(CD15-06, OEC15-02 dated January 23, 2015), CD12-14, OEC12-03 January 31, 2012
In order to authorize a child to a provider, verification of the number hours and number of days per week of client participation in an eligible need component must be verified. If the parent is participating in an eligible need component at the time of application, authorize child care services beginning with the date of application. If the parent becomes engaged in an eligible need component after the date of application, begin child care services with the participation start date. If the need for child care is the special need of the child or incapacitation of the parent, begin the authorization on the date of application.
NOTE: If child care services would otherwise be lost, child care may be provided for up to 2 weeks prior to the begin date of scheduled employment, education, or training. Care may also be provided during a break in employment, education, or training, not to exceed 30 days, if it is known that the participant will be returning to his/her activity. In these situations, child care is conditional on the child continuing to attend care. Otherwise, the five (5) day absence policy applies.
Children should be authorized for the amount of care based on the parent’s verified schedule and the child’s need for care. Travel time between the child care facility and the parent’s activity/need for care and the child’s school schedule should also be taken into consideration when determining the child’s authorization level. See 1220.025.15 TRAVEL TIME.
EXAMPLE: Mr. Taylor works from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. His son, Josh, is six (6) years old and attends kindergarten from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm Monday through Friday. Mr. Taylor drops Josh off at the child care facility at 6:30 am. The school bus picks Josh up at 8:00 am and drops him back off at the child care facility at 3:30 pm. Mr. Taylor picks Josh up from the child care facility at 4:30 pm.
As Josh attends school full time, he needs care from 6:30 am to 8:00 am and from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm each weekday. As Josh is in care for a total of two and a half (2 1/2) hours during the day, five (5) days per week, he should be authorized for up to 23 part time day units of care and up to five (5) full time day units of care for days in which school is not in session. As only 25 total daytime units of care can be authorized, the authorization should be entered for 23 part time day units and 3 full time day units per month.
For self employed households, determine the authorization level based on the number of hours the parent(s) state they work. The child/ren’s school schedule, as well as travel time between the child care facility and the parent’s activity/need for care should be taken into consideration when determining the authorization level.
NOTE: A comment is required on the CCAUTH (FM3O) screen that describes how the number and type of units of care were determined for the authorization period. This comment should include the parent’s schedule and how it was verified, as well as the child’s school schedule, if applicable.
When there is a change in child care provider, staff must close the authorization to the previous provider and open the authorization to the new provider.