CCDF State and Territories Plan Preprint, FFY 2006-2007Index:
ACYF-PI-CC-05-05 |
Federal Register Announcement | Plan Preprint | Guidance |
(This document is also available in Word and PDF) |
CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT
FUND PLAN
FOR
FFY 2006-2007
This Plan describes the CCDF program to be conducted by the State for the period 10/1/05 – 9/30/07. As provided for in the applicable statutes and regulations, the Lead Agency has the flexibility to modify this program at any time, including changing the options selected or described herein.
The official text of the applicable laws and regulations govern, and the Lead Agency acknowledges its responsibility to adhere to them regardless of the fact that, for purposes of simplicity and clarity, the specific provisions printed herein are sometimes paraphrases of, or excerpts and incomplete quotations from, the full text.
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 162.57 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and reviewing the collection of information. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
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1.1 Lead Agency Information
1.2 State Child Care (CCDF) Contact Information
1.3 Estimated Funding
1.4 Estimated Administration Cost
1.5 Administration of the Program
1.6 Determining Eligibility
1.7 Non-Governmental Entities
1.8 Use of Private Donated Funds
1.9 Use of State Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) Expenditures for CCDF-Eligible Children
1.10 Improper Payments
PART 2 DEVELOPING THE CHILD CARE PROGRAM
2.1 - Consultation and Results of Coordination
2.2 - Public Hearing Process
2.3 - Public-Private Partnerships
PART 3 CHILD CARE SERVICES OFFERED
3.1 - Description of Child Care Services
3.2 - Payment Rates for the Provision of Child Care
3.3 - Eligibility Criteria for Child Care
3.4 - Priorities for Serving Children and Families
3.5 - Sliding Fee Scale for Child Care Services
4.1 - Application Process / Parental Choice
4.2 - Records of Parental Complaints
4.3 - Unlimited Access to Children in Child Care Settings
4.4 - Criteria or Definitions Applied by TANF Agency to Determine Inability to Obtain Child Care
PART 5 ACTIVITIES & SERVICES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY AND AVAILABILITY OF CHILD CARE
5.1 - Quality Earmarks and Set-Asides
5.2 - Good Start, Grow Smart Planning & Development
PART
6 HEALTH
AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR PROVIDERS
(50
States & District of Columbia only)
6.1 - Health and Safety Requirements for Center-based Providers
6.2 - Health and Safety Requirements for Group Home Providers
6.3 - Health and Safety Requirements for Family Providers
6.4 - Health and Safety Requirements for In-Home Providers
6.5 - Exemptions to Health and Safety Requirements
6.6 - Enforcement of Health and Safety Requirements
6.7 - Exemptions from Immunization Requirements
PART 7 HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IN THE TERRITORIES
7.1 - Health and Safety Requirements for Center-based Providers in the Territories
7.2 - Health and Safety Requirements for Group Home Providers in the Territories
7.3 - Health and Safety Requirements for Family Providers in the Territories
7.4 - Health and Safety Requirements for In-Home Providers in the Territories
7.5 - Exemptions to Territorial Health and Safety Requirements
7.6 - Enforcement of Territorial Health and Safety Requirements
7.7 - Exemptions from Territorial Immunization Requirements
APPENDIX
1 -- PROGRAM ASSURANCES & CERTIFICATIONS
APPENDIX
2 -- ELIGIBILITY AND PRIORITY TERMINOLOGY
APPENDIX 3 -- ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS (on file - not included here)
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
AMENDMENTS LOG (back to top)
Child Care and Development Services Plan for
For the period: 10/1/05 -- 9/30/07
SECTION AMENDED
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EFFECTIVE/
PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE
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DATE SUBMITTED
TO ACF
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DATE APPROVED
BY ACF
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Instructions:
1) Lead Agency completes the first 3 columns and sends a photocopy of this Log (showing the latest amendment sent to ACF) and the amended section(s) to the ACF Regional contact. A copy of the Log, showing the latest amendment pending in ACF, is retained in the Lead Agency's Plan.
2) ACF completes column 4 and returns a photocopy of the Log to the grantee.
3) The Lead Agency replaces this page in the Plan with the copy of the Log received from ACF showing the approval date.
Note: This process depends on repeated subsequent use of the same Log page over the life of the Plan. At any time the Log should reflect all amendments, both approved and pending in ACF. The Lead Agency is advised to retain those "old" plan pages that are superseded by amendments in a separate appendix to its Plan.
