CCDF State and Territories Plan Preprint Guidance, FFY 2010-2011
Index: CCDF-ACF-PI-2009-05 | 2010-2011 Preprint | FY 2010-2011 Guidance | Checklist for Completing the Plan Preprint | Regional Office Managers
Related Items: State/Territory Plans for Previous Years
Printable versions are available in Word (284 KB) or PDF (212 KB).
2010-2011 CCDF Plan Guidance
| Plan Section | Guidance | |
| General | ||
| CCDF Plan Scope and Effective Date | The scope of the CCDF Plan encompasses services and activities funded through Federal CCDF, State Matching funds and State CCDF Maintenance of Effort (MOE) funds. If Lead Agencies include other services and activities in response to Plan questions, the Lead Agency should clearly identify the funds supporting those other services and activities (e.g., programs, quality initiatives, eligibility categories) as “State Only”, TANF Direct, SSBG, etc as applicable. The Effective Date of the CCDF Plan is October 1, 2009. |
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| Guidance for Completing Plan | Cover Page – Please insert the name of your State/Territory on the Cover Page after “Child Care and Development Fund Plan for…”. Header – Insert the State/Territory name in the header at the top of each page. OMB Control Number and Expiration Date – The ACF-118 is an official document approved every two years by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Be sure to submit the approved ACF-118 which contains the valid OMB approval control number and expiration date on the cover page. Attachments – Unless otherwise specified, attachments must be submitted in hard copy with the Plan. Examples in this guidance – The examples used in this guidance are illustrative only. They are not intended to prescribe approaches or limit Lead Agency flexibility. Completing the Plan when other entities are involved – Section 658D(b)(1)(A) of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, as amended (the “Act”) requires the Lead Agency to “administer, directly, or through other governmental or non-governmental agencies” the funds received. The regulations at 45 CFR 98.11 provide that, in addition to retaining “overall responsibility” for the administration of the program, the Lead Agency must also (among other things):
Describing Local Variation - Some sections in the Plan (e.g., Section 3.1.3 on care services provided through certificates, grants and/or contracts, Section 3.2 on payment rates) specifically ask about the application of policy across the entire State or Territory. In those cases, be sure to describe the local variation and include any associated attachments. However, there may be other areas where local variations exist, but are not specifically addressed by the section. Where local variations exist, the Lead Agency should so indicate. The following sections may require Lead Agencies to note the existence of local variations:
The Lead Agency need not specify the details of each local variation unless the Lead Agency chooses to provide such detail. For example, in response to Section 3.4, the Lead Agency could list the State-level priorities, but note that local counties have the flexibility to change the order of the priorities. It would not be necessary to list the priorities in each county. An acceptable response would be: “Counties must submit their priorities to the State Lead Agency office for approval.” Responses merely indicating that counties set their own priorities may not be acceptable unless it is made clear that the Lead Agency maintains its required “overall responsibility.” |
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| Describing State or Territory Activities | Whenever a State or Territory describes an activity, project or partnership they are undertaking to accomplish the goals of CCDF, specific details about the activities should be provided, including the name of the project, its purpose and products provided or services rendered, and any partners that are also participating. | |
| Check Boxes | Some responses require Lead Agencies to “check” a box. To check the appropriate box, double-click on the box next to the response that best answers the question posed. A screen should appear that gives the respondent the option of checking or not checking the selected box. If for any reason, the respondent is not given this option, note a response by replacing the appropriate box with a capital “X.” Additional check boxes can be added when multiple responses are needed. | |
| Text Boxes | The Preprint utilizes text boxes to indicate requested responses. Text boxes appear with gray shading. When completing a text box, place cursor inside the shaded area and begin typing. | |
| General Resources for Completing the CCDF Plan |
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| Amendment Log Guidance | An approved plan needs to be amended whenever a substantial change is made to the program. When a substantial change is anticipated or made, please consult with and notify your Regional Office for guidance on determining what constitutes a substantial change along with what to submit along with the Amendment Log. Amendments must be submitted within 60 days of the effective date of the change. A decision on the approval of the amendment will be made within 90 days from the date the amendment is received. (An extension of the time period may be made by a written agreement.) (§98.18(b)) | |
| Part 1 | ||
| 1.1 Guidance | Identify the Lead Agency and Lead Agency’s Chief Executive Officer as designated by the State/Territory Chief Executive Officer. ACF will send grant awards, grant adjustments, plan approvals and disallowance notifications to the address shown here. For any change of Lead Agency after the effective date of the Plan, a letter must be submitted in writing from the State or Territory Chief Executive Officer (i.e., Governor) notifying ACF of the intended change. Upon receipt of this notification, the new Lead Agency will need to submit any Plan amendments (see Amendment Log for additional instruction) for substantial changes to the program along with new certifications (see Appendix 3). |
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| 1.2 Guidance | Identify the contact with day-to-day responsibilities and knowledge of the operations of the State/Territory’s CCDF-funded child care program. Typically, the Lead Agency information will identify a State cabinet-level incumbent, while the State/Territory Child Care (CCDF) Contact information will identify the State/Territory child care program administrator. Responses to questions 1.1 and 1.2 serve as the Lead Agency’s official and formal notification to ACF of any changes in the administration and location of the Lead Agency and contact for the CCDF program. If the Lead Agency uses an internet website or phone line to communicate with and disseminate information to the public, the website address or phone number should be noted here. |
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| 1.3-1.4 Guidance | The purpose of questions 1.3 and 1.4 is to provide the public with an indication of the amount of funds available for child care and related activities. The amounts provided in response to these questions are informational only and will not be subject to compliance actions, nor will ACF distribute funds based on these estimates. Estimates are for the one-year period 10/1/09 – 9/30/10 even though the Plan covers a two-year period. Quarterly requests for funds and information on the actual use of funds must be provided to ACF on other designated financial management forms (e.g., ACF-696) and reports. For purposes of this question, the Federal CCDF amount is the total of the Discretionary, Mandatory, and Matching Funds of the CCDF. On separate lines, Lead Agencies indicate the funds expected to be transferred from the Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program and anticipated Direct Federal TANF spending on child care (if known). Lines are also provided for the estimate of State (i.e., non-Federal) funds available to meet the maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement and State’s share of the Matching Fund of the CCDF. States have the option to include other State-only funds that exceed the amounts required to meet the MOE and Match provisions, if they choose. Territories may indicate “Not Applicable” (“NA”) in the State amount line or indicate any Territory-only funds used for the CCDF. In question 1.4, estimate the amount and percentage of the total CCDF grant (including the State’s share of Matching Funds) that will be used to administer all services and activities under CCDF. Show only the amount of Federal funds and required State CCDF expenditures, i.e., do not include the cost of administering other State programs. The Lead Agency is reminded that not more than five percent of the total CCDF (including the State’s share of Matching Funds) may be used for administration. The regulations at 45 CFR 98.52 discuss what constitutes an administrative cost. Resources
