023. The Book of Tables includes variables that are calculated using several variables from the data files (Datasets 1-32). The Book of Tables summarizes a subset of the information available in the data files, and includes information about eligibility requirements for families and children; application, redetermination, priority, and waiting list policies; family co-payments; and provider policies and payment rates. In many cases, a variable in the Book of Tables will correspond to a single variable in the data files. Usually, the variable options used in the Book of Tables will match the variable options in the data files. In some cases, the wording of the variable options may have been slightly modified for the tables.

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) provides federal money to states and territories to provide assistance to low-income families, to obtain quality child care so they can work, attend training, or receive education. Within the broad federal parameters, States and Territories set the detailed policies. Those details determine whether a particular family will or will not be eligible for subsidies, how much the family will have to pay for the care, how families apply for and retain subsidies, the maximum amounts that child care providers will be reimbursed, and the administrative procedures that providers must follow. Thus, while CCDF is a single program from the perspective of federal law, it is in practice a different program in every state and territory.

The CCDF Policies Database project is a comprehensive, up-to-date database of CCDF policy information that supports the needs of a variety of audiences through (1) analytic data files, (2) a project website and search tool, and (3) an annual report (Book of Tables). These resources are made available to researchers, administrators, and policymakers with the goal of addressing important questions concerning the effects of child care subsidy policies and practices on the children and families served. A description of the data files, project website and search tool, and Book of Tables is provided below:

1. Detailed, longitudinal analytic data files provide CCDF policy information for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the United States territories and outlying areas that capture the policies actually in effect at a point in time, rather than proposals or legislation. They capture changes throughout each year, allowing users to access the policies in place at any point in time between October 2009 and the most recent data release. The data are organized into 32 categories with each category of variables separated into its own dataset. The categories span five general areas of policy including:

• Eligibility Requirements for Families and Children (Datasets 1-5)
• Family Application, Terms of Authorization, and Redetermination (Datasets 6-13)
• Family Payments (Datasets 14-18)
• Policies for Providers, Including Maximum Reimbursement Rates (Datasets 19-27)
• Overall Administrative and Quality Information Plans (Datasets 28-32)

The information in the data files is based primarily on the documents that caseworkers use as they work with families and providers (often termed "caseworker manuals"). The caseworker manuals generally provide much more detailed information on eligibility, family payments, and provider-related policies than the CCDF Plans submitted by states and territories to the federal government. The caseworker manuals also provide ongoing detail for periods in between CCDF Plan dates.

Each dataset contains a series of variables designed to capture the intricacies of the rules covered in the category. The variables include a mix of categorical, numeric, and text variables. Most variables have a corresponding notes field to capture additional details related to that particular variable. In addition, each category has an additional notes field to capture any information regarding the rules that is not already outlined in the category's variables.

Beginning with the 2020 files, the analytic data files are supplemented by four additional data files containing select policy information featured in the annual reports (prior to 2020, the full detail of the annual reports was reproduced as data files). The supplemental data files are available as 4 datasets (Datasets 33-36) and present key aspects of the differences in CCDF-funded programs across all states and territories as of October 1 of each year (2009-2022). The files include variables that are calculated using several variables from the analytic data files (Datasets 1-32) (such as copayment amounts for example family situations) and information that is part of the annual project reports (the annual Book of Tables) but not stored in the full database (such as summary market rate survey information from the CCDF plans).

2. The project website and search tool provide access to a point-and-click user interface. Users can select from the full set of public data to create custom tables. The website also provides access to the full range of reports and products released under the CCDF Policies Database project.

The project website and search tool and the data files provide a more detailed set of information than what the Book of Tables provides, including a wider selection of variables and policies over time.

3. The annual Book of Tables presents key aspects of the differences in CCDF funded programs across all states and territories as of October 1, 2022. The Book of Tables includes variables that are calculated using several variables from the data files (Datasets 1-32). The Book of Tables summarizes a subset of the information available in the data files, and includes information about eligibility requirements for families and children; application, redetermination, priority, and waiting list policies; family co-payments; and provider policies and payment rates. In many cases, a variable in the Book of Tables will correspond to a single variable in the data files. Usually, the variable options used in the Book of Tables will match the variable options in the data files. In some cases, the wording of the variable options may have been slightly modified for the tables.

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) provides federal money to states and territories to provide assistance to low-income families, to obtain quality child care so they can work, attend training, or receive education. Within the broad federal parameters, states and territories set the detailed policies. Those details determine whether a particular family will or will not be eligible for subsidies, how much the family will have to pay for the care, how families apply for and retain subsidies, the maximum amounts that child care providers will be reimbursed, and the administrative procedures that providers must follow. Thus, while CCDF is a single program from the perspective of federal law, it is in practice a different program in every state and territory.

The CCDF Policies Database project is a comprehensive, up-to-date database of CCDF policy information that supports the needs of a variety of audiences through (1) analytic data files, (2) a project website and search tool, and (3) an annual report (Book of Tables). These resources are made available to researchers, administrators, and policymakers with the goal of addressing important questions concerning the effects of child care subsidy policies and practices on the children and families served. A description of the data files, project website and search tool, and Book of Tables is provided below:

1. Detailed, longitudinal analytic data files provide CCDF policy information for all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the United States Territories and outlying areas that capture the policies actually in effect at a point in time, rather than proposals or legislation. They capture changes throughout each year, allowing users to access the policies in place at any point in time between October 2009 and the most recent data release. The data are organized into 32 categories with each category of variables separated into its own dataset. The categories span five general areas of policy including:

• Eligibility Requirements for Families and Children (Datasets 1-5)
• Family Application, Terms of Authorization, and Redetermination (Datasets 6-13)
• Family Payments (Datasets 14-18)
• Policies for Providers, Including Maximum Reimbursement Rates (Datasets 19-27)
• Overall Administrative and Quality Information Plans (Datasets 28-32)

The information in the data files is based primarily on the documents that caseworkers use as they work with families and providers (often termed "caseworker manuals"). The caseworker manuals generally provide much more detailed information on eligibility, family payments, and provider-related policies than the CCDF Plans submitted by states and territories to the federal government. The caseworker manuals also provide ongoing detail for periods in between CCDF Plan dates.

Each dataset contains a series of variables designed to capture the intricacies of the rules covered in the category. The variables include a mix of categorical, numeric, and text variables. Most variables have a corresponding notes field to capture additional details related to that particular variable. In addition, each category has an additional notes field to capture any information regarding the rules that is not already outlined in the category's variables.