PART 1 -- ADMINISTRATION (back to top)
The agency shown below has been designated by the Chief Executive Officer of the State (or Territory), to represent the State (or Territory) as the Lead Agency. The Lead Agency agrees to administer the program in accordance with applicable Federal laws and regulations and the provisions of this Plan, including the assurances and certifications appended hereto. (658D, 658E)
1.1 Lead Agency Information (as designated by State chief executive officer)
Name of Lead Agency: |
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1.2 State
Child Care (CCDF) Contact Information (day-to-day
contact) |
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Name of the State Child Care Contact (CCDF): |
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1.3 Estimated
Funding |
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The Lead Agency estimates that the following amounts will be available for child care services and related activities during the 1-year period: October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2006. (§98.13(a)) CCDF: $ |
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1.4 Estimated
Administration Cost |
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The Lead Agency estimates that the following amount
(and percentage) of Federal CCDF and State Matching Funds will
be used to administer the program (not to exceed 5 percent):
$ ( %). (658E(c)(3),
§§98.13(a), 98.52) |
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1.5 Administration
of the Program |
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Does the Lead Agency directly administer
and implement all services, programs and activities funded
under the CCDF Act, including those described in Part 5.1
– Activities & Services to Improve the Quality and Availability
of Child Care, Quality Earmarks and Set-Aside? |
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[ ] | Yes. Skip questions 1.6 and 1.7. Go to Section 1.8. | |||
[ ] | No, and the following describes how the Lead Agency
maintains overall control when services or activities are provided
through other agencies: (658D(b)(1)(A), §98.11) |
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1.6 Determining
Eligibility |
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For child care services funded under §98.50 (e.g., certificates, vouchers, grants/contracts for slots based on individual eligibility), does the Lead Agency itself: (§98.11) |
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[ ] | Yes. | |||
[ ] | No. If no, identify the name and type of
agency that determines eligibility of non-TANF families for child
care: |
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[ ] | Yes. | |||
[ ] | No. If no, identify the name and type of agency
that determines eligibility of non-TANF families for child care: |
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[ ] | Yes. | |||
[ ] | No. If no, identify the name and type of
agency that assists parents: |
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[ ] | Yes. | |||
[ ] | No. If no, identify the name
and type of agency that makes payments: |
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1.7 Non-Governmental
Entities |
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Is any entity named in response to section 1.6 a non-governmental entity? (658D(b), §§98.10(a), 98.11(a))
[ ]
Yes, and the following entities named in 1.6 are non-governmental: |
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1.8 Use
of Private Donated Funds |
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Will the Lead Agency use private donated funds to meet a part of the matching requirement of the CCDF pursuant to §98.53(e)(2) and (f)? [ ] Yes, The name and type of entity designated to receive private donated funds is:
[ ] No. |
1.9 Use of State Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) Expenditures for CCDF-Eligible Children
1.9.1 |
During this plan period, will State expenditures for Pre-K
programs be used to meet any of the CCDF maintenance
of effort (MOE) requirement? |
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[ ] | Yes, and: | ||
( ) The State assures that its level of effort in full day/full year child care services has not been reduced, pursuant to §98.53(h)(1). ( %) Estimated percentage of the MOE requirement that will be met with pre-K expenditures. (It may not exceed 20%.) If the State uses Pre-K expenditures to meet more than 10%
of the MOE requirement, the following describes how the State
will coordinate its Pre-K and child care services to expand
the availability of child care (§98.53(h)(4)): |
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[ ] | No. |
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1.9.2 |
During this plan period, will State expenditures for Pre-K
programs be used to meet any of the CCDF Matching Fund
requirement? (§98.53(h)) |
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[ ] | Yes, and |
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(__%) Estimated percentage of the Matching Fund
requirement that will be met with pre-K expenditures. (It may
not exceed 20%.) |
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If the State uses Pre-K expenditures to meet more than 10% of the Matching Fund requirement, the following describes how the State will coordinate its Pre-K and child care services to expand the availability of child care (§98.53(h)(4)): | |||
[ ] | No. |
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1.9.3 | If the State answered yes to 1.9.1
or 1.9.2, the following describes State efforts to ensure that
pre-K programs meet the needs of working parents: (§98.53(h)(2)) |
1.10.1 |
How does the Lead Agency define improper payments? |
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1.10.2 |
Has your State developed strategies to prevent, measure, identify, reduce and/or collect improper payments? (§98.60(i), §98.65, §98.67) |
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[ ] | Yes, and these strategies are: | ||
[ ] | No. If no, are there plans underway to determine and implement such strategies? | ||
[ ] Yes. | |||
[ ]
No. |
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1.10.3 |
Has your State developed strategies to identify errors in the determination of client eligibility? |
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[ ] | Yes, and these strategies are: | ||
[ ] | If no, are there plans underway to determine and implement such strategies? | ||
[ ] Yes. | |||
[ ] No. |
PART 2 -- DEVELOPING THE CHILD CARE PROGRAM
(back
to top)
2.1 - Consultation and Coordination
2.1.1 |
Lead Agencies are required to consult with appropriate agencies and coordinate with other Federal, State, local, tribal (if applicable) and private agencies providing child care and early childhood development services (§98.12, §98.14(a),(b), §98.16(d)). Indicate the entities with which the Lead Agency has consulted or coordinated (as defined below), by checking the appropriate box(es) in the following table. Consultation involves the participation of an appropriate agency in the development of the State Plan. At a minimum, Lead Agencies must consult with representatives of general purpose local governments (noted by the asterisk in the chart below). Coordination involves the coordination of child care and early childhood development services, including efforts to coordinate across multiple entities, both public and private (for instance, in connection with a State Early Childhood Comprehensive System (SECCS) grant or infant-toddler initiative). At a minimum, Lead Agencies must coordinate with (1) other Federal, State, local, Tribal (if applicable), and/or private agencies responsible for providing child care and early childhood development services, (2) public health (including the agency responsible for immunizations and programs that promote children’s emotional and mental health), (3) employment services / workforce development, (4) public education, and (5) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and (5) any Indian Tribes in the State receiving CCDF funds (noted by the asterisks in the chart below).
