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Child Care Scholarship Policy Manual 3

Purpose of Child Care Waiver Request South Carolina is requesting a waiver, effective March 13, 2020, based on extraordinary circumstances because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The end date is based on the date that the Governor ends the state of emergency for South Carolina. The need for short-term emergency child care services is critical to assist first responders, emergency personnel, emergency support personnel, essential government personnel, those in essential businesses in the local community, and health care professionals responding to public needs related to COVID-19. General policy changes are needed to support families and child care providers affected by COVID-19. The need for emergency funding is critical to manage the financial crisis child care providers are facing because of interruption of child care services, low enrollment of children, or center closures. The circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic are justifiably extraordinary circumstances. Waiver Request South Carolinas requested approval to waive relevant federal regulations in order to accomplish the following: 1. Use CCDF funds to provide direct services to families who do not meet CCDF eligibility requirements (waive provisions of 45 CFR §98.20). 2. Use CCDF funds to provide direct services and/or quality dollars to providers who do not meet the full scope of CCDF health & safety, training, and criminal background check requirements (waive provisions of 45 CFR § 98.41 and 45 CFR §98.43). 3. Modify processes for monitoring provider compliance with CCDF health & safety, training, and criminal background check requirements (waive provisions of 45 CFR § 98.41 and 45 CFR §98.43). 4. Temporarily suspend the following inspections required in 45 CFR §98.42( b)(2): a. Pre-licensure inspection for compliance with health, safety, and fire standards. b. Annual unannounced inspection for compliance with all child care licensing standards; and