The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) administered through the Department of Social Services, Division of Child Care Services, supports low-income working families through child care financial assistance and promotes children's learning by improving the quality of early care and education and afterschool programs. In order to receive funding, all states must submit a comprehensive State Plan every two years. In addition, to ensure that child care payments reflect the price of care in local markets, CCDF regulations require a biennial market rate survey conducted no earlier than two years prior to the effective date of the currently approved State plan [45 CFR 98.43(b)(2) and 98.16(I)]. The Division of Child Care Services, in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Regulation, Labor Market Information Center conducts the market rate survey prior to the submission of the State Plan. Data from the market rate survey is critical in determining what level of payment might provide equal access to services. Other factors can be considered when establishing rates such as type of provider, geographic location, age of children and available funding. (author abstract)