1. A. Louisiana's share of the national total of available funds for child care programs is based on factors determined by federal law and regulation. Funds are appropriated by Congress and allocated on an annual basis so that a limited amount of federal funding is available each year through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). Therefore, a determination will be made of the number of children, or "slots," that the CCDF can pay for based on available funding.

   1. 1. The children of STEP participants shall be categorically eligible for child care benefits. The children of STEP participants whose FITAP eligibility is terminated due to earned income will be given priority status with slots available for them as long as other eligibility factors are met and funding is available.
   2. 2. Children with special needs will be given priority status should it be necessary for a waiting list to be implemented. Children with special needs will be given priority status with slots available for them as long as other eligibility factors are met.

   3. 3. After all available slots are filled; a waiting list of cases or eligible children will be established and maintained for each parish in chronological order by date of application. As slots become available, cases will be removed from the waiting list and considered for current eligibility.

      1. a. To facilitate maintaining an active waiting list in each parish, open enrollment will be scheduled for a limited time in the months of October, January, April, and July. During open enrollment periods, children determined eligible will be added to the waiting list. At the agency’s discretion additional enrollment periods may be designated.
2. B. The secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has the authority to implement an application freeze based on the lack of available child care funds to operate the Child Care Assistance Program.

Authority Note

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with 45 CFR Parts 98 and 99, and P.L. 104-193; Act 58, 2003 Reg. Session.

Historical Note

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Social Services, Office of Family Support, LR 24:356 (February 1998), amended LR 26:2827 (December 2000), LR 30:496 (March 2004), LR 36:845 (April 2010), amended by the Department of Children and Family Services, Division of Programs, LR 37:1374 (May 2011).