2. The project website and search tool provide access to a point-and-click user interface. Users can select from the full set of public data to create custom tables. The website also provides access to the full range of reports and products released under the CCDF Policies Database project.

The project website and search tool and the data files provide a more detailed set of information than what the Book of Tables provides, including a wider selection of variables and policies over time.

3. The annual Book of Tables provides key policy information for October 1 of each year. The report presents policy variations across the states and territories and is available on the project website. The Book of Tables summarizes a subset of the information available in the full database and data files, and includes information about eligibility requirements for families; application, redetermination, priority, and waiting list policies; family co-payments; and provider policies and reimbursement rates. In many cases, a variable in the Book of Tables will correspond to a single variable in the data files. Usually, the variable options used in the Book of Tables will match the variable options in the data files. In some cases, the wording of the variable options may have been slightly modified for the report tables. Selected policy information from the Book of Tables is also provided as supplemental data files (Datasets 33-36). Beginning with the 2020 files, the datasets drawn from the Book of Tables show policy information that is either not readily available in the database (for example, market rate survey information taken directly from the CCDF Plans) or that requires users to reference several database variables to determine the policy (for example, copayment amounts and reimbursement rates for selected scenarios). The User Guide for the supplemental data files also includes information about the full set of policies included in the annual Book of Tables and the corresponding database variable names.

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) provides federal money to states and territories to provide assistance to low-income families, to obtain quality child care so they can work, attend training, or receive education. Within the broad federal parameters, states and territories set the detailed policies. Those details determine whether a particular family will or will not be eligible for subsidies, how much the family will have to pay for the care, how families apply for and retain subsidies, the maximum amounts that child care providers will be reimbursed, and the administrative procedures that providers must follow. Thus, while CCDF is a single program from the perspective of federal law, it is in practice a different program in every state and territory.

The CCDF Policies Database project is a comprehensive, up-to-date database of CCDF policy information that supports the needs of a variety of audiences through (1) analytic data files, (2) a project website and search tool, and (3) an annual report (Book of Tables). These resources are made available to researchers, administrators, and policymakers with the goal of addressing important questions concerning the effects of child care subsidy policies and practices on the children and families served. A description of the data files, project website and search tool, and Book of Tables is provided below:

1. Detailed, longitudinal analytic data files provide CCDF policy information for all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the United States Territories and outlying areas that capture the policies actually in effect at a point in time, rather than proposals or legislation. They capture changes throughout each year, allowing users to access the policies in place at any point in time between October 2009 and the most recent data release. The data are organized into 32 categories with each category of variables separated into its own dataset. The categories span five general areas of policy including:

• Eligibility Requirements for Families and Children (Datasets 1-5)
• Family Application, Terms of Authorization, and Redetermination (Datasets 6-13)
• Family Payments (Datasets 14-18)
• Policies for Providers, Including Maximum Reimbursement Rates (Datasets 19-27)
• Overall Administrative and Quality Information Plans (Datasets 28-32)

The information in the data files is based primarily on the documents that caseworkers use as they work with families and providers (often termed "caseworker manuals"). The caseworker manuals generally provide much more detailed information on eligibility, family payments, and provider-related policies than the CCDF Plans submitted by states and territories to the federal government. The caseworker manuals also provide ongoing detail for periods in between CCDF Plan dates.

Each dataset contains a series of variables designed to capture the intricacies of the rules covered in the category. The variables include a mix of categorical, numeric, and text variables. Most variables have a corresponding notes field to capture additional details related to that particular variable. In addition, each category has an additional notes field to capture any information regarding the rules that is not already outlined in the category's variables.

2. The project website and search tool provide access to a point-and-click user interface. Users can select from the full set of public data to create custom tables. The website also provides access to the full range of reports and products released under the CCDF Policies Database project.

The project website and search tool and the data files provide a more detailed set of information than what the Book of Tables provides, including a wider selection of variables and policies over time.

3. The annual Book of Tables provides key policy information for October 1 of each year. The report presents policy variations across the states and territories and is available on the project website. The Book of Tables summarizes a subset of the information available in the full database and data files, and includes information about eligibility requirements for families; application, redetermination, priority, and waiting list policies; family co-payments; and provider policies and reimbursement rates. In many cases, a variable in the Book of Tables will correspond to a single variable in the data files. Usually, the variable options used in the Book of Tables will match the variable options in the data files. In some cases, the wording of the variable options may have been slightly modified for the report tables. Selected policy information from the Book of Tables is also provided as supplemental data files (Datasets 33-36). Beginning with the 2020 files, the datasets drawn from the Book of Tables show policy information that is either not readily available in the database (for example, market rate survey information taken directly from the CCDF Plans) or that requires users to reference several database variables to determine the policy (for example, copayment amounts and reimbursement rates for selected scenarios). The User Guide for the supplemental data files also includes information about the full set of policies included in the annual Book of Tables and the corresponding database variable names.

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) provides federal money to states and territories to provide assistance to low-income families, to obtain quality child care so they can work, attend training, or receive education. Within the broad federal parameters, states and territories set the detailed policies. Those details determine whether a particular family will or will not be eligible for subsidies, how much the family will have to pay for the care, how families apply for and retain subsidies, the maximum amounts that child care providers will be reimbursed, and the administrative procedures that providers must follow. Thus, while CCDF is a single program from the perspective of federal law, it is in practice a different program in every state and territory.

The CCDF Policies Database project is a comprehensive, up-to-date database of CCDF policy information that supports the needs of a variety of audiences through (1) analytic data files, (2) a project website and search tool, and (3) an annual report (Book of Tables). These are made available to researchers, administrators, and policymakers with the goal of addressing important questions concerning the effects of alternative child care subsidy policies and practices on the children and families served. A description of the data files, project website and search tool, and Book of Tables is provided below:

1. Detailed, longitudinal analytic data files provide CCDF policy information for all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the United States Territories and outlying areas that capture the policies actually in effect at a point in time, rather than proposals or legislation. They focus on the policies in place at the start of each fiscal year, but also capture changes during that fiscal year. The data are organized into 32 categories with each category of variables separated into its own dataset. The categories span five general areas of policy including:

• Eligibility Requirements for Families and Children (Datasets 1-5)
• Family Application, Terms of Authorization, and Redetermination (Datasets 6-13)
• Family Payments (Datasets 14-18)
• Policies for Providers, Including Maximum Reimbursement Rates (Datasets 19-27)
• Overall Administrative and Quality Information Plans (Datasets 28-32)

The information in the data files is based primarily on the documents that caseworkers use as they work with families and providers (often termed "caseworker manuals"). The caseworker manuals generally provide much more detailed information on eligibility, family payments, and provider-related policies than the CCDF Plans submitted by states and territories to the federal government. The caseworker manuals also provide ongoing detail for periods in between CCDF Plan dates.

