Page 3

Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program Policy Manual Chapter 4. Application, Eligibility Determination & Documentation

REVISED 04/27/2026

2 • Child care worker should explain how the parent fee is assessed and payment requirements • Child care worker should discuss choosing a provider • Child care worker should discuss signing the voucher and voucher timelines • Child care worker should review all documentation with applicant and request signatures at that time • Voter Registration • Developmental Screening • Child care worker should explain certification period timeline

III. REASON CHILD CARE IS NEEDED

The local DSS/LPA must determine the reason SCCA is needed. To qualify for child care services, the applicant/recipient must need care for one of the following reasons: • To maintain employment or a WFES referral to seek employment. • To support Child Protective Services (CPS). • To attend school or job-training activities that lead to employment. • To meet the developmental needs of children. • To support child welfare services (CWS); or • Other reasons as approved by the local Smart Start partnership if Smart Start funds are used.

The provision of Subsidized Child Care Assistance for reasons other than those listed below may occur if other funds are available to the agency such as Smart Start. Subsidized Child Care Assistance provided with Smart Start funds for reasons other than those described in this manual must be included in the local partnership’s Smart Start Plan and approved by the North Carolina Partnership for Children (NCPC). Smart Start funds can provide services for preschool age children only.

IV. INCOME ELIGIBLITY REQUIREMENTS

The applicant/recipient applying for Subsidized Child Care Assistance must meet current income eligibility requirements to be approved for assistance