Page 100

Title 13: Social Service Resources Page 94 Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Employees’ Manual Chapter G: Child Care Assistance Establishing Payment Rate Revised June 14, 2024 Appeal of Rate Calculation Instruct the provider to submit the original request, the response received, and any additional information desired to the bureau chief. The bureau chief will render a decision in writing within 15 calendar days of receipt of the request. The provider may appeal that decision to the director of the Department or the director’s designee within 15 calendar days of the decision. The director or designee will issue the final Department decision within 15 calendar days of receipt of the request. NOTE: Rate ceilings found in Maximum Payment Rates cannot be appealed. Authorizing Services The policies and procedures for authorizing Child Care Assistance (CCA) are organized into the following sections: ▪ Unit of service ▪ Fee schedule ▪ Child Care Assistance Provider Agreement ▪ Notice of Decision: Child Care ▪ KinderTrack entry Unit of Service Legal reference: 441 IAC 170.1(237A), 170.4(2) Policy: The unit of service is a half day, which is defined as up to five hours of service during a 24-hour period. The number of units of service approved each day is based on the hours the parent performs an activity that meets the definition of a need for service including travel time. “Actual travel time” includes the time spent between the child care facility and the place of employment or training. For in-home care, actual travel time includes the time spent between home and the place of employment or training. Procedure: Gather information from the parent and the employer or educational institution to determine the time needed for the parent to work, attend training, or look for work, or for sleep time during daytime hours. Use the verified training or employment schedule of the parent and the actual travel time to determine the number of half-day units needed per day. When a parent meets more than one need for service, combine the daily school and work schedules of the parent and actual travel time to determine the number of half-day units needed. See Multiple Needs for Service for further information.