Each dataset contains a series of variables designed to capture the intricacies of the rules covered in the category. The variables include a mix of categorical, numeric, and text variables. Most variables have a corresponding notes field to capture additional details related to that particular variable. In addition, each category has an additional notes field to capture any information regarding the rules that is not already outlined in the category's variables.

2. The project website and search tool provides access to a point-and-click user interface. Users can select from the full set of public data to create custom tables. The website also provides access to the full range of reports and products released under the CCDF Policies Database project.

The project website and search tool and the data files provide a more detailed set of information than what the Book of Tables provides, including a wider selection of variables and policies over time.

3. The data from the Book of Tables are available as eleven datasets (Datasets 33-43) and they present key aspects of the differences in CCDF funded programs across all states and territories as of October 1, 2019. The Book of Tables includes variables that are calculated using several variables from the data files (Datasets 1-32). The Book of Tables summarizes a subset of the information available in the data files, and includes information about eligibility requirements for families; application, redetermination, priority, and waiting list policies; family co-payments; and provider policies and reimbursement rates. In many cases, a variable in the Book of Tables will correspond to a single variable in the data files. Usually, the variable options used in the Book of Tables will match the variable options in the data files. In some cases, the wording of the variable options may have been slightly modified for the tables.

The Hennepin County Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluations surveyed 150 youth to examine the role of trauma and violence on justice-involved lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/unsure or asexual (LGBTQA) and gender non-conforming youth (GNC).

Youth were surveyed and administrative human services and juvenile justice data were also analyzed. The correctional staff were surveyed with an organizational self-assessment on employee perceptions of trauma-informed practices and policies. A subset of youth (N = 60) were interviewed using the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire Revised Version 2 (JVQ-R2) and the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) tool to assess trauma and victimization.

This survey also collected demographic information as well as the participants' history of harassment, bullying, suspension, expulsion, housing arrangements, and foster care involvement.

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) provides federal money to States and Territories to provide assistance to low-income families receiving or in transition from temporary public assistance, to obtain quality child care so they can work, attend training, or receive education. Within the broad federal parameters, states and territories set the detailed policies. Those details determine whether a particular family will or will not be eligible for subsidies, how much the family will have to pay for the care, how families apply for and retain subsidies, the maximum amounts that child care providers will be reimbursed, and the administrative procedures that providers must follow. Thus, while CCDF is a single program from the perspective of federal law, it is in practice a different program in every state and territory.

The CCDF Policies Database project is a comprehensive, up-to-date database of inter-related sources of CCDF policy information that support the needs of a variety of audiences through (1) Analytic Data Files, (2) a Book of Tables, and (3) a project website and search tool. These are made available to researchers, administrators, and policymakers with the goal of addressing important questions concerning the effects of alternative child care subsidy policies and practices on the children and families served, specifically parental employment and self-sufficiency, the availability and quality of care, and children's development. A description of the Data Files, Book of Tables, and Project Website and Search Tool is provided below:

1. Detailed, longitudinal Analytic Data Files of CCDF policy information for all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and United States Territories that capture the policies actually in effect at a point in time, rather than proposals or legislation. They focus on the policies in place at the start of each fiscal year, but also capture changes during that fiscal year. The data are organized into 32 categories with each category of variables separated into its own dataset. The categories span five general areas of policy including:

• Eligibility Requirements for Families and Children (Datasets 1-5)
• Family Application, Terms of Authorization, and Redetermination (Datasets 6-13)
• Family Payments (Datasets 14-18)
• Policies for Providers, Including Maximum Reimbursement Rates (Datasets 19-27)
• Overall Administrative and Quality Information Plans (Datasets 28-32)

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) provides federal money to States and Territories to provide assistance to low-income families receiving or in transition from temporary public assistance, to obtain quality child care so they can work, attend training, or receive education. Within the broad federal parameters, states and territories set the detailed policies. Those details determine whether a particular family will or will not be eligible for subsidies, how much the family will have to pay for the care, how families apply for and retain subsidies, the maximum amounts that child care providers will be reimbursed, and the administrative procedures that providers must follow. Thus, while CCDF is a single program from the perspective of federal law, it is in practice a different program in every state and territory.

The CCDF Policies Database project is a comprehensive, up-to-date database of inter-related sources of CCDF policy information that support the needs of a variety of audiences through (1) Analytic Data Files, (2) a Book of Tables, and (3) a project website and search tool. These are made available to researchers, administrators, and policymakers with the goal of addressing important questions concerning the effects of alternative child care subsidy policies and practices on the children and families served, specifically parental employment and self-sufficiency, the availability and quality of care, and children's development. A description of the Data Files, Book of Tables, and Project Website and Search Tool is provided below:

1. Detailed, longitudinal Analytic Data Files of CCDF policy information for all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and United States Territories that capture the policies actually in effect at a point in time, rather than proposals or legislation. They focus on the policies in place at the start of each fiscal year, but also capture changes during that fiscal year. The data are organized into 32 categories with each category of variables separated into its own dataset. The categories span five general areas of policy including:

• Eligibility Requirements for Families and Children (Datasets 1-5)
• Family Application, Terms of Authorization, and Redetermination (Datasets 6-13)
• Family Payments (Datasets 14-18)
• Policies for Providers, Including Maximum Reimbursement Rates (Datasets 19-27)
• Overall Administrative and Quality Information Plans (Datasets 28-32)

The information in the Data Files is based primarily on the documents that caseworkers use as they work with families and providers (often termed "caseworker manuals"). The caseworker manuals generally provide much more detailed information on eligibility, family payments, and provider-related policies than the documents submitted by states and territories to the federal government. The caseworker manuals also provide ongoing detail for periods in between submission dates.

Each dataset contains a series of variables designed to capture the intricacies of the rules covered in the category. The variables include a mix of categorical, numeric, and text variables. Every variable has a corresponding notes field to capture additional details related to that particular variable. In addition, each category has an additional notes field to capture any information regarding the rules that is not already outlined in the category's variables.