* Required. For each box checked above, (a) identify the agency
providing the service and (b) describe the consultation and
coordination efforts, if any. Descriptions must be provided
for any consultation or coordination required by statute or
regulation. |
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2.1.2 |
State Plan for Early Childhood Program Coordination. Good Start, Grow Smart encourages States to develop a plan for coordination across early childhood programs. Indicate which of the following best describes the current status of the State's efforts in this area. [ ] Planning. Indicate whether steps are under way to develop a plan. If so, describe the time frames for completion and/or implementation, the steps anticipated, and how the plan is expected to support early language, literacy, pre-reading and early math concepts. [ ] Developing. A plan is being drafted. The draft is included as Attachment ___. [ ] Developed. A plan has been written but has not yet been implemented. The plan is included as Attachment ___. [ ] Implementing. Implementing. A plan has been written and is now in the process of being implemented. The plan is included as Attachment ___. [ ] Other (describe): Describe the progress made by the State planning for coordination across early childhood programs since the date of submission of the 2004-2005 State Plan. Indicate whether there is an entity that is responsible for ensuring that such coordination occurs. Indicate the four or more early childhood programs and/or funding streams that are coordinated and describe the nature of the coordination. Describe the results or expected results of this coordination. Discuss how these results relate to the development and implementation of the State's early learning guidelines, plans for professional development, and outcomes for children. Describe how the State's plan supports or will support continued coordination among the programs. Are changes anticipated in the plan?
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2.2 Public Hearing Process
Describe the Statewide public hearing process held to provide the public an opportunity to comment on the provision of child care services under this Plan. (658D(b)(1)(C), §98.14(c)) At a minimum, the description must provide:
Date(s) of statewide notice of public hearing:
Manner of notifying the public about the statewide hearing:
Date(s) of public hearing(s):
Hearing site(s):
How the content of the plan was made available to the public in advance of the public hearing(s):
A brief summary of the public comments from this process is included as Attachment ___.
2.3 Public-Private Partnerships
Describe (1) the activities, including planned activities, to encourage public-private partnerships that promote private-sector involvement in meeting child care needs, and (2) the results or expected results of these activities. (658D(b)(1), §98.16(d))
3.1 Description of Child Care Services
3.1.1 | Certificate Payment System Describe the overall child care certificate process, including, at a minimum: |
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(1) |
a description of the form of the certificate (98.16(k)); | ||
(2) | a description of how the certificate program permits parents to choose from a variety of child care settings by explaining how a parent moves from receipt of the certificate to choice of the provider; (658E(c)(2)(A)(iii), 658P(2), 98.2, 98.30(c)(4) & (e)(1) & (2)) and | ||
(3) |
if the Lead Agency is also providing child care services through grants and contracts, estimate the mix of §98.50 services available through certificates versus grants/contracts, and explain how it ensures that parents offered child care services are given the option of receiving a child care certificate. (98.30(a) & (b)) This may be expressed in terms of dollars, number of slots, or percentages of services.
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3.1.2 |
In addition to offering certificates, does the Lead Agency
also have grants or contracts for child care slots? |
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[ ] | Yes, and the following describes the types of child
care services, the process for accessing grants or contracts,
and the range of providers that will be available through
grants or contracts: (658A(b)(1), 658P(4), §§98.16(g)(1),
98.30(a)(1) & (b)) |
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[ ] | No. |
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3.1.3 |
The Lead Agency must allow for in-home care but may limit its
use. Does the Lead Agency limit the use of in-home care in any
way? |
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[ ] | Yes, and the limits and the reasons for those limits are: (§§98.16(g)(2), 98.30(e)(1)(iv)) | ||
[ ] | No. |
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3.1.4 |
Are all of the child care services described in 3.1.1 above
(including certificates) offered throughout the State? (658E(a),
§98.16(g)(3)) | ||
[ ] | Yes. | ||
[ ] | No, and the following are the localities (political subdivisions) and the services that are not offered: |
3.2 Payment Rates for the Provision of Child Care
The statute at 658E(c)(4) and the regulations at §98.43(b)(1) require the Lead Agency to establish payment rates for child care services that ensure eligible children equal access to comparable care.
These rates are provided as Attachment __.
The attached payment rates were or will be effective as of _________________.The following is a summary of the facts relied on by the State to determine that the attached rates are sufficient to ensure equal access to comparable child care services provided to children whose parents are not eligible to receive child care assistance under the CCDF and other governmental programs. Include, at a minimum:
- The month and year when the local market rate survey(s) was
completed:___________________. (§98.43(b)(2))
- A copy of the Market Rate Survey instrument and a summary of
the results of the survey are provided as Attachment _____.
- How the payment rates are adequate to ensure equal access based
on the results of the above noted local market rate survey (i.e.,
the relationship between the attached payment rates and the market
rates observed in the survey): (§98.43(b))
- Additional facts that the Lead Agency relies on to determine
that its payment rates ensure equal access include: (§98.43(d))
- If the payment rates do not reflect individual rates for
the full range of providers -- center-based, group home,
family and in-home care -- explain how the choice of the full range
of providers is made available to parents.
- At what percentile of the current Market Rate Survey is the State
rate ceiling set? If it varies across categories of care, please
describe.
.
- Does the State have a tiered reimbursement system (higher rates
for child care centers and family child care homes that achieve
one or more levels of quality beyond basic licensing requirements)?
