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CAPS Policy – Purchase of Child Care Through Scholarships No.: CAPS/00-10 Effective Date: 10/01/2016 Revised: 10/06/2025 Revision Effective: 10/06/2025

CAPS Policy Manual

Page 56 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 Family Fee Policy (CAPS/00-9), CAPS Participating Providers Policy (CAPS/00-11)

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.

10 PURCHASE OF CHILD CARE THROUGH SCHOLARSHIPS

Purpose Although Georgia’s subsidized child care program primarily uses scholarships to authorize child care services, the state may use other systems to administer subsidies such as contracts or grants with child care providers, including Early Head Start – Child Care Partnerships. The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for authorizing child care subsidy funds through scholarships.

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

Changes in Funding or Eligibility 10.3.1 In the event that a program funded through a DECAL grant involving CAPS or other federal funds for the care of children terminates before the last day of any child’s approved eligibility period, that child may continue to receive CAPS services through the use of scholarships, for the remainder of that approved eligibility period, so long as CAPS funds are available.

10.3.2 In the event that a child becomes ineligible to participate in such a grant funded program due to age restrictions during the approved eligibility period, that child may continue to receive CAPS services through the use of scholarships, for the remainder of that approved eligibility period, so long as CAPS funds are available.

Parental Choice 10.4.1 The parent has the right to choose any eligible child care provider within the limits prescribed in CAPS Participating Provider Policy (CAPS/00-11) and CAPS Provider Rights and Responsibilities Policy (CAPS/00-12).

10.4.2 The parent has the right to enroll their school age child in any educational program of their choice that is actively participating or eligible to participate in CAPS. For CAPS purposes, a child that turns 5 years old by September 1 of the current school year, enrolled in and attending Georgia's Pre-K and Head Start are considered school age. The school age child who is 5 years old by September 1 is eligible to attend public school. Therefore, CAPS will only pay on a before and after school scholarship while school is in session.

10.4.3 When the parent is determined eligible for CAPS subsidies, the following topics are important for a parent to consider when selecting a child care provider: • Children’s social, emotional and developmental considerations • Health and safety standards • Hours of operation • Monitoring visits and complaint history • Out of pocket cost for the parent (additional fees, budgeting) • Participation in the Child and Adult Care Food and Summer Food Service Programs • Participation in Georgia’s Pre-K Program • Participation in the Georgia’s Quality Rated system (where available)