2. The Book of Tables is available as ten datasets (Datasets 33-42) and they present key aspects of the differences in CCDF funded programs across all states and territories as of October 1, 2018. The Book of Tables includes variables that are calculated using several variables from the Data Files (Datasets 1-32). The Book of Tables summarizes a subset of the information available in the Data Files, and includes information about eligibility requirements for families; application, redetermination, priority, and waiting list policies; family co-payments; provider policies and reimbursement rates; and select administration and quality development information. In many cases, a variable in the Book of Tables will correspond to a single variable in the Data File. Usually, the variable options used in the Book of Tables will match the variable options in the Data File. In some cases, the wording of the variable options may have been slightly modified for the tables.

3. The Project Website and Search Tool provides access to a point-and-click user interface. Users can select from the full set of public data to create custom tables. The website also provides access to the full range of reports and products released under the CCDF Policies Database project.

The Project Website and Search Tool and the Data Files provide a more detailed set of information than what the Book of Tables provides, including a wider selection of variables and policies over time.

This data collection provides detailed comparative information about the structure, policies, and procedures of state-wide trial and appellate court systems for the 50 states and the District of Columbia in the United States for 2011. Information gathered includes: the number of courts and judges, judicial selection, governance of court systems (including judicial funding, administration, staffing, and procedures), jury qualifications and verdict rules, and processing and sentencing procedures of criminal cases. Data collection was carried out by the National Center for State Courts. These data are part of a related collection from the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands in the United States for the years 1980, 1987, 1993, 1998, and 2004.

In 2011, State Court Organization added new variables to the data collection process. The State Court Organization 2011 file contains the historical variables for 2011, as well as the new variables that were introduced in the 2004 collection. The new variables included data about the courts' information technology systems, including the functions of the court's IT staff, e-filing procedures, accessibility of court information through online systems, and the implementation of case management systems as a means of organizing and managing a court's caseload. The data are reported for trial and appellate courts.

The SCO Trial Court Level Data 2011 file includes a subset of the State Court Organization 2011 file, but only for trial level courts. Some variables in the State Court Organization 2011 file were recoded in the Trial Court Level Data 2011 file.

The Pilot Study of State and Federal Digital Evidence Laboratories data collection contains data collected in 2015 as part of the Census of Publicly Funded Forensic Crime Laboratories (CPFFCL). The CPFFCL examined the forensic services provided by publicly funded crime labs across the nation and the resources devoted to completing the work.

To capture more information about an emerging forensic science discipline known as digital evidence, the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) expanded the scope of the 2014 CPFFCL from previous data collections to include a separate pilot study of state and federal agencies that solely analyzed digital evidence in support of criminal investigations and prosecutions. These agencies obtained digital and multimedia evidence in various formats, including audio, video, and graphical images from computers, cell phones, cameras, and other electronic devices. The traditional CPFFCL definition of a crime lab limited the information collected about digital evidence since some agencies only handle this type of evidence and employ forensic experts with training in computer science or information technology as opposed to natural sciences such as chemistry and biology.

The census collected detailed information on laboratory staff, budgets, workloads, and backlogs in requests for forensic services. The census also provides data on lab accreditations, proficiency tests, and other quality assurances.

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) provides federal money to States and Territories to provide assistance to low-income families receiving or in transition from temporary public assistance, to obtain quality child care so they can work, attend training, or receive education. Within the broad federal parameters, states and territories set the detailed policies. Those details determine whether a particular family will or will not be eligible for subsidies, how much the family will have to pay for the care, how families apply for and retain subsidies, the maximum amounts that child care providers will be reimbursed, and the administrative procedures that providers must follow. Thus, while CCDF is a single program from the perspective of federal law, it is in practice a different program in every state and territory.

The CCDF Policies Database project is a comprehensive, up-to-date database of inter-related sources of CCDF policy information that support the needs of a variety of audiences through (1) Analytic Data Files and (2) a Book of Tables. These are made available to researchers, administrators, and policymakers with the goal of addressing important questions concerning the effects of alternative child care subsidy policies and practices on the children and families served, specifically parental employment and self-sufficiency, the availability and quality of care, and children's development. A description of the Data Files and Book of Tables is provided below:

1. Detailed, longitudinal Analytic Data Files of CCDF policy information for all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and United States Territories that capture the policies actually in effect at a point in time, rather than proposals or legislation. They focus on the policies in place at the start of each fiscal year, but also capture changes during that fiscal year. The data are organized into 32 categories with each category of variables separated into its own dataset. The categories span five general areas of policy including:

• Eligibility Requirements for Families and Children (Datasets 1-5)
• Family Application, Terms of Authorization, and Redetermination (Datasets 6-13)
• Family Payments (Datasets 14-18)
• Policies for Providers, Including Maximum Reimbursement Rates (Datasets 19-27)
• Overall Administrative and Quality Information Plans (Datasets 28-32)

The information in the Data Files is based primarily on the documents that caseworkers use as they work with families and providers (often termed "caseworker manuals"). The caseworker manuals generally provide much more detailed information on eligibility, family payments, and provider-related policies than the documents submitted by states and territories to the federal government. The caseworker manuals also provide ongoing detail for periods in between submission dates.

Each dataset contains a series of variables designed to capture the intricacies of the rules covered in the category. The variables include a mix of categorical, numeric, and text variables. Every variable has a corresponding notes field to capture additional details related to that particular variable. In addition, each category has an additional notes field to capture any information regarding the rules that is not already outlined in the category's variables.

2. The Book of Tables is available as eight datasets (Datasets 33-40) and they present key aspects of the differences in CCDF funded programs across all states and territories as of October 1, 2016. The Book of Tables includes variables that are calculated using several variables from the Data Files (Datasets 1-32). The Book of Tables summarizes a subset of the information available in the Data Files, and includes information about eligibility requirements for families; application, redetermination, priority, and waiting list policies; family co-payments; provider policies and reimbursement rates; and select administration and quality development information. In many cases, a variable in the Book of Tables will correspond to a single variable in the Data File. Usually, the variable options used in the Book of Tables will match the variable options in the Data File. In some cases, the wording of the variable options may have been slightly modified for the tables.

The Data Files provide a more detailed set of information than what the Book of Tables provide, including a wider selection of variables and policies over time. The Data Files capture the intricacies of the rules covered in the category for each state and time frame. Each variable in any given dataset has a corresponding notes field to capture additional details related to that particular variable.