[ ] Yes. If yes, describe:
[ ] No.
3.3 Eligibility Criteria for Child Care
3.3.1 | Complete column (a) and (b) in the matrix below.
Complete Column (c) ONLY IF the Lead Agency is using income
eligibility limits lower than 85% of the SMI). |
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If the Lead Agency does not use the SMI from the most current year, indicate the year used: If applicable, the date on which the eligibility limits detailed
in column (b) became or will become effective: |
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3.3.2 |
How does the Lead Agency define “income” for the
purposes of eligibility? Is any income deducted or excluded
from total family income, for instance, work or medical expenses;
child support paid to, or received from, other households; Supplemental
Security Income (SSI) payments? Is the income of all family
members included, or is the income of certain family members
living in the household excluded? Please describe and/or include
information as Attachment _____. (§§98.16(g)(5),
98.20(b)) |
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3.3.3 |
Has the Lead Agency established additional eligibility conditions
or priority rules, for example, income limits that vary in different
parts of the State, special eligibility for families receiving
TANF, or eligibility that differs for families that include
a child with special needs? (658E(c)(3)(B), §98.16(g)(5),
§98.20(b))
[ ]
No. |
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3.3.4 |
Has the Lead Agency elected to waive, on a case-by-case basis,
the fee and income eligibility requirements for cases in which
children receive, or need to receive, protective services, as
defined in Appendix 2? (658E(c)(3)(B), 658P(3)(C)(ii), §98.20(a)(3)(ii)(A)) |
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3.3.5 |
Does the Lead Agency allow CCDF-funded child care for children above age 13 but below age 19 who are physically and/or mentally incapable of self-care? (Physical and mental incapacity must then be defined in Appendix 2.) (658E(c)(3)(B), 658P(3), §98.20(a)(1)(ii))
[ ]
Yes, and the upper age is _____. |
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3.3.6 |
Does the Lead Agency allow CCDF-funded child care for children above age 13 but below age 19 who are under court supervision? (658P(3), 658E(c)(3)(B), §98.20(a)(1)(ii)
[ ]
Yes, and the upper age is ____. |
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3.3.7 |
Does the State choose to provide CCDF-funded child care to
children in foster care whose foster care parents are not
working, or who are not in education/training activities?
(§§98.20(a)(3)(ii), 98.16(f)(7)) |
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3.3.8 |
Does the State choose to provide child care to children in
protective services? (§§98.16(f)(7), 98.20(a)(3)(ii)(A)
& (B)) |
3.4 Priorities for Serving Children and Families
3.4.1 |
Describe how the State prioritizes service for the following
CCDF-eligible children: (a) children with special needs, (b)
children in families with very low incomes, and (c) other. Terms
must be defined in Appendix 2. (658E(c)(3)(B)) |
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3.4.2 |
Describe how CCDF funds will be used to meet the needs of:
(a) families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
(TANF), (b) those attempting to transition off TANF through
work activities, and (c) those at risk of becoming dependent
on TANF. (658E(c)(2)(H), Section 418(b)(2) of the Social Security
Act, §§98.50(e), 98.16(g)(4)) |
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3.4.3 |
Does the Lead Agency maintain a waiting list? [ ] No. If no, does the Lead Agency serve all eligible families that apply?
Are there other ways that the Lead Agency addresses situations
in which funding is not sufficient to serve all families that
are technically eligible under State policies? If so, describe. |
3.5 Sliding Fee Scale for Child Care Services
3.5.1 |
A sliding fee scale, which is used to determine each family's contribution to the cost of child care, must vary based on income and the size of the family. A copy of this sliding fee scale for child care services and an explanation of how it works is provided as Attachment ___. The attached fee scale was or will be effective as of _________________. Will the Lead Agency use additional factors to determine each family's contribution to the cost of child care? (658E(c)(3)(B), §98.42(b)) [ ] Yes, and the following describes any additional factors that will be used:
[ ]
No. |
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3.5.2 |
Is the sliding fee scale provided in the attachment in response to question 3.5.1 used in all parts of the State? (658E(c)(3)(B)) [ ] Yes.
