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Child Care Assistance Program Policy Manual Issued 1/2021 Age category exceptions 9.24.6 override was done. See “Edit Service Authorization” in the MEC² User Manual. When the age category of the child is changed, review the Service Authorization to ensure the appropriate maximum rate is paid. Licensing variance A licensing variance can be granted for children attending licensed child care. The variance allows a child to receive care in an age-based setting that does not correspond with the child’s birthday for a specified period of time. Note that licensing variances are required when children receive care in different age-categories for longer periods of time and outside of the definitions listed above. Licensed family child care Licensing may grant a variance to a licensed family child care provider allowing them to consider a child a different age-category. When documentation of the DHS licensing variance is provided, payment should be made at the age-rate category indicated on the licensing variance for the duration of the variance. When changing the age category in MEC², override the Service Authorization using the “DHS Variance Granted” override reason, select the appropriate Age Rate Category and enter a case note explaining why the override was done. See “Edit Service Authorization” in the MEC² User Manual. When the age category of the child is changed, review the Service Authorization to ensure the appropriate maximum rate is paid. Licensed child care centers Licensing may grant a variance to a licensed child care center allowing the center to care for a child within a different age-category classroom. When documentation of the DHS licensing variance is provided, payment should be made at the age-rate category of the classroom where care is provided for the duration of the variance. When changing the age category in MEC², override the Service Authorization using the “DHS Variance Granted” override reason, select the appropriate Age Rate Category and enter a case note explaining why the override was done. See “Edit Service Authorization” in the MEC² User Manual. When the age category of the child is changed, review the Service Authorization to ensure the appropriate maximum rate is paid. Legal authority Minnesota Statutes 245A.02, subd. 19 Minnesota Statutes 119B.011 Minnesota Statutes, 119B.09, subd. 1(e) Minnesota Rules 9503.0005