Page 34

through June 30) Is dependent care provided? Select yes even if E&T funds are not being used. Yes No Provide a URL link or describe in a written response: the payment rates for childcare reimbursements, established in accordance with the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) based on local market rate surveys. DHS works closely with the Office of Childhood Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), the CCDBG state agency in Pennsylvania which is housed jointly under DHS and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. SNAP E&T participants with a need for childcare are referred to OCDEL’s local Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) offices. At the ELRC, the participant is directly connected with a childcare provider approved by the ELRC; the childcare provider is directly paid by the ELRC based on the established payment rates that ELRC uses for both CCDBG and SNAP E&T clients. The 2022 Market Rate Survey may be viewed at: https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp- pagov/en/dhs/documents/services/children/documents/child-care-early-learning/OCDEL_MRS_NCS_ComprehensiveReport_FINAL.pdf How is childcare paid for? Direct payment to provider Reimbursement to participants Provider voucher Contract for dependent care Other If dependent care agencies have a waiting list or otherwise cap the number of enrolled dependents, how will the State agency ensure E&T participants with dependent care needs receive dependent care? In Pennsylvania, SNAP E&T participants are considered a priority population by OCDEL, meaning that even if a waiting list is instituted for families requesting childcare under Pennsylvania’s Low-Income Subsidy childcare program, SNAP E&T participants will retain access to childcare. Pennsylvania also operates a voluntary SNAP E&T program, meaning that in the very unlikely event that childcare could not be offered to SNAP E&T participants, these participants would not be subject to sanction if they discontinued participation in E&T. How does the State agency ensure that the participant has the necessary participant reimbursements to begin participation in the E&T program? During the screening and referral process described above, each SNAP E&T participant completes an Employment Development Plan (EDP) and has a conversation with an IMCW. During this process, the IMCW identifies major barriers to participation and discusses any participant reimbursements that could mitigate those barriers with the participant. If necessary, the IMCW issues Special Allowances to enable the individual to begin participating in the E&T program. 1/29/26, 9:34 AM State Plan PA FY26 - Original Submission https://dam-fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/microsite/snapet-pafy26stateplan//index.html 34/386