[ ]
No, and other scale(s) and their effective date(s)
are provided as Attachment ___. |
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3.5.3 |
The Lead Agency may waive contributions from families whose incomes are at or below the poverty level for a family of the same size, (§98.42(c)), and the poverty level used by the Lead Agency for a family of 3 is: $_________________. The Lead Agency must elect ONE of these options: |
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[ ] |
ALL families with income at or below the poverty level for
a family of the same size ARE NOT required to pay a fee. |
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[ ] | ALL families, including those with incomes at or
below the poverty level for families of the same size, ARE required
to pay a fee. |
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[ ] | SOME families with income at or below the poverty
level for a family of the same size ARE NOT required to pay a
fee. The following describes these families: |
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3.5.4 |
Does the Lead Agency have a policy that prohibits a child care
provider from charging families any unsubsidized portion of
the provider's normal fees (in addition to the contributions
discussed in 3.5.1)? (§98.43(b)(3))
[ ]
No. |
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3.5.5 |
The following is an explanation of how the copayments required
by the Lead Agency's sliding fee scale(s) are affordable: (§98.43(b)(3)) |
PART
4 - PROCESSES WITH PARENTS (back
to top)
4.1 Application
Process / Parental Choice |
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4.1.1 |
The following describes the process for a family to apply for and receive child care services (658D(b)(1)(A), 658E(c)(2)(D) & (3)(B), §§98.16(k), 98.30(a) through (e)). If the process varies for families based on eligibility category, for instance, TANF versus non-TANF, please describe. The description should include:
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4.1.2 | The following is a detailed description of how
the State ensures that parents are informed about their ability
to choose from among family and group home care, center-based
care and in-home care including faith-based providers in each
of these categories. |
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4.2 Records
of Parental Complaints |
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The following is a detailed description of how the State maintains
a record of substantiated parental complaints and how it makes
the information regarding such parental complaints available
to the public on request. (658E(c)(2)(C), §98.32)) |
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4.3 Unlimited
Access to Children in Child Care Settings |
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The following is a detailed description of the procedures in
effect in the State for affording parents unlimited access to
their children whenever their children are in the care of a
provider who receives CCDF funds. (658E(c)(2)(B), §98.31)) |
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4.4 Criteria
or Definitions Applied by TANF Agency to Determine Inability to
Obtain Child Care |
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The regulations at §98.33(b) require the Lead Agency to inform parents who receive TANF benefits about the exception to the individual penalties associated with the work requirement for any single custodial parent who has a demonstrated inability to obtain needed child care for a child under 6 years of age. In fulfilling this requirement, the following criteria or definitions are applied by the TANF agency to determine whether the parent has a demonstrated inability to obtain needed child care: NOTE: The TANF agency, not the Child Care Lead Agency, is responsible for establishing the following criteria or definitions. These criteria or definitions are offered in this Plan as a matter of public record. The TANF agency that established these criteria or definitions is: __________________________________________.
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PART 5 - ACTIVITIES & SERVICES TO IMPROVE
THE QUALITY AND AVAILABILITY OF CHILD CARE (back
to top)
5.1 Quality Earmarks and Set-Asides
5.1.1 |
The Child Care and Development Fund provides earmarks for infant and toddler care and school-age care and resource and referral services as well as the special earmark for quality activities. The following describes the activities; identifies the entities providing the activities; and describes the expected results of the activities. For the infant and toddler earmark, the State must note in its description of the activities what is the maximum age of a child who may be served with such earmarked funds. Infants and toddlers: Resource and referral services: School-age child care: |
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5.1.2 |
The law requires that not less than 4% of the CCDF be set aside for quality activities. (658E(c)(3)(B), 658G, §§98.13(a), 98.16(h), 98.51) The Lead Agency estimates that the following amount and percentage will be used for the quality activities (not including earmarked funds): $ _____________________ ( %) |
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5.1.3 |
Check either "Yes" or "No" for each activity listed to indicate the activities the Lead Agency will undertake to improve the availability and quality of child care (include activities funded through the 4% quality set-aside as well as the special earmark for quality activities). (658D(b)(1)(D), 658E(c)(3)(B), §§98.13(a), 98.16(h))
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5.1.4 |
Describe each activity that is checked "Yes" above,
identify the entity(ies) providing the activity, and describe
the expected results of the activity. |
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5.1.5 |
Is any entity identified in sections 5.1.1 or 5.1.4 a non-governmental entity? [ ] Yes, the following entities named in this part are non-governmental: Name: Type:
[ ]
No. |
5.2 Good Start, Grow Smart Planning and Development
This section of the Plan relates to the President's Good Start, Grow Smart initiative which is envisioned as a Federal-State partnership that creates linkages between CCDF, including funds set-aside for quality, and State public and private efforts to promote early learning. In this section, each Lead Agency is asked to assess its State's progress toward developing voluntary guidelines on language, literacy, pre-reading, and early math concepts and a plan for the education and training of child care providers. The third component of the President’s Good Start, Grow Smart initiative, planning for coordination across at least four early childhood programs and funding streams, was addressed in Section 2.1.2.
5.2.1 | Status of Voluntary Guidelines for Early
Learning. Indicate which of the following best describes
the current status of the State's efforts to develop research-based
early learning guidelines (content standards) regarding language,
literacy, pre-reading, and early math concepts for three to five
year-olds. |
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[ ] | Planning. The State is planning for the development of early learning guidelines. Expected date of plan completion: __________ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[ ] | Developing. The State is in the process of developing early learning guidelines. Expected date of completion: __________ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[ ] | Developed. The State has approved the early learning guidelines, but has not yet developed or initiated an implementation plan. The early learning guidelines are included as Attachment ___. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[ ] | Implementing. In addition to having developed early learning guidelines, the State has embarked on implementation efforts which may include dissemination, training or embedding guidelines in the professional development system. The guidelines are included as Attachment ___. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[ ] | Revising. The State has previously developed early learning guidelines and is now revising those guidelines. The guidelines are included as Attachment ___. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[ ] | Other (describe): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Describe the progress made by the State in developing voluntary guidelines for early learning since the date of submission of the 2004-2005 State Plan. If developed, are the guidelines aligned with K-12 content standards?
[ ]
Yes. If yes, describe. Please attach a copy of the guidelines. If the guidelines are
available on the web, provide the appropriate Web site address:
|
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5.2.2 |
Domains of Voluntary Guidelines for Early Learning. Do the guidelines address language, literacy, pre-reading, and early math concepts?
[ ]
Yes. Do the guidelines address domains not specifically included in Good Start, Grow Smart, such as social/emotional, cognitive, physical, health, creative arts, or other domains?
