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CAPS Policy – Priority Groups No.: CAPS/00-7 Effective Date: 10/01/2016 Revised: 03/02/2026 Revision Effective: 03/02/2026

CAPS Policy Manual

Page 38 of 109 LEGAL AUTHORITY: Federal Register: 45 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) 98 and 99.

Cross Reference/See Also: CAPS Eligibility Requirements Policy (CAPS/00-6), CAPS Income Calculations Policy (CAPS/00- 8), CAPS Annual Redetermination Policy (CAPS/00-14)

Note: Definitions of words or phrases in bold are located in Definitions and Acronyms. Only the first occurrence of the defined words or phrases are bolded.

7 PRIORITY GROUPS

Purpose The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for identifying priority groups and outlining exceptions to specified eligibility requirements, as applicable.

Scope This policy applies to all employees of the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), all parties responsible for the administration of the CAPS program, parents, and child care providers who receive subsidies administered by DECAL on behalf of parents.

Priority Groups Overview 7.3.1 The Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program uses an eligibility model based on priority groups. Priority groups may be widened, narrowed, added, or removed based on available funding. Applications submitted for initial eligibility will be denied if the family does not meet eligibility for a priority group, even if other eligibility requirements are met. 7.3.1.1 Applicants who are denied for not being in a priority group can appeal that decision only if they believe the determination was made in error. 7.3.1.2 Priority group status is required at initial eligibility determination. 7.3.1.3 Priority group status is not required at annual redetermination. However, families may need to provide supporting documentation to meet program eligibility at redetermination as prescribed in this policy. 7.3.1.4 The following is a list of the priority groups (in alphabetical order): • Child Protective Services (CPS) and court-ordered supervision cases • Children in Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) custody • Families experiencing domestic violence • Families of children with disabilities • Families of children enrolled in Georgia’s Pre-K Program • Families participating in or transitioning from TANF • Families who have experienced a natural disaster • Families who lack fixed, regular, and adequate housing • Families with very low income as defined by CAPS • Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) • Minor parents • Need to protect • Student parent