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| 1.5 Guidance | This question addresses the child care services that are provided under §98.50 and §98.51 1.5.1 - If the Lead Agency performs any task directly, mark “N/A” in the box under “Agency” in Table 1.5.1. When more than one entity performs the same task, including the Lead Agency, indicate all entities. For example, when a child care resource and referral agency (CCR&R) provides payments in one part of the State and the TANF agency performs this function in another part of the State, identify both and note what each is responsible for accomplishing. It is only necessary to identify the highest level of the other entity involved. For example, if the Lead Agency has an interagency agreement with county TANF agencies to determine eligibility, but the county TANF agencies have the authority to further contract those services through a competitive bid process, it is only necessary to indicate “County TANF agencies.” It would be helpful if the Lead Agency would explain that further contracting may occur in an example such as this one. To facilitate comparisons across States and Territories, Lead Agencies are encouraged to indicate the type of entity performing the task by using one of the following identifiers:
A non-governmental entity is a private or non-profit organization. A public-private partnership involving a governmental entity would be considered a governmental entity. 1.5.2 – Lead Agencies should describe how it maintains overall internal control for ensuring that the CCDF program is administered according to established rules, include those services administered by the Lead Agency in addition to those services administered by another entity. Examples of how the Lead Agency can demonstrate that it maintains overall control when services and activities are provided through other agencies include:
1.5.3 – Describe efforts to ensure compliance with CCDF reporting requirements – a) Fiscal reporting (ACF-696), b) Data reporting (ACF-800 and ACF – 801), and c) Error Rate reporting (ACF – 400 to 402). States and Territories have the flexibility to develop their own internal control strategies and mechanisms for addressing issues related to CCDF reporting requirements, such as improving verification processes and investing in information technology to assist in eligibility determination. Resources
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| 1.6 Guidance | 1.6.1 –Lead Agencies may use public funds to meet the CCDF Matching Fund requirements described in §98.53 (e). Describe the activities and source of public funds used to meet the Match requirements. 1.6.2 - Lead Agencies may receive private donated funds for the purpose of meeting their CCDF match requirement pursuant to §98.53(e). There is no need to designate the Lead Agency itself or any other entity to receive private donated funds, provided the private donated funds are actually transferred to and under the administrative control of the Lead Agency. If a Lead Agency wants to use private donated funds that are not transferred to and under its administrative control for the purpose of meeting their CCDF State match requirement pursuant to §98.53(e), the Lead Agency must designate one or more entities to receive such funds pursuant to §98.53(f). With regards to private donations, only private donations received by the designated entities or by the Lead Agency may be counted for match purposes. Lead Agencies are reminded that, in accordance with 45 CFR §98.53, donated funds: (1) must be donated without any restriction that would require their use for a specific individual, organization, facility or institution; (2) cannot revert to the donor’s facility or use; (3) cannot be used to match other Federal funds; (4) must be certified both by the Lead Agency and by the donor (if the funds are donated directly to the Lead Agency) or the Lead Agency and the entity designated to receive donated funds (if funds are donated to a designated entity) as available and representing funds eligible for Federal match; and (5) are subject to the audit requirements at 45 CFR §98.65. To facilitate comparisons across States and Territories, Lead Agencies are encouraged to indicate the type of entities being designated by using one or more of the following identifiers:
1.6.3 and 1.6.4 - The regulations at §98.53(h)(3) stipulate that a State may use public pre-K funds for up to 20 percent of its MOE funds and other public pre-K funds for up to 30 percent of its matching funds. Examples of how the Lead Agency can coordinate its pre-K and child care services to expand the availability of child care include:
1.6.6 – Describe any other funds used to meet the CCDF Match requirements and the activities supported by those funds. |
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| 1.7 Guidance | While error rate reviews and reporting conducted under 45 CFR 98.100 to 102 are currently limited to administrative errors associated with eligibility determination and improper authorization for payment, activities described in this section of the Plan should also include broader efforts to prevent and control improper payments, including efforts to address fraud, provider error, etc [45 CFR 98.60(i), 98.65, and 98.67]. States and Territories have the flexibility to develop their own strategies and mechanisms for addressing improper payments in the child care program, such as improving verification processes and investing in information technology to assist in eligibility determination. For States and Territories that have conducted CCDF error rate reviews and submitted reports required by 45 CFR 98.100 to 102, be sure to describe any activities the Lead Agency is undertaking to ensure that it meets its targets for the next reporting cycle (in accordance with 45 CFR 98.102(a)(6)). Resources
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| Part 2 | ||
| 2.1 Guidance | The statute and the regulations stipulate that, in developing its Plan, the Lead Agency shall:
In addition, the statute and the regulations stipulate that the Lead Agency shall:
States and Territories are also encouraged to consult and coordinate with other interested parties including:
To facilitate comparisons across States and Territories, Lead Agencies are encouraged to use the terms listed above, if applicable, in describing the type of entity with which the Lead Agency consulted or coordinated. Resources
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| 2.1.2 Guidance | Lead Agencies administering the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program are encouraged to develop emergency preparedness and response plans to address planning, recovery and response efforts specific to child care and other early childhood programs. Child care is an essential human service and critical component in the immediate aftermath of a disaster necessary to protect the safety of children and support the stabilization of families. Additionally, child care services are an important part of community infrastructure necessary to support employment and businesses. Planning and preparation efforts should focus both on continuing services for families in the event of an emergency or disaster, and working with child care providers to rebuild community child care capacity after a major disaster. The Child Care Bureau (CCB) is working to support Lead Agencies in their efforts to develop emergency preparedness and response plans through technical assistance and other resources listed below: Resources:
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| 2.1.3 Guidance | Consistent with §98.14(a)(2) of the regulations, and to track the progress of State and Territory efforts to coordinate Federal, State/Territory, and local early childhood programs, Lead Agencies are asked to describe their plans for coordination across early childhood programs (if any), including how such plans will continue to support coordination across early childhood programs, and the results or expected results of their coordination efforts. This section provides an opportunity for a Lead Agency to describe the progress of its State or Territory toward developing plans for coordination, from preliminary planning to full development and implementation, and in particular describe the progress made by the State or Territory since the submission of the 2008-2009 State Plan. If any coordination activities described in Section 2.1.1 also apply to Section 2.1.3, Lead Agencies may refer back to a complete explanation of such activities in Section 2.1.1. In the past, efforts around program coordination have assumed many forms, including:
