In partnership with the Office of Early Learning, the Early Learning Coalition has worked to ease the financial strain on families and providers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the policy waivers issued in this effort are due to expire.
Please note the following reminders policy waiver updates:
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Parent copayments for School Readiness families: The waiver of parent copayments expires on August 31, 2020. Providers should resume collection of parent fees will resume effective September 1, 2020. Note: Parent copayments do not apply to Emergency Care Scholarships (BG1-ESS).
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School Readiness Attendance: Attendance rules for SR children attending an open provider will resume effective September 1, 2020. This means the 10 day limit will apply and absences after the first three in a month will require documentation.
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Full Time School Age Care: Eligible school age children not attending brick and mortar schools, may attend a School Readiness program full-time. Parents will be responsible for the part-time parent copayment as applicable. This is intended to give parents flexibility to select the best option for their child(ren).
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School Readiness Eligibility Redetermination extensions have ended. Redeterminations will be processed as scheduled. Parents/guardians are notified by email via the Parent Portal of impending deadlines.
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Expanding purpose for care to establish School Readiness eligibility and for families redetermining SR eligibility or applying to the waitlist. Effective May 13 through September 30, 2020.
- Documented “job search” can be used as a purpose for care.
- The 20 hour per week of work/education requirements for initial eligibility are suspended.
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Emergency Care Scholarship (BG1-ESS) information:
- First responder and essential health care worker families will receive services with a valid referral issued in three-month increments as long as the provisions of the executive order remain in effect.
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First responders and essential health care worker families receiving ESS services prior to July 31, 2020, may continue to receive services upon employer referral renewal as long as the provisions of the executive order remain in effect or OEL otherwise determines an end date for the program. Eligible families must renew their Emergency Care Scholarship prior to the expiration of their current referral.
If a referral is not renewed and the family’s income is less than 85% of the State Median Income, the family will have three months to re-establish eligibility to continue to receive child care services. Families with higher incomes will no longer be able to participate, as the state focuses on serving those families with the highest need.
