SB 5820: Increasing eligibility for child care and early learning programs for homeless and other vulnerable children

SB 5820 expands the definition of eligible child for the  Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (E-CAP) to a child who is homeless.  Homeless is defined as, “without a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence as set forth in the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act….”

The bill also ensures that a child who is homeless is designated as part of a vulnerable population pursuant to federal codes (as of Jan. 1, 2019), allowing eligibility and 12 month authorization for Working Connections Child Care subsidies.

*Companion to HB 1574*

Amendments:

Updated on 4.12.19:

1^st substitute:

• Removes language adding homeless children and Indian children as eligible children for the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program.

2^nd substitute:

• Removes language adding Indian children as a vulnerable population to allow eligibility and 12-month authorizations for WCCC subsidies.

House Committee Amendments (updated 4.12.19):

The amended bill:

• Removes the requirement for the DCYF to designate homeless children as a vulnerable population pursuant to federal CCDF rules;
• Allows for WCCC program eligibility for homeless families with household incomes at or below 85 percent of the state median income;
• Requires the DCYF to allow homeless families a 12-month grace period in which to provide verification of employment or participation in approved program activities, or payment or payment plan arrangements for any outstanding copayment;
• Limits families receiving a homeless grace period authorization to those who have not received such an authorization in the 12 months prior to the month of application or reapplication;
• Requires, effective October 1, 2019, authorizations for the WCCC program for a minor parent meeting education requirements who has a household income at or below 85 percent of the SMI. The minor parent must be considered his or her own household for this purpose;
• Prohibits the DCYF from considering the availability of the other biological parent when authorizing care for minor parents or from requiring a copayment from a minor parent greater than the minimum copayment established in rule; and

Allows for the DCYF to designate children of minor parents as a vulnerable population pursuant to federal CCDF rules if necessary.