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| 2.2 Guidance | Lead Agencies are reminded that at least one hearing must be held to allow the public the opportunity to comment on the provision of child care services under the Plan. At least 20 days of Statewide/Territory wide public notice must be provided in advance of the hearing. The hearing shall be held before the Plan is submitted to ACF but no earlier than nine months before the effective date of the Plan, i.e., no earlier than January 1, 2009. The content of the proposed Plan shall be made available to the public in advance of the hearing. The hearing must be an actual meeting, open to the public. While States and Territories are encouraged to receive comments to the proposed Plan through means other than the hearing, such receipt of written comments alone does not meet the requirement to conduct a public hearing. |
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| 2.3 Guidance | This section asks the Lead Agency to describe activities, including planned activities, to encourage public-private partnerships in meeting child care needs. In this section, Lead Agencies should not include descriptions of public-public partnerships, i.e., partnerships with other governmental entities. If any public-private partnerships described in Section 2.1.1 or 2.1.2 also apply to Section 2.3, Lead Agencies may refer back to a complete explanation of such partnerships in Section 2.1.1 or 2.1.2. Activities might include initiatives focused on public awareness, business involvement, professional development, quality improvement, resource and referral services, literacy initiatives, inclusion of children with disabilities, health initiatives, facility start-up and enhancement, collaborative system building, local community leadership, provider recruitment, and welfare-to-work. Lead Agencies are encouraged to use the terms listed in the preceding sentence to describe their public-private partnerships. Consistent with §98.14(a)(2) of the regulations, Lead Agencies are required to discuss the results or expected results of these activities. |
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| Part 3 | ||
| 3.1.1 Guidance | The Lead Agency is reminded that it must offer certificates for services funded under 45 CFR 98.50.(§98.30) Certificates must permit parents to choose from a variety of child care categories, including center-based care, group home care, family child care and in-home care. (§98.30(e)) A child care certificate is a certificate, check, voucher, letter or other disbursement that is issued by the Lead Agency directly to a parent who may use it only to pay for child care services from a variety of providers including community and faith-based providers (center-based, group home, family and in-home child care), or, if required, as a deposit for services. (658E(c)(2)(A)), 658P(2), §§98.2, 98.16(k), 98.30(c)(3) & (e)(1)) The Lead Agency is encouraged to provide a copy of the certificate in addition to its description. The explanation should include an estimate of the proportion of §98.50 services available through certificates versus grants/contracts. This may be expressed in terms of dollars, number of slots, or percentages of services. Eligibility worker’s manuals, policy handbooks, administrative rules or other printed guidelines for administering a child care subsidy program will be held for reference purposes only. Documents provided by Lead Agencies pursuant to this section will not be uniformly or comprehensively reviewed and will not be considered part of the Plan. All information required to be part of the Plan must continue to be set forth in the Plan. |
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| 3.1.2 Guidance | This question addresses contracts or grants to child care programs or providers for the direct purchase of a specified number of slots. Do not check “Yes” if every provider is simply required to sign an “agreement” in order to be paid through your certificate program. | |
| 3.1.3 Guidance | The Lead Agency is not required to offer services statewide/territory-wide nor must the same services be offered statewide. If all services are not offered statewide/territory-wide, however, indicate the services that are not available and identify the area where the services are not offered. | |
| 3.1.4 Guidance | In this section, the Lead Agency should describe how it limits in-home care. For example, in-home care may be limited to non-traditional hour care, by specifying the minimum number of children who must be served, by requiring parents to pay the difference between the maximum rate and the minimum wage, or by requiring caregiver background checks, or mandating training. The Lead Agency is reminded that CCDF regulations define in-home child care as care provided by an individual in the child’s own home. | |
| 3.2 Guidance | 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 - The effective date of approved CCDF Plans is October 1, 2009 so if your payment rates will change between July 1, 2009 and October 1, 2009, attach those rates that will become effective as of October 1, 2009 and not those that will expire September 30, 2009. In addition, a copy of the payment rates for all categories of care including in-home providers must be attached in 3.2.1. In States or Territories where administration of child care subsidy programs has been delegated to local entities who set their own, individualized payment rates, the Lead Agency must submit copies of the payment rates relating to all areas in the State/Territory for all categories of care including in-home providers. The regulations provide that the local market survey must have been conducted “no earlier than two years prior to the effective date of the currently approved Plan.” Plans will not be approved unless a local market survey has been completed no earlier than October 1, 2007. 3.2.3 - Lead Agencies are required to indicate the month and year when their local market rate survey was completed as well as a copy of the survey instrument and a summary of the results. ACF does not expect that raw data will be submitted with the plan, but rather an analysis or summary of the results. The summary of results should include a description of the sample population (which providers were sampled and surveyed), data source (e.g., child care resource and referral data, licensing data, etc); the type of methodology used (survey of providers, analysis of administrative data –including child care resource and referral data); response rate (if using administrative data, what percentage of provider sample, e.g., licensed providers, in the administrative data were included in analyses); and summary of key findings. 3.2.5 - To facilitate comparisons across States and Territories, Lead Agencies are asked to provide the percentile of the current Market Rate Survey at which their rate ceilings are set, even if the Lead Agency does not use its most recent Market Rate Survey to set its payment rate ceilings. Report the range of percentiles from the current Market Rate Survey that your payment rates reflect if rate ceilings vary for any reason including by such characteristics as type of setting, age of children, or geographic regions. For example: “Our rates, which were set using the 2007 Market Rate Survey and have not been adjusted since, now equal the 50th to the 65th percentile for centers and 45th to 60th percentile for regulated family child based on our current Market Rate Survey.” 