Page 50

participating child care provider that satisfies applicable State and local requirements, including health and safety requirements. In addition to seeking services through CCSD, SNAP CAN partners with Head Start to provide even more avenues for childcare and early childhood education. In April 2022, the federal government expanded access to Head Start to include SNAP recipients, when previously the income based program was only accessible to those on Supplemental Security Income and TANF. Through this partnership, both Community-Based Organizations and Community Colleges are able to refer clients to Head Start locations in their area. Head Start has also encouraged SNAP CAN providers to assist clients with the application process if needed. How is childcare paid for? Direct payment to provider Reimbursement to participants Provider voucher Contract for dependent care Other If dependent care agencies have a waiting list or otherwise cap the number of enrolled dependents, how will the State agency ensure E&T participants with dependent care needs receive dependent care? SNAP CAN Providers and the State program team rely on the State’s CCSD to ensure clients, and the State as a whole, are provided with adequate child care. Additionally, because the State operates an entirely voluntary E&T Program, SNAP benefits are not impacted by a client’s inability to obtain child care for participation in E&T. The SNAP CAN Program’s cap of $300 per participant, per month is also intended to cover any emergency child care in the case of family member illness, dependent care facility closures due to illness outbreaks, and/or more. SNAP CAN providers are also encouraged to develop strong working relationships with Head Start locations in their area. Through the intentional building of relationships to reduce barriers for families, all involved will be able to communicate about capacity, waiting lists, requirements, and more. How does the State agency ensure that the participant has the necessary participant reimbursements to begin participation in the E&T program? SNAP CAN providers assess and offer any support services the participant needs to be successful in their program services. Providers invoice the state for all allowable expenses related to participant support service reimbursements. 1/27/26, 9:53 AM State Plan AZ FY26 - Original Submission https://dam-fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/microsite/snapet-azfy26stateplan//index.html 50/130