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40 | P a g e FFY 2025–2027 CCDF State Plan
coordinates with Head Start, Georgia’s Pre-K Program, other early learning programs, and school- age programs to accommodate parents’ work schedules. The Lead Agency determines whether the child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP) prior to enrollment in child care subsidies. Cross-enrollment or referrals to other public benefits through the Lead Agency’s resource and referral portal (FindHelp GA) are completed to ensure families have access to appropriate services. The Lead Agency will continue to collaborate with IDEA Part B, Section 619 and Part C staff to explore how services included in a child’s IEP or IFSP can be supported and/or provided onsite and in collaboration with child care services. Using established coaching protocols, the Lead Agency will provide more intensive case management for families with children with multiple risk factors. The Lead Agency continues to implement policies and procedures that promote universal design to ensure that activities and environments support all children, including children with sensory, physical, or other disabilities. 2.5.2 Minimum 12-month eligibility Lead Agencies must establish a minimum 12-month eligibility period for each child, both at the initial eligibility determination and at redetermination to support continuity in child care assistance and reduce barriers to families retaining eligibility. This requirement is: • Regardless of changes in income, Lead Agencies may not terminate CCDF assistance during the minimum 12-month period if a family has an increase in income that exceeds the Lead Agency’s income eligibility threshold but not the federal threshold of 85 percent of SMI; and • Regardless of temporary changes in participation in work, training, or educational activities. a. Does the Lead Agency certify that their policies or procedures provide a minimum 12- month eligibility period for each child at initial eligibility determination? [ ] Yes. [x] No. If no, describe: The Lead Agency was notified of possible non-compliance with 45 CFR §98.21(a)(1) on May 23, 2024. The Lead Agency certifies that additional time is required to implement policies and procedures to come into compliance with the noted rule. Current policies and procedures do not afford any child added during an existing eligibility period a full and complete twelve months before their next determination. The Lead Agency will be in compliance with this rule by Marh 30, 2025. b. Does the Lead Agency certify that its definition of “temporary change” includes each of the minimum required elements? 1. Any time-limited absence from work for an employed parent due to such reasons as the need to care for a family member or an illness. 2. Any interruption in work for a seasonal worker who is not working between regular industry work seasons. 3. Any student holiday or break for a parent participating in a training or educational program. 4. Any reduction in work, training, or education hours, as long as the parent is still working or attending a training or educational program. 5. Any cessation of work or attendance at a training or educational program not listed above. In these cases only, Lead Agencies may