3.2.6 - The explanation of how rates are adequate for equal access should include a description of how the rates correspond to market prices as evidenced by the survey. For example, the explanation might include: “Rates for center-based and regulated family child care are set at the 75th percentile of market charges as demonstrated by our local market survey. Rates for unregulated providers are set at 50 percent of family child care home rates as a sufficient number of unregulated providers could not be identified and surveyed. Additionally, unregulated providers are not currently required to undertake the same high level of ongoing training as are the regulated providers. Rates for unregulated providers were set at a lower amount in the past and we experienced no reluctance to provide care at that rate.” If the Lead Agency’s payment rates do not show the same categories of care described in the parental choice requirement at §98.30(e)(1) (i.e., centers, group homes, family, and in-home care), include a definition of the categories that the Lead Agency uses. For example, if the Lead Agency’s rates include only centers, family homes, and in-home care: “Centers are facilities caring for groups of children in a non-residential setting. A family child care home is a licensed provider in a private residence caring for up to 12 unrelated children depending on the ages of the children and availability of an assistant. An in-home provider cares for the children of only one family in that family’s home. The State does not distinguish between group and family child care homes, therefore rates for only three categories are shown.” Lead Agencies are reminded that §98.30(e)(1) stipulates that under each of the categories of care, care by a sectarian provider may not be limited or excluded. 3.2.7 - Please provide a description of additional facts used for determining whether payments rates ensure equal access. We note that other factors may affect access including timeliness of payments, policies and practices related to billing, and rules governing child absences that reflect usual and customary market practice can also affect access. Other facts may include affordable co-payment amount (reducing sliding fee scale), number of providers participating in the subsidy program, number of providers willing to serve subsidized children, number of children served/number of children served by type of care (utilization patterns), complaints from providers, and rate add-ons (tiered reimbursement, non-traditional hours). 3.2.8 - If the Lead Agency provides tiered reimbursement or any other type of differential rate, a copy of those payment rates should be included as well. Examples of differential rates include rate add-ons such as higher payments for providers caring for children with disabilities and other special needs, infants and toddlers, non-standard-hour and other specialized types of care, or for providers who have achieved a higher quality standard (e.g., within in established Quality Rating System). 3.2.9 - Lead Agencies are reminded that in setting or adjusting rates, CCDF funds cannot pay more for services than is charged to the general public for the same service [63 FR 39959]. Describe the processes and procedures used by the Lead Agency to ensure that payment rates do not exceed the amount paid by the general public for the same service (i.e., the private pay price paid by families not eligible for CCDF services). |
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| 3.3 Guidance | By statute, all eligible children must: (1) be citizens or qualified aliens under the age of 13, or under age 19 if physically or mentally incapable of self-care, or under court supervision; (2) reside with a family whose income does not exceed 85% of the State Median Income (SMI) for a family of the same size; and (3) have parent(s), or individuals acting in loco parentis, who are working or attending a job training or educational program or receive or need to receive protective services. (658E(c)(3)(B), 658P(3), §98.20(a)) Typically when children reach age 13, they are no longer eligible for CCDF funded child care. However, a Lead Agency has the option to provide child care to children age 13 or over if they are physically or mentally incapable of self-care, or under court supervision. When such children reach age 19, they cease to be eligible for CCDF child care. |
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| 3.3.1 Guidance | The upper age limit may not be age 19 or over (e.g., not “19 years, 1 month”; or “up to age 20”). | |
| 3.3.2 Guidance | Eligibility for CCDF services is limited to families with income at or below 85 percent of the State Median Income (SMI) for a family of the same size. Whether or not the Lead Agency offers services to families with income up to 85 percent of SMI, the upper eligibility level upon initial entry into the CCDF program must be recorded in column (b). Column (c) is completed only if the Lead Agency uses an income level lower than 85 percent of SMI to limit eligibility. When the income level is lower than 85 percent, the percent of the SMI that an income level represents must be noted. If, for administrative purposes, a Lead Agency uses the Federal poverty level rather than the SMI to determine eligibility, ACF still needs to know the corresponding SMI for all States and Territories in order to ensure compliance with CCDF rules. Neither the statute nor the regulations specify a source or basis for SMI, and the Lead Agency has flexibility in determining its SMI. Lead Agencies are, however, encouraged to use the most recent fiscal year information in completing column (b). The Lead Agency must indicate the year of the SMI on which it bases its eligibility level. SMI Resources:
If there are different/multiple income levels (e.g., 3.3.2 column “c”) in use in the State or Territory, provide the requested information from Table 3.3.2 and describe. This information can be included in a separate table, or by placing a “/” between the entry and exit levels. For example, a Lead Agency may have entrance (upon initial eligibility) and exit eligibility thresholds that differ, allow local counties to set eligibility levels, or have eligibility that differs for families that include a child with special needs. When there are multiple geographic areas with differing eligibility levels, a Lead Agency can satisfy the requirement of this section by providing a table that shows the applicable maximum eligibility limits for each area. This section also requires that Lead Agencies describe and/or attach information about how income is defined for CCDF eligibility purposes. Any income exclusions should be explained, including exclusion of certain types of income and/or exclusions of income of particular family/household members. |
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| 3.3.3 Guidance | Please provide the definitions of the work and, if applicable, job training or educational program requirements for determining eligibility. These definitions should be inclusive of all eligible CCDF families, other than those receiving or needing to receive protective services. For example, if you provide child care for periods of job search, this must be addressed in one of these definitions. | |
| 3.3.4 Guidance | The definition of protective services should indicate whether the Lead Agency considers children in foster care as protective services for purposes of child care eligibility. The definition should also indicate whether respite care is provided to custodial parents of children in protective services. Lead Agencies are reminded that waiving fees for children receiving (or in need of) protective services may only be done on a case-by-case basis. There is no provision for automatically waiving fees in every protective service case. The Lead Agency also is reminded that respite care is allowable only for brief, occasional periods in excess of the normal “less than 24 hour period.” |
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| 3.3.5 Guidance | CCDF regulations provide that Lead Agencies are to include in their Plans any additional eligibility criteria and definitions that have been established for all CCDF eligible families. Examples may include establishing time limits for job searches, requiring proof of child support receipt, or proof of residency as part of eligibility determination. Definitions of terms must be provided in Appendix 2. Lead Agencies are reminded that additional eligibility conditions or priority rules may not violate CCDF eligibility requirements, be discriminatory, limit parental rights or parental choice, nor violate the priority for services to children with special needs or families with very low incomes. For example, priority rules may not be based on a parent’s preference for a category or type of provider. |
