0905 SUPPORT FOR EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING FOR EMPLOYMENT

(a) The Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program shall pay for child care services provided to support: (1) employment of the recipient; and (2) training leading to employment of the recipient. (b) The Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program shall pay for child care services for recipients the Local Purchasing Agency determines are unable to work or to participate in training leading to employment, and who are also incapable of providing care for the child. The Local Purchasing Agency shall document the reasons for this determination in the recipient's record, which may include the following: (1) illness; (2) disability; (3) complications related to pregnancy; (4) hospitalization; (5) substance abuse treatment; or (6) that the recipient is elderly. (c) If a recipient is already receiving child care services funded through the Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program and is absent from employment, training, or an educational program with arrangements to continue the same employment, training, or educational program, child care services shall continue for up to 90 days. If an absence from work, training, or an educational program extends beyond 90 days, the Local Purchasing Agency shall determine on the basis of individual circumstances whether child care services shall continue beyond that time period. The Local Purchasing Agency shall document the reasons for such extension in the recipient's record, which may include the following: (1) the recipient is on maternity leave and intends to return to work; (2) the recipient has been temporarily laid off and the employer has indicated that employment will resume within a month; or (3) the recipient works in a high-demand field and is likely to find new employment within a month. (d) If a recipient is already receiving child care services funded through the Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program and becomes unemployed but is seeking employment, funding for child care services shall be provided for 90 days. Funding for services may be extended if the Local Purchasing Agency determines such extension is warranted, provided the reason for the extension is documented in the recipient's record and may be based upon the following: (1) the likelihood of obtaining employment based upon prior job search activities; (2) the recipient has a job interview scheduled; or (3) the recipient is waiting to hear the results of a job interview. (e) If a recipient is already receiving child care services funded through the Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program and no longer attends a training or educational program, child care services shall continue to be provided for 90 days after the recipient stops attending the training or educational program. Continuation of funding for services may be extended if the Local Purchasing Agency determines such extension as warranted, provided the reason for the extension is documented in the recipient's record and may be based on: (1) recommendations from teaching staff at educational institutions; (2) the individual needs and abilities of the recipient; (3) whether the recipient has developed career goals; or (4) whether the recipient has developed a personal plan for completing training. (f) For purposes of this Rule, training leading to employment shall include: (1) continuation of high school; (2) basic education or a high school education or its equivalent in community colleges or technical institutes; and (3) post-secondary education or skills training, up to a maximum of 20 months enrollment, but shall not include assistance when the recipient is participating in graduate or post-graduate studies. History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-153; 45 CFR 98.21; Eff. July 1, 1983; Amended Eff. June 1, 2016; April 1, 2001; March 1, 1996; July 1, 1990; Readopted Eff. March 1, 2019.