The National Survey of Indigent Defense Systems (NSIDS) collected nationwide data in order to: (1) identify the number and characteristics of publicly financed indigent defense systems and agencies in the United States, (2) measure how legal services were provided to indigent criminal defendants in terms of caseloads, workloads, policies, and practices, and (3) describe the types of offenses handled by indigent defense system organizations. The study was initially designed to permit measurable statistical estimates at the national level for each region of the United States, for individual states, and for the 100 most populous counties, including the District of Columbia. However, due to resource and financial constraints, the 1999 Survey of Indigent Defense Systems (ICPSR 3081) was scaled back to collect indigent criminal defense data at the trial level for (1) the 100 most populous counties, (2) 197 counties outside the 100 most populous counties, and (3) states that entirely funded indigent criminal defense services.

The 2013 NSIDS was the first census of all state- and county-administered indigent defense systems. It was also the first collection of data focusing on criminal defense and civil, juvenile, and appellate representation. The NSIDS furthers the work of the 2007 Census of Public Defender Offices (CPDO) and the 1999 Survey of Indigent Defense Systems.

USER NOTE: This database no longer contains the most up-to-date information. Some errors and missing data from the previous years have been fixed in the most recent data release in the CCDF Policies Database Series. The most recent release is a cumulative file which includes the most accurate version of this and all past years' data. Please do not use this study's data unless you are attempting to replicate the analysis of someone who specifically used this version of the CCDF Policies Database. For any other type of analysis, please use the most recent release in the CCDF Policies Database Series.

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) provides federal money to States and Territories to provide assistance to low-income families receiving or in transition from temporary public assistance, to obtain quality child care so they can work, attend training, or receive education. Within the broad federal parameters, states and territories set the detailed policies. Those details determine whether a particular family will or will not be eligible for subsidies, how much the family will have to pay for the care, how families apply for and retain subsidies, the maximum amounts that child care providers will be reimbursed, and the administrative procedures that providers must follow. Thus, while CCDF is a single program from the perspective of federal law, it is in practice a different program in every state and territory.

The CCDF Policies Database project is a comprehensive, up-to-date database of inter-related sources of CCDF policy information that support the needs of a variety of audiences through (1) Analytic Data Files and (2) a Book of Tables. These are made available to researchers, administrators, and policymakers with the goal of addressing important questions concerning the effects of alternative child care subsidy policies and practices on the children and families served, specifically parental employment and self-sufficiency, the availability and quality of care, and children's development. A description of the Data Files and Book of Tables is provided below:

1. Detailed, longitudinal Analytic Data Files of CCDF policy information for all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and United States Territories that capture the policies actually in effect at a point in time, rather than proposals or legislation. They focus on the policies in place at the start of each fiscal year, but also capture changes during that fiscal year. The data are organized into 32 categories with each category of variables separated into its own dataset. The categories span five general areas of policy including:

• Eligibility Requirements for Families and Children (Datasets 1-5)
• Family Application, Terms of Authorization, and Redetermination (Datasets 6-13)
• Family Payments (Datasets 14-18)
• Policies for Providers, Including Maximum Reimbursement Rates (Datasets 19-27)
• Overall Administrative and Quality Information Plans (Datasets 28-32)

The information in the Data Files is based primarily on the documents that caseworkers use as they work with families and providers (often termed "caseworker manuals"). The caseworker manuals generally provide much more detailed information on eligibility, family payments, and provider-related policies than the documents submitted by states and territories to the federal government. The caseworker manuals also provide ongoing detail for periods in between submission dates.

Each dataset contains a series of variables designed to capture the intricacies of the rules covered in the category. The variables include a mix of categorical, numeric, and text variables. Every variable has a corresponding notes field to capture additional details related to that particular variable. In addition, each category has an additional notes field to capture any information regarding the rules that is not already outlined in the category's variables.

2. The Book of Tables is available as seven datasets (Datasets 33-39) and they present key aspects of the differences in CCDF funded programs across all states and territories as of October 1, 2015. The Book of Tables includes variables that are calculated using several variables from the Data Files (Datasets 1-32). The Book of Tables summarizes a subset of the information available in the Data Files, and includes information about eligibility requirements for families; application, redetermination, priority, and waiting list policies; family co-payments; provider policies and reimbursement rates; and select administration and quality development information. In many cases, a variable in the Book of Tables will correspond to a single variable in the Data File. Usually, the variable options used in the Book of Tables will match the variable options in the Data File. In some cases, the wording of the variable options may have been slightly modified for the tables.

The Data Files provide a more detailed set of information than what the Book of Tables provide, including a wider selection of variables and policies over time. The Data Files capture the intricacies of the rules covered in the category for each state and time frame. Each variable in any given dataset has a corresponding notes field to capture additional details related to that particular variable.

USER NOTE: This database no longer contains the most up-to-date information. Some errors and missing data from the previous years have been fixed in the most recent data release in the CCDF Policies Database Series. The most recent release is a cumulative file which includes the most accurate version of this and all past years' data. Please do not use this study's data unless you are attempting to replicate the analysis of someone who specifically used this version of the CCDF Policies Database. For any other type of analysis, please use the most recent release in the CCDF Policies Database Series.

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) provides federal money to States, Territories, and Tribes to provide assistance to low-income families receiving or in transition from temporary public assistance, to obtain quality child care so they can work, attend training, or receive education. Within the broad federal parameters, states and territories set the detailed policies. Those details determine whether a particular family will or will not be eligible for subsidies, how much the family will have to pay for the care, how families apply for and retain subsidies, the maximum amounts that child care providers will be reimbursed, and the administrative procedures that providers must follow. Thus, while CCDF is a single program from the perspective of federal law, it is in practice a different program in every state and territory.