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| 3.4.1 and 3.4.2 Guidance | The Lead Agency must give priority for child care services to children with special needs (as defined in Appendix 2) and children in families with very low incomes (as defined in Appendix 2). Neither the statute nor the regulations prescribe how to “give priority.” For example, priority can be achieved by setting aside specific funds or slots for special needs or very low income children. For purposes of prioritizing services, Lead Agencies have the flexibility to define special needs. “Special needs” in this context may be broadly defined and not restricted solely to children with physical or mental disabilities. In the 1992 preamble (57 FR 34382) which was not modified in 1998 (63 FR 39961), the term special needs is generally used in three contexts – for targeting resources, for establishing eligibility and for setting payment rates. Lead Agencies often define special needs more broadly for purposes of targeting resources while using the more traditional definition (children with physical or mental disabilities) for eligibility and payment rates. 3.4.1 – This question addresses eligibility priority rules. For columns (a) through (c), check only one box if reply is “Yes”. Leave blank if “No”. Complete column (e) only if you check column (d). 3.4.2 - Describe how services are prioritized for families in these groups as well as any other priority categories. Lead Agencies who do not currently have a waiting list may include a description of their process for maintaining a waiting list when necessary if applicable. |
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| 3.4.3 Guidance | Lead Agencies are reminded that Section 418(b)(2) of the Social Security Act requires the State to ensure that not less than 70 percent of funds (Mandatory and Matching) received by the State are used to provide child care assistance under a State program under Part A of title IV of the Social Security Act to families who are attempting through work activities to transition off such assistance program and families that are at risk of becoming dependent on such assistance program. Section 658E(c)(3)(D) of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act stipulates that a State shall ensure that a substantial portion of the amounts available (after the State has complied with the requirement of Section 418(b)(2) of the Social Security Act) to the State to carry out activities is used to provide assistance to low-income working families other than the families described in Section 418(b)(2). See §98.50(a) and (e) for specific description. |
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| 3.4.4 Guidance | CCDF regulations provide that Lead Agencies are to include in their Plans any additional priority rules and definitions that have been established for CCDF eligible families. For example, Lead Agencies may prioritize services for CCDF eligible children in protective services, teen parents, children attending Head Start programs, migrant families, or other populations. Lead Agencies are reminded that additional eligibility conditions or priority rules may not violate CCDF eligibility requirements, be discriminatory, limit parental rights or parental choice, nor violate the priority for services to children with special needs or families with very low incomes. For example, priority rules may not be based on a parent’s preference for a category or type of provider. |
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| 3.4.6 Guidance | Some States and Territories have a waiting list of eligible families they are unable to serve under CCDF. In those states who have a waiting list at the time of submitting their Plan, the Lead Agency should describe its waiting list, including whether the waiting list is kept for eligible families that apply and cannot be served or only particular populations; whether the waiting list is maintained for the whole State/Territory or only in certain geographic areas, and how the waiting list is kept current. For example, waiting lists may only be maintained for eligible families in the lowest priority service group; or a waiting list may be maintained for certain localities only. If the Lead Agency does not currently have a waiting list at the time of Plan submission, but does have a process for maintaining a waiting list if necessary, check “No” to 3.4.6. |
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| 3.5.1 Guidance | The CCDF statute requires families to share in the cost of subsidized child care. The Lead Agency must establish a sliding fee scale that details each families’ contribution(s) – co-payment. The attached sliding fee scale must include an explanation – e.g., an excerpt from an eligibility worker’s manual – of how the sliding fee scale is administered, including how the co-payment is determined for each family/child and how the c-payment is collected and assessed. For example, whether it varies by number of children in care, is assessed per family or per child, and who collects the co-payment (provider or Lead Agency). Other factors that may determine a family’s contribution may include number of children in care, and/or whether care is full or part-time. Lead Agencies are also asked to note whether they set a maximum amount (family cap). The Lead Agency should cross-check the income levels reported in 3.3.2 with those of its sliding fee scale. If both scales are based on the same data source and have the same income cut-off established, the maximum income level would be expected to correspond. Resource
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| 3.5.3 Guidance | Lead Agencies may waive co-payments for those whose income is at or below the poverty level. Lead Agencies may not categorically waive fees for TANF families unless TANF families’ income is always at or below the poverty level. The 2009 HHS Poverty Guideline is $18,310 for a family of three. For other family sizes apply $3,740 per person, except in Alaska and Hawaii. For Alaska, the 2009 HHS Poverty Guideline for a family of three is $22,890 (apply $4,680 per person for other family sizes). For Hawaii, the 2009 HHS Poverty Guideline for a family of three is $21,060 (apply $4,300 per person for other family sizes). The HHS Poverty Guidelines for 2009 were published on January 23, 2009. (74 FR 4199-4201) They are available at: http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/09poverty.shtml The Lead Agency is not required to use the HHS Poverty Guidelines for 2009, but must indicate the poverty level it is using if it elects to waive the required fee. |
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| 3.5.5 Guidance | The preamble to the regulations suggests that co-payments that are no more than 10 percent of family income would be “affordable.” It should be noted, however, that the regulations do not establish this or any other standard or criteria that co-payments must meet. The suggested percentage may be too high for some very low-income families and not high enough to prevent “cliffs” for families nearing their State’s eligibility limit. The explanation, at a minimum, should indicate the percent of its income that a typical family would use to meet its co-payment. Lead Agencies are reminded that co-payments may not vary based on a family’s eligibility status or circumstances, or on the category of care or type of provider. | |
| Part 4 | ||
| 4.1.1 Guidance | Provide a description of the application process for families. The description should include how parents are informed about the child care services through a certificate or grant or contract. Describe how parents can apply for services – for example, is an in-person visit required for application? Describe any variations in the eligibility determination process based on eligibility category as well as information about how parents who receive TANF benefits are informed about the exception to individual penalties as described in 4.4. In describing where parents can obtain and submit applications, please describe any particular requirements, such as in-person visits are required for application review and eligibility determination. Please describe any strategies that the Lead Agency has undertaken to reduce those barriers, such as instituting on-line eligibility determination or extending the hours eligibility offices are open, and increasing eligibility periods to minimize barriers to subsidy receipt. |
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| 4.1.2 Guidance | Describe any steps in applying for CCDF that are different for TANF families. For example, TANF families do not have to submit a separate CCDF application or do not have to appear in-person to apply for CCDF. | |