[ ]
Yes. If yes, describe. Have guidelines been developed for children in age groups not specifically included in Good Start, Grow Smart (children other than those aged three to five)?
[ ]
Yes. If yes, describe. |
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5.2.3 | Implementation of Voluntary Guidelines
for Early Learning. Describe the process the State used
or expects to use in implementing its early learning
guidelines. How are (or will) community, cultural, linguistic
and individual variations, as well as the diversity of child care
settings (be) acknowledged in implementation? Materials developed
to support implementation of the guidelines are included as Attachment
___. |
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5.2.4 | Assessment of Voluntary Guidelines
for Early Learning. As applicable, describe the State's
plan for assessing the effectiveness and/or implementation
of the guidelines. Written reports of these efforts are included
as Attachment ___. |
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5.2.5 | State Plans for Professional Development.
Indicate which of the following best describes the current status
of the State's efforts to develop a professional development plan
for early childhood providers that includes all the primary sectors:
child care, Head Start, and public education. |
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[ ] | Planning. Indicate whether steps are under way to develop a plan. If so, describe the time frames for completion and/or implementation, the steps anticipated, and how the plan is expected to support early language, literacy, pre-reading and early math concepts. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[ ] | Developing. A plan is being drafted. The draft is included as Attachment ___. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[ ] | Developed. A plan has been written but has not yet been implemented. The plan is included as Attachment ___. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[ ] | Implementing. A plan has been written and is now in the process of being implemented. The plan is included as Attachment ___ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[ ] | Other (describe): |
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Describe the progress made by the State in a plan for professional development since the date of submission of the 2004-2005 State Plan.
For each Yes response, reference the page(s) in the plan and briefly describe the Lead Agency’s efforts. For each No response, indicate whether the Lead Agency intends to incorporate these components.
Describe how the plan addresses early language, literacy, pre-reading, and early math concepts development.
Are program or provider-level incentives offered to encourage
provider training and education? |
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[ ] | Yes. Describe, including any connections between the incentives and training relating to early language, literacy, pre-reading and early math concepts. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[ ] | No. If no, is there any plan to offer incentives to encourage
provider training and education? |
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What are the expected outcomes of the State’s professional development plan and efforts to improve the skills of child care providers? As applicable, how does (or will) the State assess the effectiveness of its plan and efforts? If so, how does (or will) the State use assessment to help shape its professional development plan and training/education for child care providers? |
PART 6 - HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR PROVIDERS
(back
to top)
The National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care (NRCHSCC) of DHHS's Maternal and Child Health Bureau supports a comprehensive, current, on-line listing of the licensing and regulatory requirements for child care in the 50 States and the District of Columbia. In lieu of requiring a State Lead Agency to provide information that is already publicly available, ACF accepts this compilation as accurately reflecting the States' licensing requirements. The listing, which is maintained by the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, is available on the World Wide Web at: http://nrc.uchsc.edu/. |
6.1 Health and Safety Requirements for Center-Based Providers (658E(c)(2)(F), §§98.41, §98.16(j))
6.1.1 |
Are all center-based providers paid with CCDF funds subject to licensing under State law that is indicated in the NRCHSCC's compilation? [ ] Yes. Answer 6.1.2, skip 6.1.3, and go to 6.2.
[ ]
No. Describe which center-based providers are exempt
from licensing under State law and answer 6.1.2 and 6.1.3. |
|
6.1.2 |
Have center licensing requirements as relates to staff-child ratios, group size, or staff training been modified since approval of the last State Plan? (§98.41(a)(2)&(3)) [ ] Yes, and the changes are as follows:
[ ]
No. |
|
6.1.3 |
For center-based care that is NOT licensed, and therefore not reflected in NRCHSCC's compilation, the following health and safety requirements apply to child care services provided under the CCDF for:
|
6.2.1 |
Are all group home providers paid with CCDF funds subject to licensing under State law that is indicated in the NRCHSCC's compilation? If: [ ] Yes. Answer 6.2.2, skip 6.2.3, and go to 6.3.
[ ]
No. Describe which group home providers are exempt
from licensing under State law and answer 6.2.2 and 6.2.3. |
|
6.2.2 |
Have group home licensing requirements that relate to staff-child ratios, group size, or staff training been modified since the approval of the last State Plan? (§98.41(a)(2) & (3)) [ ] Yes, and the changes are as follows:
[ ]
No. |
|
6.2.3 |
For group home care that is NOT licensed, and therefore not reflected in NRCHSCC's compilation, the following health and safety requirements apply to child care services provided under the CCDF for:
|
6.3.1 |
Are all family child care providers paid with CCDF funds subject to licensing under State law that is indicated in the NRCHSCC's compilation? If: [ ] Yes. Answer 6.3.2, skip 6.3.3, and go to 6.4.
[ ]
No. Describe which family child care providers are exempt
from licensing under State law and answer 6.3.2 and 6.3.3. |
|
6.3.2 |
Have family child care provider requirements that relate to staff-child ratios, group size, or staff training been modified since the approval of the last State Plan? (§98.41(a)(2) & (3)) [ ] Yes, and the changes are as follows:
[ ]
No. |
|
6.3.3 |
For family care that is NOT licensed, and therefore not reflected in NRCHSCC's compilation, the following health and safety requirements apply to child care services provided under the CCDF for:
|
6.4.1 |
Are all in-home child care providers paid with CCDF funds subject to licensing under the State law reflected in the NRCHSCC's compilation referenced above? [ ] Yes. Answer 6.4.2, skip 6.4.3, and go to 6.5.