The CCDF Policies Database project is a comprehensive, up-to-date database of inter-related sources of CCDF policy information that support the needs of a variety of audiences through (1) Analytic Data Files and (2) a Book of Tables. These are made available to researchers, administrators, and policymakers with the goal of addressing important questions concerning the effects of alternative child care subsidy policies and practices on the children and families served, specifically parental employment and self-sufficiency, the availability and quality of care, and children's development. A description of the Data Files and Book of Tables is provided below:

1. Detailed, longitudinal Analytic Data Files of CCDF policy information for all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and United States Territories that capture the policies actually in effect at a point in time, rather than proposals or legislation. They focus on the policies in place at the start of each fiscal year, but also capture changes during that fiscal year. The data are organized into 32 categories with each category of variables separated into its own dataset. The categories span five general areas of policy including:

• Eligibility Requirements for Families and Children (Datasets 1-5)
• Family Application, Terms of Authorization, and Redetermination (Datasets 6-13)
• Family Payments (Datasets 14-18)
• Policies for Providers, Including Maximum Reimbursement Rates (Datasets 19-27)
• Overall Administrative and Quality Information Plans (Datasets 28-32)

The information in the Data Files is based primarily on the documents that caseworkers use as they work with families and providers (often termed "caseworker manuals"). The caseworker manuals generally provide much more detailed information on eligibility, family payments, and provider-related policies than the documents submitted by states and territories to the federal government. The caseworker manuals also provide ongoing detail for periods in between submission dates.

Each dataset contains a series of variables designed to capture the intricacies of the rules covered in the category. The variables include a mix of categorical, numeric, and text variables. Every variable has a corresponding notes field to capture additional details related to that particular variable. In addition, each category has an additional notes field to capture any information regarding the rules that is not already outlined in the category's variables.

2. The Book of Tables is available as four datasets (Datasets 33-36) and they present key aspects of the differences in CCDF funded programs across all states, territories, and tribes as of October 1, 2012. The Book of Tables includes variables that are calculated using several variables from the Data Files (Datasets 1-32). The Book of Tables summarizes a subset of the information available in the Data Files, and includes information about eligibility requirements for families; application, redetermination, priority, and waiting list policies; family co-payments; provider policies and reimbursement rates; and select administration and quality development information. In many cases, a variable in the Book of Tables will correspond to a single variable in the Data File. Usually, the variable options used in the Book of Tables will match the variable options in the Data File. In some cases, the wording of the variable options may have been slightly modified for the tables.

The Data Files provide a more detailed set of information than what the Book of Tables provide, including a wider selection of variables and policies over time. The Data Files capture the intricacies of the rules covered in the category for each state and timeframe. Each variable in any given dataset has a corresponding notes field to capture additional details related to that particular variable.

USER NOTE: This database no longer contains the most up-to-date information. Some errors and missing data from the previous years have been fixed in the most recent data release in the CCDF Policies Database Series. The most recent release is a cumulative file which includes the most accurate version of this and all past years' data. Please do not use this study's data unless you are attempting to replicate the analysis of someone who specifically used this version of the CCDF Policies Database. For any other type of analysis, please use the most recent release in the CCDF Policies Database Series.

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) provides federal money to States, Territories, and Tribes to provide assistance to low-income families receiving or in transition from temporary public assistance, to obtain quality child care so they can work, attend training, or receive education. Within the broad federal parameters, states and territories set the detailed policies. Those details determine whether a particular family will or will not be eligible for subsidies, how much the family will have to pay for the care, how families apply for and retain subsidies, the maximum amounts that child care providers will be reimbursed, and the administrative procedures that providers must follow. Thus, while CCDF is a single program from the perspective of federal law, it is in practice a different program in every state and territory.

The CCDF Policies Database project is a comprehensive, up-to-date database of inter-related sources of CCDF policy information that support the needs of a variety of audiences through (1) Analytic Data Files and (2) a Book of Tables. These are made available to researchers, administrators, and policymakers with the goal of addressing important questions concerning the effects of alternative child care subsidy policies and practices on the children and families served, specifically parental employment and self-sufficiency, the availability and quality of care, and children's development. A description of the Data Files and Book of Tables is provided below:

1. Detailed, longitudinal Analytic Data Files of CCDF policy information for all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and United States Territories that capture the policies actually in effect at a point in time, rather than proposals or legislation. They focus on the policies in place at the start of each fiscal year, but also capture changes during that fiscal year. The data are organized into 32 categories with each category of variables separated into its own dataset. The categories span five general areas of policy including:

• Eligibility Requirements for Families and Children (Datasets 1-5)

• Family Application, Terms of Authorization, and Redetermination (Datasets 6-13)

• Family Payments (Datasets 14-18)

• Policies for Providers, Including Maximum Reimbursement Rates (Datasets 19-27)

• Overall Administrative and Quality Information Plans (Datasets 28-32)

The information in the Data Files is based primarily on the documents that caseworkers use as they work with families and providers (often termed "caseworker manuals"). The caseworker manuals generally provide much more detailed information on eligibility, family payments, and provider-related policies than the documents submitted by states and territories to the federal government. The caseworker manuals also provide ongoing detail for periods in between submission dates.

Each dataset contains a series of variables designed to capture the intricacies of the rules covered in the category. The variables include a mix of categorical, numeric, and text variables. Every variable has a corresponding notes field to capture additional details related to that particular variable. In addition, each category has an additional notes field to capture any information regarding the rules that is not already outlined in the category's variables.

2. The Book of Tables is available as three datasets (Datasets 33-35) and they present key aspects of the differences in CCDF funded programs across all states, territories, and tribes as of October 1, 2011. The Book of Tables includes variables that are calculated using several variables from the Data Files (Datasets 1-32). The Book of Tables summarizes a subset of the information available in the Data Files, and includes information about eligibility requirements for families; application, redetermination, priority, and waiting list policies; family co-payments; provider policies and reimbursement rates; and select administration and quality development information. In many cases, a variable in the Book of Tables will correspond to a single variable in the Data File. Usually, the variable options used in the Book of Tables will match the variable options in the Data File. In some cases, the wording of the variable options may have been slightly modified for the tables.

The Data Files provide a more detailed set of information than what the Book of Tables provide, including a wider selection of variables and policies over time. The Data Files capture the intricacies of the rules covered in the category for each state and timeframe. Each variable in any given dataset has a corresponding notes field to capture additional details related to that particular variable.

USER NOTE: This database no longer contains the most up-to-date information. Some errors and missing data from the previous years have been fixed in the most recent data release in the CCDF Policies Database Series. The most recent release is a cumulative file which includes the most accurate version of this and all past years' data. Please do not use this study's data unless you are attempting to replicate the analysis of someone who specifically used this version of the CCDF Policies Database. For any other type of analysis, please use the most recent release in the CCDF Policies Database Series.