| 4.1.3 Guidance | Indicate the length of the CCDF eligibility upon initial authorization, including any extension to the eligibility period in support of collaborative arrangements between child care and Head Start or pre-K programs or differences for TANF families. (See ACYF-PIQ-CC-99-02, February 8, 1999.) For example: “Generally, eligibility is re-determined every six months via a mailed certification. Where the child is receiving child care service in a collaborative arrangement with another program, the CCDF eligibility period will be the same as the eligibility period or service delivery criteria of the collaborative program. For Head Start/child care collaborative programs, the CCDF eligibility period is two years; for pre-K programs, the CCDF eligibility period coincides with the school year (e.g., nine months).” The Lead Agency can forestall audit questions by documenting in its Plan CCDF eligibility periods when different eligibility determination periods apply depending on the nature of the services provided. |
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| 4.1.5 Guidance | Describe outreach efforts to families with limited English proficiency. Lead Agencies should review U.S. Department of Health and Human Services policy guidance regarding Title VI Prohibition against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient (LEP) Persons, which was published in the Federal Register on August 8, 2003 and is available at: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/civilrights/resources/specialtopics/lep/policyguidancedocument.html | |
| 4.2 Guidance | The Lead Agency has the flexibility to set guidelines for the types of substantiated parental complaints about providers handled by their system and the Lead Agency itself need not maintain the records of substantiated parent complaints. That function may be undertaken by another State or Territorial agency. Regardless of who maintains the records, the Lead Agency must provide the required detailed description about how the information is made available to the public on request. The description should include the contact for obtaining information about parental complaints. |
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| 4.3 Guidance | Lead Agencies have flexibility in defining procedures to ensure that providers of child care services afford parents unlimited access to their children, and to the providers during normal hours of operation and whenever children are in the care of the provider. Examples of procedures include: 1) All provider agreements include a certification that the provider affords unlimited parental access, and all providers must sign an agreement in order to be paid. 2) This is a requirement of the State licensing and registration process.” 3) The Lead Agency sends periodic reminders to all providers about this policy. | |
| 4.4 Guidance | The regulations do not establish any criteria or standard against which the requested TANF definitions are to be judged. This information is requested as a means of providing information to the public. ACF recognizes that the TANF definitions are not the responsibility of the CCDF Lead Agency. Therefore, the question also asks that the TANF agency be identified. Attaching a copy of the applicable TANF Plan pages is sufficient. However, merely referring to a State or Territorial TANF document (e.g., “as described in the TANF Plan submitted to ACF”) would not fulfill the public information purpose of this question. |
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| Part 5 | ||
| 5.1 Guidance | This section collects information on activities designed to provide consumer education to parents and to the public; activities that increase parental choice; and activities designed to improve the overall quality and availability of child care. Section 658(G) of the CCDBG Act was amended to direct that a State that receives CCDF funds shall use not less than 4 percent of the amount of such funds for activities to improve the quality of child care and availability of child care. Section §98.51(a) provides that the not less than 4 percent for quality applies to the aggregate amount of expenditures (Discretionary, Mandatory, and both the Federal and State share of Matching funds). Section §98.51(a) also provides that the 4 percent requirement applies to funds expended, rather than the total of funds available. It should also be noted that §98.51(c) provides that the quality expenditure requirement does not apply to the maintenance-of-effort expenditures required by §98.53(c) in order to claim from the Matching fund. The minimum percentages apply at the end of the liquidation period. | |
| 5.1.1 Guidance | Since Congress has targeted funds for specific quality and access activities, the Plan requests separate descriptions of Lead Agency activities and services to improve the quality of care for infants and toddlers, as well as its resource and referral services and school-age activities. (See ACYF-IM-CC-99-01, January 22, 1999.) The maximum age of a toddler for purposes of the infant and toddler targeted funds is 36 months. In identifying the entity performing a specific task, Lead Agencies are encouraged to use one of the indicators listed in the guidance for Section 1.5 (above). In the past, quality and access activities have included funding for:
To facilitate comparisons across States and Territories, Lead Agencies are encouraged to use the terms listed above, if applicable, in describing their quality and access activities. Resource
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| 5.1.4 Guidance | Estimate the amount and percentage of the total CCDF that will be used for activities and services to improve the quality and availability of child care, provide comprehensive consumer education, and/or increase parental choice. Show only the amount of the Federal CCDF funds – not including targeted amounts – and required State CCDF matching expenditures (i.e., do not include the cost of services and activities paid for with State MOE funds). The Lead Agency is reminded that no less than four percent of the total CCDF (which includes the State’s share of the Matching fund) must be used for quality activities. For more information refer to the May 19, 1999 program instruction (ACYF-PI-CC-99-05) regarding quality expansion activities: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb/law/guidance/current/pi9905/pi9905.htm |
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| 5.1.5 Guidance | Table 5.1.5 reflects options many Lead Agencies have selected in the past. It is not intended to be inclusive, nor is it intended to exclude other services or activities that meet the intent of the Act, including other activities that are designed to provide consumer education to parents and the public, to increase parental choice, and to improve the quality and availability of child care (as provided under 45 CFR 98.51).. The Lead Agency may include other services or activities not on the list by indicating “Yes” in the last selection. The expected results of all activities and services marked “Yes” must be described in 5.1.6. For each activity marked “Yes” and for which an evaluation of that activity has been conducted, describe the results of the evaluation. Lead Agencies may have multiple activities listed for each category and should provide the evaluation results for each. If an evaluation has not been conducted, describe how the activity will be evaluated. A non-governmental entity is a private or non-profit organization. A public-private partnership involving a governmental entity would be considered a governmental entity. Below are several resources on conducting evaluations:
In identifying the entity performing a specific task, Lead Agencies are encouraged to use one of the indicators listed in the guidance for Section 1.5 (above). |
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| 5.2 Guidance | In this section, Lead Agencies are asked to describe the progress of its State or Territory in developing: 1) voluntary State guidelines on literacy, language, pre-reading, and early math concepts for children ages 3 to 5 that are in alignment with State K-12 standards (Section 5.2.1); and, 2) a plan for the professional development and training of child care teachers, providers and administrators to enable them to support the school readiness of young children (Section 5.2.5). The intent of these questions is to determine what States and Territories are doing to further the early learning and school readiness of young children. In this context, “What States are doing” is broadly construed to include relevant activities being carried out with leadership from the CCDF Lead Agency as well as other entities within the State or Territory. For instance, the development of guidelines may be under the auspices of the State Education agency. In this example, the CCDF Lead Agency would describe those efforts, including the Lead Agency’s involvement to ensure that the guidelines are appropriate to children served in a variety of child care settings. For purposes of Section 5.2 of the preprint, the following definitions apply:
