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CAPS Policy – Participating Providers No.: CAPS/00-11 Effective Date: 10/01/2016 Revised: 10/01/2024 Revision Effective: 10/01/2024

CAPS Policy Manual

Page 62 of 109 LEGAL AUTHORITY: 591-1-1-.02(m), 591-1-1-.46 (b), 591-1-1-.46 (b) 7; Federal Register: 45 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) 98 and 99.

Cross Reference/See Also: CAPS Child Care Provider Rights and Responsibilities Policy (CAPS/00-12), CAPS Health and Safety Standards Policy (CAPS/00-15)

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.

11 PARTICIPATING PROVIDERS

Purpose The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines about the types of providers that receive subsidies through Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS).

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.

Provider Participation 11.3.1 At DECAL’s sole discretion, licensed child care programs, two categories of license-exempt programs (government owned and operated child care programs and day camps), and informal providers who meet requirements detailed in this policy manual may participate in CAPS. 11.3.2 As a prerequisite to participate in CAPS, the program contact must attend CAPS orientation prior to application submission. 11.3.3 All providers participating in CAPS must comply with health and safety standards as prescribed in CAPS Health and Safety Standards Policy (CAPS/00-15). 11.3.4 CAPS shall only use Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) or other applicable funds to pay participating providers for services. Such payment cannot be assigned or delegated to a third party for any reason except by an order of a court of proper jurisdiction.

11.3.5 When there is a change of ownership, the new owner is eligible to receive CAPS payment the date they are issued their permit and/or temporary or continuing license. Upon an approved change of ownership, the previous owner is no longer able to provide care or receive payment. Licensed child care providers must also be Quality Rated as prescribed in the Licensed Child Care Providers section below before receiving CAPS payment.

Licensed Child Care Providers 11.4.1 The following categories of licensed providers may participate in the CAPS program. For current Child Care Learning Centers (CCLC) and Family Child Care Learning Homes (FCCLH) rules and regulations, visit http://www.decal.ga.gov/CCS/RulesAndRegulations.aspx. 11.4.1.1 Child Care Learning Centers (CCLC) – A provider licensed or otherwise authorized to provide child care services for fewer than 24 hours per day per child in a non-residential setting for seven or more children under 13 years of age (or up to age 18 years for children with qualifying disabilities or developmental delays that impact their learning or has a court order for supervision), unless care in excess of 24 hours is due to the nature of the parent(s)’ state-approved activity. 11.4.1.2 Family Child Care Learning Homes (FCCLH) – One or more individual(s) who provide child care services for fewer than 24 hours per day per child in a private residence other than the child’s residence for no more than six children under 13 years of age (or up to age 18 years for children with qualifying disabilities or developmental delays that impact