We are sending the following on behalf of the Office of Early Learning. Questions should be directed to [email protected]. Delaware Stars is not able to provide any additional information or answer questions.

Dear Early Learning Provider,

Thank you for continuing to serve children and families in the midst of a pandemic. Your efforts to care for children and help them grow are greatly appreciated!

I am writing today with an update regarding Tiered Reimbursement. As you follow the recent guidance that the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has provided regarding Purchase of Care (POC), we wanted to make you aware that all providers will also receive up to two Tiered Reimbursement payments for January 2021 (paid in March 2021) through June 2021 (paid in August 2021). The first payment will be based on the attendance you enter into the POC portal. The second, supplemental payment will be the difference between the first payment and the amount you received in the month you chose for your POC baseline payment.

The supplemental payments are projected to be processed on the following dates and child care programs can expect to see the supplemental payment around mid-week:

· 3/14 – regular payment for January attendance

· 3/28 – supplemental payment for January attendance

· 4/18 – regular & supplemental payment for February attendance

· 5/16 – regular & supplemental payment for March attendance

· 6/20 – regular & supplemental payment for April attendance

· 7/18 – regular & supplemental payment for May attendance

· 8/15 – regular & supplemental payment for June attendance

All months, except for March, align with the payment timeline that you are used to. You will likely receive both payments around the same time in the months of April-August. Please be aware that there will not be a report in the POC portal for the supplemental payment.

Please note that this update is informational only, we are not asking for any further action from you at this time. If you have questions, reach out to John Fisher-Klein ([email protected]).

Thank you,