5.2.1 Current Status. States and Territories are at various stages in developing early learning guidelines. This section provides an opportunity for a Lead Agency to describe the progress of its State or Territory toward developing early learning guidelines, and in particular describe the progress made by the State and Territories since the submission of the 2008-2009 State Plan. Process. Some States and Territories may have guidelines that were developed for pre-kindergarten programs without the involvement of the child care community. If these guidelines are research-based, and consistent with the definition of early learning guidelines described above, the Lead Agency may indicate that they will work with their State Education Agency to develop a plan for engaging the child care community in the review, dissemination, and implementation of the guidelines. Early learning guidelines should align with guidelines/standards for children in kindergarten through later grades. To this end, a number of States have assessed the types of knowledge, competencies, and skills that children are expected to develop once they enter school and have designed broad guidelines covering the desirable and general competencies and skills needed to support effective learning upon entering school. Note: If other departments in State or Territorial government have not yet designated the entity/person that will be involved in developing guidelines, a Lead Agency can indicate in the plan that it will take steps to work with the entity/person when designated. 5.2.2 Domains. Early learning guidelines reflect expectations for children’s development of knowledge, skills and competencies in various domains, such as language, cognition, early literacy, early math concepts, and social and emotional competence. These competencies differ for children of different ages, e.g., infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. 5.2.3 Implementation. In order for guidelines to be implemented across diverse early care and education settings, information about the purpose, benefits, and appropriate implementation of the guidelines needs to be disseminated among all early childhood stakeholder groups. In some instances, dissemination and implementation has been facilitated by piloting the guidelines in selected groups of settings and providing training on best practices to mentors, technical assistance specialists and parents. In addition, some States and communities tie implementation of early learning guidelines to systems of licensing and certification; require implementation in targeted settings in exchange for public funding; or support implementation through different types of incentives. 5.2.4 Assessment. States and Territories are encouraged to actively consider what types of research and evaluation may be helpful in demonstrating the effects associated with development and implementation of early learning guidelines, provider training and education, and increased coordination among early childhood programs. In addition, some States and communities are implementing diagnostic assessments designed to screen children for risk factors and classroom-based instructional assessments designed to inform teaching and services throughout the school-year. |
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| 5.2.5 Guidance | Early learning guidelines that offer a clear and specific vision for what young children should know and be able to do when they enter school provide States and Territories with a solid basis for their professional development plans. A professional development plan should address the competencies providers in different child care settings need to ensure that young children acquire the knowledge, skills and abilities suggested by the State’s early learning guidelines. This, in turn, guides the implementation of specific provider education and training strategies and provides the basis for evaluating the effectiveness of the strategies in achieving desired outcomes. This section provides an opportunity for Lead Agencies to describe: their progress toward developing plans, their plans as currently implemented, and revisions to their current plans. In particular, Lead Agencies are asked to describe the progress and changes made since the submission of the 2008-2009 State Plan. If a Lead Agency has addressed its plans for professional development under Section 5.1.3, it can reference those sections in Section 5.2.5. Plans. Research emphasizes the need for a systematic approach to professional development that addresses the individual needs of learners. In this section, professional development is defined as systems of training and instruction developed for the purpose of improving the preparation and ongoing development of child care providers. States and Territories are encouraged to develop systems of professional development in partnerships with key stakeholders that are: comprehensive and aligned with other efforts to support early learning in children; built on a clearly articulated philosophical framework and core body of knowledge; tied in content and approach to the needs of the population served; oriented to providing a continuum of training opportunities, including a variety of formats and service delivery models (such as coaching and mentoring); and linked to a system of licensing, credentials, and/or certification. Goals: Articulated goals identify desired outcomes, providing a foundation for plan development, implementation, and revisions. They can contribute to decision-making, help determine they type and level of stakeholder involvement, and inform the standards for assessing effectiveness. Incentives. Examples of provider-level incentives that might encourage participation in professional development include: training scholarships; loan forgiveness programs; merit awards or completion bonuses; wage enhancement initiatives; and credits for continuing education. Examples of program-level incentives that might encourage provider participation in professional development include: tiered reimbursement; quality rating systems; support for substitute pools; and providing supplies and/or equipment. Outcomes. Professional development plans may include approaches or processes to assess achievement of articulated goals and/or desired outcomes of the overall plan, and to gauge effectiveness of outcomes of components of the plan. A State might conduct or commission a study to determine how well a plan is being implemented, if the desired outcomes have been achieved, or if one component of the plan is more effective than another. Reports generated by automated tracking systems or developed by local training entities are sometimes used to gauge participation levels, movement in professional achievement, retention rates, or increased wages. Consideration should be given to assessment plans that take into account the past experiences, strengths, knowledge and needs of participants; acknowledge cultural and linguistic diversity; and assist participants in advancing to higher levels of professional development. |
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| Part 6 | NOTE: Part 6 is completed by the 50 States and the District of Columbia only. Territories complete Part 7. | |
| 6.1 -6.4 Guidance | Section 658E(c)(2)(E) of the CCDBG Act requires the Lead Agency to provide “a detailed description” of its licensing requirements. CCDF regulations define licensing or regulatory requirements as requirements necessary for a provider to legally provide child care services in a State or locality, including registration requirements established under State, local, or tribal law (§98.2). Part 6 is intended to collect information on these licensing or regulatory requirements. The National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care (NRCHSCC) provides a comprehensive, current, on-line listing of the licensing and regulatory requirements for child care in the 50 States and the District of Columbia. The listing, which is maintained by the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, is readily available to the public on the World Wide Web at: http://nrc.uchsc.edu ACF accepts the NRCHSCC compilation as fulfilling the statutory requirement. Nevertheless, the Lead Agency should verify that the NRCHSCC listing accurately reflects the State requirements. In particular, the Lead Agency should check the NRCHSCC database to ensure that the licensing requirements for care categories correspond to the appropriate category of care within the State. If the NRCHSCC listing is inaccurate, contact them at 800.598.5437 or e-mail: natl.child.res.ctr.