CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT FUND (CCDF) PLAN FOR GEORGIA, FFY 2019-2021

The Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) serves as Georgia’s lead agency for the administration of funding received from the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). The CCDF provides funds to states to support low-income, working families through child care assistance for children ages birth through 13 and to promote children’s learning by improving the quality of child care and afterschool programs.

In November 2014, Congress reauthorized the Child Care and Development Block Grant that provides CCDF monies for states to increase the availability, affordability, and quality of child care services.

To receive these funds, the Department of Early Care and Learning, as the lead agency for administering CCDF funds in the state, must submit a state plan detailing how funds will be used.

We have worked diligently on this plan in conjunction with other state agencies, local governments, and various stakeholder groups to ensure that CCDF dollars are used wisely (1) to help low-income, working families find and pay for child care; and (2) to enhance the quality and availability of child care in Georgia.

Examples of items included in the state plan:

• In furtherance of the department’s commitment to quality, the state will continue the tiered bonus percentages of 5%, 10%, and 25% for one-, two-, and three-star Quality Rated providers.
• Initial subsidy eligibility thresholds of 50% state median income (SMI). After being approved for the subsidy, families continue to meet income requirements unless their income exceeds 85% SMI.
• Additional supports for families. This includes increasing consumer awareness about early education and providing families easy access to critical information about child care programs.
• Continuation of on-site monitoring of exempt programs that receive CCDF funds for compliance with health and safety standards and the same comprehensive background check requirements as licensed providers.
• Comprehensive background record check requirements to include a national and state sex offender registry check, child abuse registry check, and criminal registry check.
• Providing training for programs serving children with disabilities, dual language learners, and children who are experiencing homelessness.

We welcome any feedback you may have. Any questions about the plan should be directed to: CCDFstateplan@decal.ga.gov.

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