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) provides federal money to States, Territories, and Tribes to provide assistance to low-income families receiving or in transition from temporary public assistance, to obtain quality child care so they can work, attend training, or receive education. Within the broad federal parameters, states and territories set the detailed policies. Those details determine whether a particular family will or will not be eligible for subsidies, how much the family will have to pay for the care, how families apply for and retain subsidies, the maximum amounts that child care providers will be reimbursed, and the administrative procedures that providers must follow. Thus, while CCDF is a single program from the perspective of federal law, it is in practice a different program in every state and territory.

The CCDF Policies Database project is a comprehensive, up-to-date database of inter-related sources of CCDF policy information that support the needs of a variety of audiences through (1) Analytic Data Files and (2) a Book of Tables. These are made available to researchers, administrators, and policymakers with the goal of addressing important questions concerning the effects of alternative child care subsidy policies and practices on the children and families served, specifically parental employment and self-sufficiency, the availability and quality of care, and children's development. A description of the Data Files and Book of Tables is provided below:

1. Detailed, longitudinal Analytic Data Files of CCDF policy information for all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and United States Territories that capture the policies actually in effect at a point in time, rather than proposals or legislation. They focus on the policies in place at the start of each fiscal year, but also capture changes during that fiscal year. The data are organized into 32 categories with each category of variables separated into its own dataset. The categories span five general areas of policy including:

• Eligibility Requirements for Families and Children (Datasets 1-5)
• Family Application, Terms of Authorization, and Redetermination (Datasets 6-13)
• Family Payments (Datasets 14-18)
• Policies for Providers, Including Maximum Reimbursement Rates (Datasets 19-27)
• Overall Administrative and Quality Information Plans (Datasets 28-32)

The information in the Data Files is based primarily on the documents that caseworkers use as they work with families and providers (often termed "caseworker manuals"). The caseworker manuals generally provide much more detailed information on eligibility, family payments, and provider-related policies than the documents submitted by states and territories to the federal government. The caseworker manuals also provide ongoing detail for periods in between submission dates.

Each dataset contains a series of variables designed to capture the intricacies of the rules covered in the category. The variables include a mix of categorical, numeric, and text variables. Every variable has a corresponding notes field to capture additional details related to that particular variable. In addition, each category has an additional notes field to capture any information regarding the rules that is not already outlined in the category's variables.

2. The Book of Tables is available as four datasets (Datasets 33-37) and they present key aspects of the differences in CCDF funded programs across all states, territories, and tribes as of October 1, 2013. The Book of Tables includes variables that are calculated using several variables from the Data Files (Datasets 1-32). The Book of Tables summarizes a subset of the information available in the Data Files, and includes information about eligibility requirements for families; application, redetermination, priority, and waiting list policies; family co-payments; provider policies and reimbursement rates; and select administration and quality development information. In many cases, a variable in the Book of Tables will correspond to a single variable in the Data File. Usually, the variable options used in the Book of Tables will match the variable options in the Data File. In some cases, the wording of the variable options may have been slightly modified for the tables.

The Data Files provide a more detailed set of information than what the Book of Tables provide, including a wider selection of variables and policies over time. The Data Files capture the intricacies of the rules covered in the category for each state and time frame. Each variable in any given dataset has a corresponding notes field to capture additional details related to that particular variable.

USER NOTE: This database no longer contains the most up-to-date information. Some errors and missing data from the previous years have been fixed in the most recent data release in the CCDF Policies Database Series. The most recent release is a cumulative file which includes the most accurate version of this and all past years' data. Please do not use this study's data unless you are attempting to replicate the analysis of someone who specifically used this version of the CCDF Policies Database. For any other type of analysis, please use the most recent release in the CCDF Policies Database Series.

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) provides federal money to States, Territories, and Tribes to provide assistance to low-income families receiving or in transition from temporary public assistance, to obtain quality child care so they can work, attend training, or receive education. Within the broad federal parameters, states and territories set the detailed policies. Those details determine whether a particular family will or will not be eligible for subsidies, how much the family will have to pay for the care, how families apply for and retain subsidies, the maximum amounts that child care providers will be reimbursed, and the administrative procedures that providers must follow. Thus, while CCDF is a single program from the perspective of federal law, it is in practice a different program in every state and territory.

The CCDF Policies Database project is a comprehensive, up-to-date database of inter-related sources of CCDF policy information that support the needs of a variety of audiences through (1) Analytic Data Files and (2) a Book of Tables. These are made available to researchers, administrators, and policymakers with the goal of addressing important questions concerning the effects of alternative child care subsidy policies and practices on the children and families served, specifically parental employment and self-sufficiency, the availability and quality of care, and children's development. A description of the Data Files and Book of Tables is provided below:

1. Detailed, longitudinal Analytic Data Files of CCDF policy information for all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and United States Territories that capture the policies actually in effect at a point in time, rather than proposals or legislation. They focus on the policies in place at the start of each fiscal year, but also capture changes during that fiscal year. The data are organized into 32 categories with each category of variables separated into its own dataset. The categories span five general areas of policy including:

• Eligibility Requirements for Families and Children (Datasets 1-5)
• Family Application, Terms of Authorization, and Redetermination (Datasets 6-13)
• Family Payments (Datasets 14-18)
• Policies for Providers, Including Maximum Reimbursement Rates (Datasets 19-27)
• Overall Administrative and Quality Information Plans (Datasets 28-32)

The information in the Data Files is based primarily on the documents that caseworkers use as they work with families and providers (often termed "caseworker manuals"). The caseworker manuals generally provide much more detailed information on eligibility, family payments, and provider-related policies than the documents submitted by states and territories to the federal government. The caseworker manuals also provide ongoing detail for periods in between submission dates.

Each dataset contains a series of variables designed to capture the intricacies of the rules covered in the category. The variables include a mix of categorical, numeric, and text variables. Every variable has a corresponding notes field to capture additional details related to that particular variable. In addition, each category has an additional notes field to capture any information regarding the rules that is not already outlined in the category's variables.

2. The Book of Tables is available as six datasets (Datasets 33-38) and they present key aspects of the differences in CCDF funded programs across all states and territories as of October 1, 2014. The Book of Tables includes variables that are calculated using several variables from the Data Files (Datasets 1-32). The Book of Tables summarizes a subset of the information available in the Data Files, and includes information about eligibility requirements for families; application, redetermination, priority, and waiting list policies; family co-payments; provider policies and reimbursement rates; and select administration and quality development information. In many cases, a variable in the Book of Tables will correspond to a single variable in the Data File. Usually, the variable options used in the Book of Tables will match the variable options in the Data File. In some cases, the wording of the variable options may have been slightly modified for the tables.

