Information Memorandum ACYF-IM-CC-05-03—Flexibility in Spending CCDF Funds in Response to Federal or State Declared Emergency Situations |
Index: ACYF-IM-CC-05-03 (Available also in Word and PDF) |
Related
Items: ACF Regional Administrators
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ACF |
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICES |
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1. Log No: ACYF-IM-CC-05-03 |
2. Issuance Date: September 6, 2005 |
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3. Originating Office: Child Care Bureau |
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4. Key Words: Child Care and Development Fund | ||
Flexibility in Spending CCDF Funds in Response to Federal or State Declared Emergency Situations |
TO: | State and Territorial Lead Agencies administering child care programs under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (the CCDBG Act), as amended, and other interested parties. |
SUBJECT: |
Flexibility in Spending Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Funds in Response to Federal or State Declared Emergency Situations |
REFERENCES: |
The CCDBG Act; section 418 of the Social Security Act; 45 CFR Parts 98 and 99; 63 FR 39936-39998 |
PURPOSE: |
To provide guidance on the use of (CCDF) funds in responding to Federal or State declared emergency situations. |
EFFECTIVE DATE: | September 6, 2005 |
BACKGROUND AND POLICY: |
States have broad flexibility to operate the CCDF program within some general Federal requirements. Since funds are awarded to States on a formula basis, there are no CCDF funds available for distribution in the event of a Federal or State declared emergency. However, the Federal CCDF statute and rules may provide States affected by such emergency situations with options to continue providing child care services despite disruptions to families and providers. Some of these options (described below) would require the State to submit a CCDF State Plan amendment to the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). Under 45 CFR 98.18(b), the State has up to 60 days after the effective date of a change to submit a plan amendment. Therefore, States desiring to take advantage of options afforded by CCDF statute and regulations may act immediately. We note that these options for using CCDF funds are not limited only to States and Territories directly affected by emergencies, but are also available to States and Territories coming to the aid of other States and Territories affected by emergencies. |
USE OF CCDF FUNDS IN RESPONDING TO FEDERAL OR STATE DECLARED EMERGENCY SITUATIONS |
The following is a list of options available to States and Territories for using CCDF funds to respond to Federal or State declared emergency situations. This list is not exhaustive. States and Territories are encouraged to consult with their Regional Offices concerning other options that may be available in emergency situations. Option A: Use quality dollars to provide immediate assistance
to displaced families. Option B: Change the State’s eligibility or priority
criteria to permit uninterrupted child care.
Option C: Broaden the State’s definition of protective
services to permit emergency eligibility. Option D: Examine the State’s income eligibility
threshold and what the State counts as income. Option E: Use quality dollars to provide supply-building
grants to providers. Section 658F(b) of the CCDBG Act specifies that CCDF funds cannot be expended for the purchase or improvement of land, or for the purchase, construction, or permanent improvement (other than minor remodeling) of any building or facility. However, the implementing Federal regulations (at 45 CFR 98.2 and 98.54) provide additional guidance regarding the use of CCDF funds for renovation. Specifically, CCDF funds cannot be used for major renovation, but can be used for minor remodeling, and for upgrading child care facilities to assure that providers meet State and local child care standards, including applicable health and safety standards. Major renovation is defined as: (1) structural changes to the foundation, roof, floor, exterior or load-bearing walls of a facility, or the extension of a facility to increase its floor area; or (2) extensive alteration of a facility such as to significantly change its function and purpose, even if such renovation does not include any structural change. Any improvement or upgrade to a facility which is not specified under this definition of major renovation may be considered a minor renovation and may be allowable under applicable regulations and cost principles. For sectarian agencies and organizations, in addition to the requirements described above, funds may be expended for minor remodeling only if necessary to bring the facility into compliance with health and safety requirements. Option F: Increase resources available for child care,
for example by using Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
(TANF) dollars. Option G: Encourage States and Regional Offices to utilize
services from the Child Care Technical Assistance Network (CCTAN). Center on the Social and Emotional
Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL) Telephone: (800) 424-2246 E-mail: Info@childcareaware.org Internet: http://www.childcareaware.org/ The mission of Child Care Aware is to ensure that families have access to accurate, useful information about finding child care. Through Child Care Aware, families are linked to their local, community-based child care resource and referral program, and consumer education materials. Healthy Child Care America National Child Care Information Center (NCCIC) Tribal Child Care
Technical
Assistance Center
(TriTAC) |
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS |
Additional questions should be directed to your ACF Regional Office. (See attached list of ACF Regional Administrators.) |
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Index: ACYF-IM-CC-05-03 (Available also in Word and PDF) |
Related Items: ACF Regional Administrators |