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Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services July 7, 2018 Human & Community Services Page 1 of 4 NON-TANF CHILD CARE ELIGIBILITY CHILD CARE 2-1 Application Process Supersedes: Child Care 2-1 (4/9/16) References: 52-2-701 - 704 & 52-2-711 - 713 MCA; Sections 37.80.101-103, 37.80.201-202, 37.80.205-206, 37.80.301-302, 37.80.305 -306, 37.80.315-316, 37.80.501 ARM;

45 CFR Part 98.20 – 47

General Rule Applications for Non-TANF Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship assistance are voluntary and initiated by the person in need, his/her authorized representative, or if incompetent or incapacitated, someone acting responsibly on his/her behalf. Child Care Resource and Referral [CCR&R] agencies provide a Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship application to the family: Additional paperwork is provided depending on the family as follows: • Child Support Compliance Checklist • Child Care Service Plan • Work Verification form • Training/School Verification Form [if applicable] • Self-Employment Income Verification Form [if applicable]. A family participating in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families [TANF] Cash Assistance program may apply for Non-TANF child care scholarship, if the family believes that a Non-TANF Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship will alleviate the need for the TANF Cash benefit. Place of Application A family may apply for a Non-TANF Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship in person, by mail, online, or by fax through one of the Child Care Resource and Referral [CCR&R] agencies within the state. If an application is submitted to a CCR&R other than the CCR&R which has been designated to the applicant, the agency receiving the application must notify the family of the agency in the family’s region and allow the family the option of having the case transferred to the CCR&R agency or of having it remain at the place of application. No matter where a family applies, if the family prefers services from a specific agency, the agency shall serve them. Agency locations can be found at www.bestbeginnings.mt.gov. Parents may select the option of submitting their application for the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship on-line. Once the application is completed and submitted, the Child Care Resource and Referral agency will send a letter requesting documentation needed to complete the process. On-line applications can be located at https://app.mt.gov/ccubs/.