In FY 07, 289 grants were awarded. In FY 08, 289 grants were awarded. It is estimated that 289 grants will be awarded in FY 09.

Uses and Use Restrictions

Subchapter IV of the Social Security Act appropriates funds (Mandatory and Matching Funds) for the purpose of providing child care assistance.

Lead Agencies must use Mandatory and Matching Funds for child care services on a sliding fee scale basis, activities that improve the quality or availability of such services, and other activities that realize the goals of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act.

Lead Agencies must ensure that not less than 70 percent of the total amount of Mandatory and Matching Funds are used to provide child care assistance to families who are receiving assistance under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, families who are attempting through work activities to transition off of temporary assistance programs, and families who are at risk of becoming dependent on temporary assistance programs.

Not more than five percent of the aggregate amount of CCDF Funds expended by the State (15 percent for Tribes or tribal organizations) may be expended for administrative costs incurred by the State to carry out all of its functions and duties.

The term "administrative costs" does not include the costs of providing direct services.

A State shall use not less than four percent of the CCDF Funds to improve child care quality and availability including comprehensive consumer education, activities to increase parental choice, and other activities such as resource and referral services, including a national toll-ree hotline, provider grants and loans, monitoring and enforcement of requirements, training and technical assistance, and improved compensation for child care staff.

Except for approved construction of child care facilities by tribal grantees, no Mandatory or Matching Funds may be used for the purchase or improvement of land, or for the purchase, construction, or permanent improvement of any building or facility (other than for minor remodeling and for upgrading of facilities to meet State and local child care standards.) No Mandatory or Matching Funds provided directly to child care providers through grants or contracts may be expended for any sectarian purpose or activity, including sectarian worship or instruction; however, Grantees must give parents the option of receiving vouchers or certificates to allow parents the choice of faith-based or community child care providers.

No Mandatory or Matching Funds may be provided for any services provided to students enrolled in grades 1 through 12 during the regular school day; for any services for which such students receive academic credit toward graduation; or for any instructional services which supplant or duplicate the academic program of any public or private school.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

All States, the District of Columbia, Federally recognized Tribal Governments, and tribal organizations, including Alaskan Native Corporations.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Children under age 13 (or, at the option of the grantee, up to age 19, if physically or mentally incapable of self-care or under court supervision), who reside with a family whose income does not exceed 85 percent of the State median income for a family of the same size, and who reside with a parent (or parents) who is working or attending job training or educational program, or are in need of, or are receiving protective services.

Credentials/Documentation

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

Application Procedures

A Lead Agency desiring to receive an allotment for a fiscal year is required to submit a two-year CCDF plan to the Administration for Children and Families, as well as, financial and other information necessary for the grants process. Each plan must contain certifications and assurances by the Lead Agency that it will comply with the requirements of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act. The plan must also include: the designation of a Lead Agency; the provision of assurances regarding policies and procedures as stated in Section 658E(c)(2) of the amended Child Care and Development Block Grant Act; an outline of the proposed use of block grant funds in compliance with Section 658E(c)(3) of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act; the provision of certification regarding payment rates as stated in Section 658E(c)(4) of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act; and the establishment of a sliding fee scale. Additional requirements are specified by 45 CFR Parts 98 and 99. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedures

Grants are awarded after the receipt and approval of an application and plan by the Administration for Children and Families.

Deadlines

Contact the Child Care Bureau's Headquarters Office listed below for deadline dates.

Authorization

Social Security Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 618; Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-193); Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, as amended (Public Law 101-508, 42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq); Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-33); and Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-171).

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Appeals

Guidelines for appeals of disapprovals of CCDF plans are specified in regulations, 45 CFR Part 99.

Renewals

CCDF plans must be submitted every two years.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

Allocations of the Mandatory Funds are based on a State's Federal share of the expenditures for the now-repealed AFDC-linked child care programs (AFDC/JOBS Child Care, Transitional Child Care, and At-Risk Child Care) in 1994 or 1995, or the average of 1992 through 1994, whichever was greater. A State is not required to expend any State funds in order to receive its share of the Mandatory Funds. The remaining funds are Matching Funds and are distributed based on the number of children under age 13 in a State compared with the national total of children under age 13. To access Matching Funds, a State must obligate all of its mandatory funds allotted in a fiscal year and maintain 100 percent of the State's share of expenditures for the former programs in fiscal year 1994 or fiscal year 1995, whichever is greater. Matching Funds must be matched at the applicable FMAP rate, which is the Medicaid Program matching rate. Not less than one percent, but not more than two percent of the total Mandatory and Matching Funds are reserved for Tribes and tribal organizations based on the number of children living on or near tribal reservations or other appropriate area served by the tribal grantee. Tribes and tribal organizations are not required to provide matching funds. The District of Columbia is treated as a State for purposes of receiving its share of Mandatory and Matching Funds. Territories are not eligible to receive Mandatory or Matching Funds.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Grant awards are made to Lead Agencies with approved CCDF plans. If Matching Funds are requested, Mandatory Funds must be obligated by the end of the first fiscal year. There is no time limit on liquidation of Mandatory Funds and no time limit on obligation of Mandatory Funds if no Matching Funds are requested. Matching Funds must be obligated by the end of the first fiscal year and liquidated by the 2nd fiscal year. State funds expended toward the maintenance of effort requirement must be both obligated and expended by the end of the first fiscal year. Mandatory and Matching Funds granted to Tribes and tribal organizations must be obligated by the end of the second fiscal year and liquidated by the end of the third fiscal year.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

As specified in 45 CFR Part 98, States must report to the Administration for Children and Families annually on data on families, children in care, providers, payment methods, and consumer education.

Quarterly reports are required to provide data on families, children, and providers, and payment information.

States must also submit quarterly expenditure reports.

Audits

In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 2, 2003), Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-profit Organizations, non-federal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Non-federal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133. Further auditing may be necessary.

Records

Proper grant accounting records must be maintained.

Financial Information

Account Identification

75-1515-0-1-609.

Obigations

(Grants) FY 07 $2,902,000,000; FY 08 $2,917,000,000; and FY 09 est $2,917,000,000. (These figures do not include CCDF Discretionary funds under 93.575.).

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

For States, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, the range of grants in FY 08 is: $8,303,222 to $532,337,832; average grant is approximately $93,194,746. For 260 Tribal grantees, the range of grants in FY 08 is: $22,845 to $10,368,025; average grant is approximately $383,006. For the four Territories, the range of grants in FY 08 is $1,864,552 to $4,022,522; average grant is approximately $2,577,601. (These figures are inclusive of funds received through 93.575 and 93.596.)

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

These funds are subject to the Child Care and Development Fund Final Rule, issued July 24, 1998.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

Persons are encouraged to communicate with the Child Care Bureau Regional Program Managers (RPM). A list of the RPM's and their contact information is available at www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb/ta/raaddr/program_managers.htm. You may also contact the Child Care Bureau, Office of Family Assistance at (202) 690-6782 or by Fax at (202) 690-5600.

Headquarters Office

Child Care Bureau, Office of Family Assistance, Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services, 901 D Street S.W., 5th Floor East, Washington, DC 20047. Telephone: (202) 690-6782, Fax: (202) 690-5600.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

None.