Page 97

97 Care may be authorized for parents in web-based and/or in-person coursework if the parent is enrolled in at least two courses with a minimum of six credit hours. Web-based or correspondence learning must be offered by accredited universities or colleges. Web-based or correspondence learning does not need to follow a set schedule. Documentation of online course work would include, but not be limited to, a printout of the recipient’s class schedule and documentation from the learning institution.

Care During Job Search

Full or part day child care may be approved for job search based on parent discretion. The Child Care Worker must accept the applicant/recipient’s declaration that they are participating in job search and must not require verification or documentation at initial eligibility.

A family with a child care need due to job search at redetermination must demonstrate that their job loss occurred or other approved activity ended in the 90 days prior.

The average amount of care authorized for a week cannot exceed 60 hours.

E. Sibling Discounts

If the provider offers a sibling discount that is only available to the general public if payments are made in advance, recipients would not be eligible for the discount as authorized payments are made by reimbursement.

F. Full Day and Part Day Rates

A full day rate is based on care for at least five hours up to 12 hours per day. A part-day rate is based on care needed up to four hours 59 minutes per day.

Payment for more than 12 hours per day must not be authorized except in extenuating circumstances in which the need for care due to the parents’ work or school schedule can be documented in the case record. Additional part day units may need to be authorized for the hours of care over 12 in one day, unless the provider’s actual charges are less than the part day MRR. The average amount of care authorized for a week cannot exceed 60 hours.

If the parent’s need for before and/or after school care is five or more hours per day, the LDSS will authorize full day care and the provider may receive the full day MRR.

If part day care is needed and no child care provider is available within a commute of a half an hour one way, full day care may be purchased for Level 2 Providers. If part day care is available and the parent chooses to use full day care, the parent must pay the difference.

Examples

1. Extenuating Circumstances • The parent is required to work 24-hour shifts. More than 12 hours of care a day can be authorized up to 60 hours a week. If a firefighter works 60 hours per week in two 24- hour shifts and one 12-hour shift, 60 hours can be authorized for the week.