@UCHSC.edu. The first question in each section of Part 6 (6.1.1, 6.2.1, 6.3.1 and 6.4.1) is intended to clarify how the Lead Agency defines each category of care. If the Lead Agency does not have the category of care (e.g., group home child care), write “N/A” in 6.6.1 and leave the remaining questions blank. The second question (6.1.2, 6.2.2, 6.3.2, 6.4.2) should indicate whether all care in the stated category is licensed. If the Lead Agency checks yes, it means that all care that falls under each category is licensed and the Lead Agency should respond to the third question related to changes in the licensing requirements, and skip the fourth question. If there are any exemptions in the stated category, the Lead Agency must describe which providers are exempt from licensing under State law and complete the questions on health and safety requirements that apply only to that exempt care (6.1.4, 6.2.4, 6.3.4, and/or 6.4.4). Example: All center-based care in the State is licensed except that provided in school-based programs. The Lead Agency checks “NO” in the response to 6.1.2, lists school-based programs as an exempt category of care, and describes in 6.1.4 the health and safety requirements that apply to school-based centers. Note: Some States use the term certification or registration to refer to their licensing regulatory process. Do not check “Yes” if any category of providers simply must register or be certified to participate in the CCDF program separate from the State regulatory requirements. Legal care that is not subject to licensing or regulated by the State may not be included in the NRCHSCC listing and must be described in the appropriate section of Part 6. Example: A caregiver caring for fewer than three unrelated children is registered by the Lead Agency for purposes of CCDF services, but is not required to be licensed under State regulatory requirements. Because such caregivers are not licensed they are not included in the NRCHSCC listing. The health and safety requirements for these providers must be described. |
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| 6.5 Guidance | The Lead Agency has the option to exempt from its health and safety requirements only those relatives specifically mentioned in the Act; it is not required to exempt them. The Lead Agency should indicate its policy regarding relative providers. If relative providers are subject to different requirements than licensed providers, the requirements that apply to relatives must be described. | |
| 6.6 Guidance | Under the statute and regulations that govern CCDF, each Lead Agency is required to certify the procedures that are in effect to ensure that providers serving children whose care is subsidized through CCDF comply with applicable health and safety standards. Lead Agencies are to indicate whether or not they conduct routine unannounced visits on child care providers, perform background checks on providers (or their family members), and/or require that providers report serious injuries that occur while a child is in care. In addition, Lead Agencies are asked to describe other methods used to ensure that health and safety requirements are enforced. This might include information about the percent of providers inspected annually, the number of inspections conducted annually, the length of time between inspections, etc. For purposes of this section, “routine” unannounced visits are those that are conducted as a matter of policy, not for purposes of licensing or formal complaint investigation. “Serious injuries” are defined as injuries to a child in care that require medical treatment by a doctor, nurse, dentist, or other medical professional. |
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| Part 7 | Note: Only Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa complete Part 7. | |
| 7.1-7.4 Guidance | Because the Territories are not included in the NRCHSCC compilation, the health and safety requirements must be described for all four categories of care. The health and safety requirements for all care, whether licensed, regulated, or otherwise legal, that is paid for with CCDF funds must be described. RESOURCE
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| 7.5 Guidance | The Lead Agency has the option to exempt from its health and safety requirements only those relatives specifically mentioned in the Act; it is not required to exempt them. The Lead Agency should indicate its policy regarding relative providers. If relative providers are subject to different requirements than licensed providers, the requirements that apply to relatives must be described. | |
| 7.6 Guidance | Under the statute and regulations that govern CCDF, each Lead Agency is required to certify the procedures that are in effect to ensure that providers serving children whose care is subsidized through CCDF comply with applicable health and safety standards. Lead Agencies are to indicate whether or not they conduct routine unannounced visits, perform background checks on providers (or their family members), and/or require that providers report serious injuries that occur while a child is in care. In addition, Lead Agencies are asked to describe other methods used to ensure that health and safety requirements are enforced. This might include information about the percent of providers inspected annually, the number of inspections conducted annually, the length of time between inspections, etc. For purposes of this section, “routine” unannounced inspections are those that are conducted as a matter of policy, not for purposes of licensing or complaint investigation. “Serious injuries” are defined as injuries to a child in care that require medical treatment by a doctor, nurse, dentist, or other medical professional. |
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| Appendix 1 | ||
| Appendix 1 Guidance | Pursuant to §98.15, the Lead Agency must provide these assurances and certifications regarding its CCDF program. | |
| Appendix 2 | ||
| In Loco Parentis Guidance | Those who may serve “in the parent’s place” for purposes of the CCDF must be identified. For example: “any blood relative with custody (whether or not court-ordered) or any person with court-ordered custody.” A definition such as “a person acting in the parent’s place” is not adequate. | |
| Protective Services Guidance | The definition of protective services should indicate whether the Lead Agency considers children in foster care as protective services for purposes of child care eligibility. A Lead Agency that chooses to provide respite care to children in protective services (as indicated in questions 3.3.4) must explain the circumstances under which respite care is offered. As explained in the preamble at 63 FR 39949, respite care can only be used in cases where a child receives or needs to receive protective services. Because the use of respite child care may differ from how it is used/defined for other purposes (such as child welfare), the definition should address who makes the determination that a child “needs to receive” protective services. |
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| Special Needs Guidance | The Lead Agency should distinguish between “special needs” for purposes of payment rates (i.e., children with disabilities), if applicable, and “special needs” for purposes of prioritizing services | |
| Very Low Income Guidance | As indicated in Section 3.3.1, the Act governing the CCDF requires States and Territories to give priority to families with “very low income.” | |
| Appendix 3 | ||
| Appendix 3 Guidance | Pursuant to 45 CFR 98.13(b)(2)-(6), i.e. lobbying, drug-free workplace, debarment, nondiscrimination and smoking prohibitions, Lead Agencies must provide these certification when applying for funds. Note - These certifications were obtained in the 1997 Plan and need not be collected again if there has been no change in Lead Agency. If there has been a change in Lead Agency, these certifications must be completed and submitted with the Plan. | |
| Required Attachment Guidance | States and Territories should list the name and number of each attachment to their CCDF Plan in the table of contents. If States wish to include additional attachments that are not required, those additional attachments should be labeled with a description and a cross reference to the section to which the attachment relates (e.g., Attachment 2.2a – Copy of Flyer Announcing Public Hearing). | |
Index: CCDF-ACF-PI-2009-05 | 2010-2011 Preprint | FY 2010-2011 Guidance | Checklist for Completing the Plan Preprint | Regional Office Managers Related Items: State/Territory Plans for Previous Years
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