[ ]
No. Describe which in-home child care providers are exempt
from licensing under State law and answer 6.4.2 and 6.4.3. |
|
6.4.2 |
Have in-home health and safety requirements that relate to staff-child ratios, group size, or training been modified since the approval of the last State Plan? (§98.41(a)(2) & (3)) [ ] Yes, and the changes are as follows:
[ ]
No. |
|
6.4.3 |
For in-home care that is NOT licensed, and therefore not reflected in NRCHSCC's compilation, the following health and safety requirements apply to child care services provided under the CCDF for:
|
At Lead Agency option, the following relatives:
grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, or siblings (who
live in a separate residence from the child in care) may be exempted
from health and safety requirements. (658P(4)(B), §98.41(a)(1)(ii)(A))
Indicate the Lead Agency's policy regarding these relative providers: |
||
[ ] | All relative providers
are subject to the same requirements as described in sections
6.1 - 6.4 above, as appropriate; there are no exemptions
for relatives or different requirements for them. |
|
[ ] | All relative providers are exempt from all health and safety requirements. | |
[ ] | Some or all relative providers are subject to different health and safety requirements from those described in sections 6.1 - 6.4. The following describes those requirements and identifies the relatives they apply to: |
6.6 Enforcement of Health and Safety Requirements
|
||
|
||
[ ] | Yes, and the following indicates the providers subject to routine unannounced visits and the frequency of those visits: | |
[ ] | No. |
|
|
||
[ ] | Yes, and the following indicates the providers subject to routine unannounced visits and the frequency of those visits: | |
[ ] | No. |
|
|
||
[ ] | Yes, and the following describes the State’s reporting requirements and how such injuries are tracked (if applicable): | |
[ ] | No. |
- Other methods used to ensure that health and safety requirements are effectively enforced:
6.7 Exemptions from Immunization Requirements
The State assures that children receiving services under the CCDF are age-appropriately immunized, and that the health and safety provisions regarding immunizations incorporate (by reference or otherwise) the latest recommendations for childhood immunizations of the State public health agency. (§98.41(a)(1)) The State exempts the following children from immunization
(check all that apply): |
||
[ ] | Children who are cared for by relatives (defined as grandparents, great grandparents, siblings (if living in a separate residence), aunts and uncles). | |
[ ] | Children who receive care in their own homes. | |
[ ] | Children whose parents object to immunization on religious grounds. | |
[ ] | Children whose medical condition contraindicates immunization. |
PART 7 - HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IN THE
TERRITORIES
(back
to top)
(Only the Territories complete Part 7.)
7.1 Health and Safety Requirements for Center-Based Providers in the Territories (658E(c)(2)(F), §98.41(a), §98.16(j))
For all center-based care, the following health and safety requirements apply to child care services provided under the CCDF for:
- The prevention and control of infectious disease (including age-appropriate immunizations)
- Building and physical premises safety
- Health and safety trainin
7.2 Health and Safety Requirements for Group Home Providers in the Territories (658E(c)(2)(F), §98.41(a), §98.16(j))
For all group home care, the following health and safety requirements apply to child care services provided under the CCDF for:
- The prevention and control of infectious disease (including age-appropriate immunizations)
- Building and physical premises safety
- Health and safety training
7.3 Health and Safety Requirements for Family Providers in the Territories (658E(c)(2)(F), §98.41(a), §98.16(j))
For all family child care, the following health and safety requirements apply to child care services provided under the CCDF for:
- The prevention and control of infectious disease (including age-appropriate immunizations)
- Building and physical premises safety
- Health and safety training
7.4 Health and Safety Requirements for In-Home Providers in the Territories (658E(c)(2)(F), §98.41(a), §98.16(j))
For all in-home care, the following health and safety requirements apply to child care services provided under the CCDF for:
- The prevention and control of infectious disease (including age-appropriate immunizations)
- Building and physical premises safety
- Health and safety training
7.5 Exemptions to Territorial Health and Safety
Requirements
At Lead Agency option, the following relatives may
be exempted from health and safety requirements: grandparents,
great grandparents, aunts, uncles, or siblings (who live in a
separate residence from the child in care). (658P(4)(B), §98.41(a)(1)(ii)(A)).
Indicate the Lead Agency's policy regarding these relative providers: |
||
[ ] | All relative providers are subject to the same requirements as described in sections 7.1 - 7.4 above, as appropriate; there are no exemptions for relatives or different requirements for them. | |
[ ] | All relative providers are exempt from all health and safety requirements. | |
[ ] | Some or all relative providers are subject to different health and safety requirements from those described in sections 7.1 - 7.4 and the following describes those different requirements and the relatives they apply to: |
7.6 Enforcement of Territorial Health and Safety Requirements
Each Lead Agency is required to certify that procedures are
in effect to ensure that child care providers of services for
which assistance is provided comply with all applicable health
and safety requirements. (658E(c)(2)(E), §§98.40(a)(2),
98.41(d)) The following is a description of how Territorial
health and safety requirements are effectively enforced: |
||
Are child care providers subject to routine unannounced
visits (i.e., not specifically for the purpose of complaint
investigation or issuance/renewal of a license)? |
||
[ ] | Yes, and the following indicates the providers subject to routine unannounced visits and the frequency of those visits: | |
[ ] | No. |
|
Are child care providers subject to background checks?
