This procedure letter is being issued with information as of the date shown above and is based on the Governor's budget framework released in June. If any information changes following the completion of the budget process, a procedure letter will be issued.

In the pending budget bill, Am. Sub. H.B. 1, the legislature may enact changes to the Early Learning Initiative (ELI) which may result in a reduction or elimination of allocated slots to ELI contracted agencies. These changes would affect the ELI eligibility of currently enrolled children.

It is important that these children, especially those who are ready to enter kindergarten, continue to receive early care and education services. The department has determined that these ELI-eligible children will continue to be eligible to receive ELI services for two pay cycles in SFY 2010 (July 1 to August 22, 2009) and may be eligible for child care benefits when they leave ELI.

1.ELI contracted agencies will receive funding to serve children for two pay cycles. New children may be enrolled in ELI until July 7. No enrollment awards will be issued.

2.During the period between July 1 and July 7, 2009 this group of children may be eligible to receive both ELI and child care from the same provider in a pay cycle. This means that the Department has determined that the requirement of rule 5101:2-23-03 (I) will not be applicable during this period.

3.If a caretaker chooses to move an ELI child to a child care setting and the caretaker has an active subsidized child care case, the child shall be added to the caretaker's existing child care case. The copayment assigned to these caretakers shall not change.

4.For ELI-eligible children whose caretakers do not have active subsidized child care cases, the county department of Job and Family Services (CDJFS) shall determine eligibility after receiving a JFS 01138. This application must be received by the CDJFS no later than July 22, 2009 in order for the caretaker to qualify for child care under the terms of this procedure letter. Caretakers for this group of ELI-eligible children may be eligible for child care benefits with incomes up to 200% FPL, not withstanding the maximum income amounts in the appendix to rule 5010:2-16-30, and they must have a qualified work, training or education activity.

5.If a caretaker is determined eligible for child care benefits, the CDJFS shall pay for child care provided between the date the CDJFS received the application and the date the caretaker is determined eligible. If the caretaker is determined ineligible, the caretaker is responsible for the cost of care provided during the eligibility determination process.

Beginning immediately, we are asking ELI contracted agencies and ELI providers to provide a JFS 01138 "Application for Child Care Benefits" to a caretaker if the caretaker chooses to apply for child care and does not have an active subsidized child care case. These applications should be provided as soon as possible but no later than July 22. Caretakers should be advised to submit the applications to the CDJFS immediately in order to allow for the eligibility determination process to be completed timely.

The CDJFS shall issue a JFS 01140 "Certificate for Authorization of Payment for Publicly Funded Child Care Services" to a caretaker who uses the services of a licensed or certified provider who does not have a current contract with the CDJFS.

INSTRUCTIONS: The following chart identifies the material that needs to be inserted into the Child Care Manual (CCM) and the Early Learning Manual (ELM).