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Except for child care, payments for SPALs, when approved, will be made by the CAO for actual costs up to the Department’s established maximums. The Department promotes the use of community and faith-based organizations when a recipient may obtain work supports through these types of organizations. Eligibility for child care is determined by the CAO and payments are made by Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRC). In many areas of the state, clothing is provided as required through PA WORKWEAR. Monitoring of SPALs issued to recipients in support of their RESET participation is necessary to assure that expenditures are verified, required, and used for their intended purpose. If it is determined that a SPAL was issued in error or if the payment was misused, an overpayment referral may be filed. Education Leading to Employment Since the implementation of welfare reform in Pennsylvania, education in the form of literacy initiatives, pursuit of a high school diploma or high school equivalency, English as a Second Language, Adult Basic Education, post- secondary schooling, and vocational skill training has been a part of the continuum of work activities. Employment always has been the primary goal of our TANF program. However, the role of education will continue to be emphasized for individuals who have not been successful in finding employment and are now seeking career advancement in order to move to self-sufficiency. Some of our current refinements include:  Counseling and case management provided by CAO and contractor staff. These activities focus on encouraging clients to pursue education that leads to employment in high priority occupations designated by the commonwealth’s workforce development partners. This assures clients will be educated in areas where there is a demand in the labor market;

 Contracted programs that currently include various courses of education. The Department will strive to maintain these and increase them when appropriate;

 Structured outreach efforts that began with post-secondary institutions and will be expanded to include community literacy programs;

 Programs and procedures that assist individuals in completing their educational activities; and

 Employment and training programs that will assist individuals enrolled in post- secondary education to stay in school and meet the challenges of parenthood as well as those associated with participation in education while working.