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(a) The department may designate an entity or a municipal government to administer child care assistance program services within a specified geographic area for families and child care providers under this chapter. A municipality will be given preference over other organizations, as required by AS 47.25.001(b)(2). (b) If the department designates an entity or municipal government to perform certain functions on the department’s behalf, those functions may include one or more of the following for providers and for families:

(1) provide program information;

(2) obtain completed applications or renewals;

(3) verify and evaluate information supplied by providers and families for participation in the child care assistance program and payment of benefits related to that participation;

(4) verify that the provider’s current child care license or approval is in good standing;

(5) request additional information if necessary to evaluate eligibility;

(6) approve or deny participation in the program;

(7) determine the amount of child care to authorize, including determination of the family contribution toward the eligible cost of care, and authorize care;

(8) evaluate and discuss with a parent the parent’s schedule of eligible activities and child care needs;

(9) submit applications, evaluations, decisions, or recommendations, and related reports, to the department upon request;

(10) provide ongoing review for compliance with the applicable provisions of this chapter and refer suspected noncompliance to the department;

(11) determine whether a provider or family becomes ineligible for participation in the program, and, if so, discontinue authorization and payment and issue notice in accordance with 7 AAC 41.405;

(12) except as provided in (e) of this section, receive and process complaints;

(13) ensure all actions for family and provider participation are maintained in a state-provided data system, as applicable;

(14) provide informational resources to families and providers regarding developmental screening for children;

(15) provide information to families and providers regarding program participation and resources for families experiencing homelessness; and

(16) provide a child care provider consumer statement to families including information