|
||
[ ] | Yes, and the following types of providers are subject to background checks (indicate when such checks are conducted): | |
[ ] | No. |
|
Does the Territory require that child care providers
report serious injuries that occur while a child is in care? (
Serious injuries are defined as injuries requiring medical treatment
by a doctor, nurse, dentist, or other medical professional.) |
||
[ ] | Yes, and the following describes the Territory’s reporting requirements and how such injuries are tracked (if applicable): | |
[ ] | No. |
|
Other methods used to ensure that health and safety requirements are effectively enforced: |
7.7 Exemptions from Territorial Immunization Requirements
The Territory assures that children receiving services under the CCDF are age-appropriately immunized, and that the health and safety provisions regarding immunizations incorporate (by reference or otherwise) the latest recommendations for childhood immunizations of the Territorial public health agency. (§98.41(a)(1))
The Territory exempts the following children from immunization (check all that apply):
[ ] | Children who are cared for by relatives (defined as grandparents, great grandparents, siblings (if living in a separate residence), aunts and uncles). | |
[ ] | Children who receive care in their own homes. | |
[ ] | Children whose parents object to immunization on religious grounds. | |
[ ] | Children whose medical condition contraindicates immunization. |
PROGRAM ASSURANCES AND CERTIFICATIONS
The Lead Agency, named in Part 1 of this Plan, assures that:
(1) upon approval, it will have in effect a program that complies with the provisions of the Plan printed herein, and is administered in accordance with the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 as amended, Section 418 of the Social Security Act, and all other applicable Federal laws and regulations. (658D(b), 658E(a))
(2) the parent(s) of each eligible child within the State who receives or is offered child care services for which financial assistance is provided is given the option either to enroll such child with a child care provider that has a grant or contract for the provision of the service; or to receive a child care certificate. (658E(c)(2)(A)(i))
(3) in cases in which the parent(s) elects to enroll the child with a provider that has a grant or contract with the Lead Agency, the child will be enrolled with the eligible provider selected by the parent to the maximum extent practicable. (658E(c)(2)(A)(ii))
(4) the child care certificate offered to parents shall be of a value commensurate with the subsidy value of child care services provided under a grant or contract. (658E(c)(2)(A)(iii))
(5) with respect to State and local regulatory requirements, health and safety requirements, payment rates, and registration requirements, State or local rules, procedures or other requirements promulgated for the purpose of the Child Care and Development Fund will not significantly restrict parental choice among categories of care or types of providers. (658E(c)(2)(A), §98.15(p), §98.30(g), §98.40(b)(2), §98.41(b), §98.43(c), §98.45(d))
(6) that children receiving services under the CCDF are age-appropriately immunized, and that the health and safety provisions regarding immunizations incorporate (by reference or otherwise) the latest recommendation for childhood immunizations of the State public health agency. (§98.41(a)(1))
(7) that CCDF Discretionary funds are used to supplement, not supplant, State general revenue funds for child care assistance for low-income families. (P.L. 106-554)
The Lead Agency also certifies that:
(1) it has procedures in place to ensure that providers of child care services for which assistance is provided under the Child Care and Development Fund afford parents unlimited access to their children and to the providers caring for their children during the normal hours of operations and whenever such children are in the care of such providers. (658E(c)(2)(B))
(2) it maintains a record of substantiated parental complaints and makes information regarding such complaints available to the public on request. (658E(c)(2)(C))
(3) it will collect and disseminate to parents of eligible children and the general public, consumer education information that will promote informed child care choices. (658E(c)(2)(D))
(4) it has in effect licensing requirements applicable to child care services provided in the State. (658E(c)(2)(E))
(5) there are in effect within the State (or other area served by the Lead Agency), under State or local law, requirements designed to protect the health and safety of children; these requirements are applicable to child care providers that provide services for which assistance is made available under the Child Care and Development Fund. (658E(c)(2)(E))
(6) procedures are in effect to ensure that child care providers of services for which assistance is provided under the Child Care and Development Fund comply with all applicable State or local health and safety requirements. (658E(c)(2)(G))
(7) payment rates under the Child Care and Development Fund for the provision of child care services are sufficient to ensure equal access for eligible children to comparable child care services in the State or sub-State area that are provided to children whose parents are not eligible to receive assistance under this program or under any other Federal or State child care assistance programs. (658E(c)(4)(A))
ELIGIBILITY AND PRIORITY TERMINOLOGY
For purposes of determining eligibility and priority for CCDF-funded child care services, lead agencies must define the following italicized terms. (658P, 658E(c)(3)(B))
- attending (a job training or educational program; include
minimum hours if applicable) -
- in loco parentis -
- job training and educational program -
- physical or mental incapacity (if the Lead Agency provides
such services to children age 13 and older) -
- protective services -
- residing with -
- special needs child -
- very low income -
- working (include minimum hours if applicable) -
- Additional terminology related to conditions of eligibility or priority established by the Lead Agency
Index:
ACYF-PI-CC-05-05 |
Federal Register Announcement | Plan Preprint | Guidance |