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This Program Instruction (PI) provides information to eligible state, territory, and Tribal Lead Agencies regarding the phase two distribution of disaster supplemental funds, and provides guidance on allowable activities, how to apply, notice of federal interest, obligating and expending funds, reporting requirements, grantee monitoring and other requirements.

This Program Instruction (PI) transmits the Quality Progress Report (QPR) (ACF-218) for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program for the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2020 and provides guidance for completing and submitting the QPR. 

This program instruction is to inform States and Territories that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved changes to the ACF-800 Report that will allow the Office of Child Care to collect and report critical data about the use of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding. The form and instructions are attached.

Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Lead Agencies were provided additional Federal funds for child care to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic health crisis through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Lead Agencies were given considerable flexibility in how they expend the funds. Some Lead Agencies may have decided to expend some portion of that funding on direct services to children of essential workers (e.g., medical workers, first responders, etc., as defined by the state) during this health crisis and/or continue making payments to providers who were forced to close during the pandemic. This guidance will allow the Office of Child Care (OCC) to collect critical data about the use of CARES Act funding, including an estimate of the number of essential workers’ families and children served, and the number of providers supported. 

The Administration for Children and Families’s Office of Child Care (OCC) in the Department of Health and Human Services recognizes that cities all over the country are concerned about the impact of the coronavirus on their communities, including the effect on child care programs that play such a critical role in providing child care services for essential workers and those trying hold onto their businesses during this unprecedented time.  As the economy begins to reopen, and the need for child care continues to evolve, we are sharing some child care background and resources that may be helpful to you at the local level. 

This document provides instructions for implementing the required error rate methodology for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), including successful submission of the State Improper Payments Report (ACF-404) to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The instructions contain changes that will be effective beginning Fiscal Year (FY) 2019. 

Letter to CCDF Administrators regarding the Legislation Guide

Dear CCDF Lead Agencies:

Attached for your awareness is Information Memorandum IM-ACF-OA-2020-01 issued by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) on grant flexibilities for human service activities related to, or affected by, COVID-19.  This Information Memorandum provides short term relief for administrative, financial management, and audit requirements under 45 CFR Part 75 (the HHS implementation of the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB’s) 2 CFR Part 200 ), Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards). 

This information memorandum provides an overview and guidance on the supplemental CCDF Discretionary funds made available through the CARES Act.

Monitoring is part of OCC’s ongoing oversight and support of States and Territories (referred to below as “States”) responsible for administering the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)to support eligible families, and ensures all children are cared for in environments that are healthy and safe.