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10-148 Chapter 6 page 3

INTRODUCTION

The Department’s Child Care Affordability Program (CCAP) administers the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), other federal funds, and state funds to increase the availability, affordability, and quality of Child Care Services for Maine families. In order to maximize parental choice for child care, Maine provides a system of financial support for eligible families and other designated client categories through the use of CCAP Payments.

SECTION 1: DEFINITIONS

1. Administrative Hearing means a proceeding pursuant to the Administrative Hearings regulations, 10-144 C.M.R. ch. 1. Refer to: https://www.maine.gov/sos/rulemaking/agency-rules/department-health- and-human-services-rules#144.

2. Agency Administrative Errors means errors caused solely by the Department.

3. Allowable Net Income means the net monthly business income for a self- employed Parent.

4. ASPIRE means the job preparation program to prepare for, accept, and retain employment.

5. Assets means equity in real and personal property.

6. At-Risk Children means Children identified by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Child and Family Services as a Child in Care and Custody, Children of a single Parent household where that Parent has a documented disability and supplies a doctor's note which states the Parent is unable to be Employed or attend a qualifying Job Training or Educational Program, or a two Parent household where both Parents have a documented disability and supply a doctor's note which states the Parents are unable to be Employed or attend a qualifying Job Training or Educational Program or, and/or Children that have an active Protection from Abuse Order from a Maine District Court.

7. Award Letter means the document notifying a Parent and selected Provider of the Child Care Affordability Program Award Period, time awarded, and the Parent Fee.

8. Award Period means no less than twelve (12) months as required by federal law (45 C.F.R. §98.21), the Department-Approved timeframe, for Child Care Affordability Program eligibility.