The Data Files provide a more detailed set of information than what the Book of Tables provide, including a wider selection of variables and policies over time. The Data Files capture the intricacies of the rules covered in the category for each state and time frame. Each variable in any given dataset has a corresponding notes field to capture additional details related to that particular variable.

USER NOTE: This database no longer contains the most up-to-date information. Some errors and missing data from the previous years have been fixed in the most recent data release in the CCDF Policies Database Series. The most recent release is a cumulative file which includes the most accurate version of this and all past years' data. Please do not use this study's data unless you are attempting to replicate the analysis of someone who specifically used this version of the CCDF Policies Database. For any other type of analysis, please use the most recent release in the CCDF Policies Database Series.

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) provides federal money to States, Territories, and Tribes to provide assistance to low-income families receiving or in transition from temporary public assistance, to obtain quality child care so they can work, to attend training, or receive education. Within the broad federal parameters, States and Territories set the detailed policies. Those details determine whether a particular family will or will not be eligible for subsidies, how much the family will have to pay for the care, how families apply for and retain subsidies, the maximum amounts that child care providers will be reimbursed, and the administrative procedures that providers must follow. Thus, while CCDF is a single program from the perspective of federal law, it is in practice a different program in every State and Territory.

The CCDF Policies Database project is a comprehensive, up-to-date database of inter-related sources of CCDF policy information that support the needs of a variety of audiences through (1) Analytic Data Files and (2) a Book of Tables. These are made available to researchers, administrators, and policymakers with the goal of addressing important questions concerning the effects of alternative child care subsidy policies and practices on the children and families served, specifically parental employment and self-sufficiency, the availability and quality of care, and children's development. A description of the Data Files and Book of Tables is provided below:

1. Detailed, longitudinal Analytic Data Files of CCDF policy information for all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and United States Territories that capture the policies actually in effect at a point in time, rather than proposals or legislation. They focus on the policies in place at the start of each fiscal year, but also capture changes during that fiscal year. The data are organized into 32 categories with each category of variables separated into its own dataset. The categories span five general areas of policy including:

• Eligibility Requirements for Families and Children (Datasets 1-5)

• Family Application, Terms of Authorization, and Redetermination (Datasets 6-13)

• Family Payments (Datasets 14-18)

• Policies for Providers, Including Maximum Reimbursement Rates (Datasets 19-27)

• Overall Administrative and Quality Information Plans (Datasets 28-32)

The information in the Data Files is based primarily on the documents that caseworkers use as they work with families and providers (often termed "caseworker manuals"). The caseworker manuals generally provide much more detailed information on eligibility, family payments, and provider-related policies than the documents submitted by States/Territories to the federal government. The caseworker manuals also provide ongoing detail for periods in between submission dates.

Each dataset contains a series of variables designed to capture the intricacies of the rules covered in the category. The variables include a mix of categorical, numeric, and text variables. Every variable has a corresponding notes field to capture additional details related to that particular variable. In addition, each category has an additional notes field to capture any information regarding the rules that is not already outlined in the category's variables.

2. The Book of Tables is available as a single dataset (Dataset 33) and it presents key aspects of the differences in CCDF funded programs across all states, territories, and tribes as of October 1, 2009. The Book of Tables includes variables that are calculated using several variables from the Data Files (Datasets 1-32). The Book of Tables summarizes a subset of the information available in the Data Files, and includes information about eligibility requirements for families; application, redetermination, priority, and waiting list policies; family co-payments; provider policies and reimbursement rates; and select administration and quality development information. In many cases, a variable in the Book of Tables will correspond to a single variable in the data file. Usually, the variable options used in the Book of Tables will match the variable options in the data file. In some cases, the wording of the variable options may have been slightly modified for the tables. The Data Files provide a more detailed set of information than what the Book of Tables provide including a wider selection of variables and policies over time. The Data Files capture the intricacies of the rules covered in the category for each state and timeframe. Each variable in any given dataset has a corresponding notes field to capture additional details related to that particular variable.

The Data Files provide a more detailed set of information than what the Book of Tables provide, including a wider selection of variables and policies over time. The Data Files capture the intricacies of the rules covered in the category for each state and timeframe. Each variable in any given dataset has a corresponding notes field to capture additional details related to that particular variable.

In 2000, the Kentucky General Assembly passed historic early childhood legislation (Kentucky's KIDS [Kentucky Invests in Developing Success] NOW Initiative) of which a component included the development of a seamless professional development system. The professional development system includes core content, articulation, credentials, scholarships and a training framework. This comprehensive professional development system, along with other initiative components in assuring maternal and child health, supporting families, enhancing early care and education, and establishing a support structure, have moved the field of early childhood care and education forward in the state and improved child and family outcomes.

This study was designed to build on the KIDS NOW Initiative by conducting research investigating the degree to which a statewide unified professional development system impacted the educational level of early care and education providers and subsequent classroom quality. It focused on three major predictors of professional development outcomes:

1. Individual teacher characteristics, including learning readiness, education (level and type), training experience, attitudes towards training, personality (conscientiousness, self-efficacy), job satisfaction (perceptions of support)
2. Characteristics of the program administrator, including administrator education and administrator support of professional development
3. Characteristics of the teacher's work setting, including program administration, and policies and procedures, and classroom setting (Child Care, Head Start, or Public Preschool)

The impact of these three predictors was measured on two major outcomes: (a) professional development outcomes, as measured by job status, learning and transfer of learning, and (b) organizational outcomes, as measured by program quality, child outcomes and staff retention.

The research questions guiding this research were focused on determining the degree to which (1) a unified professional development framework initiated at the state level results in positive child outcomes, and (2) the educational level of early care and education providers enhances the quality of classroom environments. Specifically:

• What components of a professional development framework are more effective in encouraging and supporting individuals to remain in early care and education settings?
• What components of a professional development framework are more effective in supporting early care and education professionals in enhancing classroom quality and child outcomes?
• Are there specific factors that impact early care and education professionals' ability to participate in professional development activities at various levels?
• Does the level and intensity of professional development experiences impact classroom quality and child outcomes?
• What personnel factors have the highest impact on quality classroom environments and child outcomes?
• What is the interaction between the personnel, professional development, and program variables on classroom quality and child outcomes?