Do they really know...

The Ongoing Challenges with OSSE and Its Faulty Systems: Who Bears the Burden?

As early childhood education providers, we are tasked with the essential role of nurturing young minds and supporting families. Yet, the systemic inefficiencies in tools managed by OSSE (Office of the State Superintendent of Education) continue to create unnecessary challenges for providers, let alone the overwhelming demands daily. These systems—including DELTT, OATS, SEA (limited to Level II Providers), and even broader issues like pay equity—frequently fail to operate as intended, leaving providers to pick up the pieces. This ongoing struggle raises a critical question: Who bears the burden of OSSE’s faulty systems?

The Issue: Systemic Failures Across Multiple Platforms

1. DELTT (Data Entry and Licensing Tracking Tool): DELTT is designed to track licensing and compliance for providers, yet it is plagued by glitches that result in inaccurate or missing records. For example, terminated staff members often reappear as active employees due to system errors. This creates compliance risks for providers, who may face disciplinary actions for circumstances beyond their control.

2. OATS (Online Attendance Tracking System): Providers use OATS to submit attendance, but its role is limited to recording data. A recent misclassification issue highlights the confusion caused by OSSE’s systems. One OSSE specialist claimed that misclassification of a student’s age would be apparent in OATS. However, this is inaccurate, and I was shocked that as a specialist, spawning threats as usual, and being a long-time "specialist," made such a highly unusual mistake in her email to me. Such errors are a SEA (State Education Agency) system issue, which is entirely managed and controlled by OSSE. Providers do not have access to SEA to make changes, as this responsibility lies solely with OSSE and DHS. This miscommunication further underscores the lack of knowledge and systemic accountability.

3. SEA (State Education Agency) System: The SEA system hosts children’s assignments and processes state payments. Errors in this system—such as incorrect service assignments—stem directly from OSSE’s oversight. Yet, providers are held financially accountable for these mistakes, even though they lack access to make corrections.

4. Pay Equity and Funding Changes: A significant issue with pay equity arises when OSSE initiates changes, such as adjustments to staff classifications or rates. These changes take effect immediately, but the corresponding funds are only disbursed quarterly. This creates chaos and distrust between our staff and a gap where providers must manage the financial strain of compliance without timely reimbursement. Additionally, OSSE places the burden of proof on providers, requiring constant and continuous documentation to demonstrate compliance. This unnecessary burden shifts accountability away from OSSE, further disadvantaging providers.

   
   

The Provider’s Role vs. OSSE’s Responsibility

Here’s the reality: Providers are essential partners in the early childhood education system, but they are treated as scapegoats for OSSE’s failures. Each of these systems is controlled by OSSE, and providers have minimal influence over their operation or accuracy. When these systems fail, it is unjust for providers to bear the financial, administrative, and reputational consequences.

This pattern of systemic failures erodes trust and creates a dominance between OSSE and providers. Publicly listing unrealistic deficiencies, penalizing providers for system glitches, and demanding financial reconciliation for errors outside our control reveal a lack of partnership and accountability from OSSE. Providers should not have to compensate for systemic inefficiencies while being under-resourced themselves.

A Call for Change

To address these issues, OSSE must take the following steps:

1. System Accountability: Ensure that all systems—DELTT, OATS, SEA—are maintained and monitored for accuracy by OSSE staff, with clear accountability measures in place.

2. Clear Communication: Establish transparent channels for providers to report concerns and receive timely resolutions without fear of penalty or retaliation.

3. Collaboration Over Conflict: Shift the focus from penalizing providers to working collaboratively on systemic improvements.

4. Equitable Resolution: Waive financial penalties for errors caused by OSSE’s systems and ensure pay equity for providers doing essential work are properly aligned.

5. Continuous Improvement: Invest in modernizing and streamlining these platforms to reduce errors and improve usability for all stakeholders.

The Path Forward

Early childhood education providers are the backbone of our communities, yet they are continually burdened by systemic inefficiencies. OSSE has a responsibility to lead with integrity and prioritize the development of systems that empower providers rather than hinder them. It’s time to address these challenges head-on and rebuild trust with the providers who make early learning possible.

We call on OSSE to take immediate action to address these concerns and ensure that providers are supported, not penalized, for doing the critical work of educating our youngest learners.