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365 | P a g e FFY 2025–2027 CCDF State Plan
[ ] No. If no, describe: d. How families receiving CCDF services or child care providers receiving CCDF can use the available resources and services to obtain developmental screenings for children at risk for cognitive or other developmental delays. [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe: 10 Program Integrity and Accountability Program integrity and accountability activities are integral to the effective administration of the CCDF program. As stewards of federal funds, Lead Agencies must ensure strong and effective internal controls to prevent fraud and maintain continuity of services to meet the needs of children and families. In order to operate and maintain a strong CCDF program, regular evaluation of the program’s internal controls as well as comprehensive training for all entities involved in the administration of the program are imperative. In this section, Lead Agencies will describe their internal controls and how those internal controls effectively ensure integrity and accountability. These accountability measures should address reducing fraud, waste, and abuse, including program violations and administrative errors and should apply to all CCDF funds. 10.1 Effective Internal Controls Lead Agencies must ensure the integrity of the use of CCDF funds through effective fiscal management and must ensure that financial practices are in place. Lead Agencies must have effective fiscal management practices in place for all CCDF expenditures. 10.1.1 Organizational structure to support integrity and internal controls Describe how the Lead Agency’s organizational structure ensures the oversight and implementation of effective internal controls that promote and support program integrity and accountability. Describe: 1) Assignment of authority and responsibilities related to program integrity: The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is the Lead Agency for CCDF and must follow State budgetary, accounting, procurement and human resources policies as promulgated by State oversight agencies as follows: Office Planning and Budget (OPB) (https://opb.georgia.gov/), State Accounting Office (SAO) (https://sao.georgia.gov/) and Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) (https://doas.ga.gov/ ). DECAL is also subject to audits and reviews by the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts (DOAA) (https://www.audits2.ga.gov/).
DECAL is a well-structured organization with clear lines of responsibility and fosters a culture of integrity, accountability, and ethical values. Organization charts and job duties are clearly defined and documented for all staff and divisions of DECAL. DECAL’s Finance and Legal divisions establish internal policies and procedures to ensure financial integrity and compliance with State policies and Federal cost principles. Internal controls (policies and procedures) are designed and evaluated periodically to ensure they operate effectively. The Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) Division must follow Finance and Legal policies and procedures, and CAPS staff are assigned responsibilities and specific roles that support program integrity and achieve program objectives, such as eligibility determination for families, and payments to child care providers. To ensure