Section 168.18. Need for child care

(a) Child care must be needed to enable a member of the budget group to participate in a work-related activity.

(b) Child care services will not be considered as needed when an unemployed parent/caretaker of the child is in the home, unless one of the following applies:

(1) The parent/caretaker is physically or mentally incapable of providing child care, as verified by a physician or licensed psychologist.

(2) The parent/caretaker is involved in work-related activities or the custodial parent is participating in a Department of Education Pregnant and Parenting Youth Program.

(3) The child is at risk because of suspected child abuse.

(c) Child care will be considered as needed for entry into or during breaks in approved work-related activities for up to 30 days.

(d) Child care will not be considered as needed when the biological or adoptive parent, specified relative or legal guardian of the child is the owner/operator of a child care business where care is available for the child.

(e) Subsidized child care may not be used as a substitute for a publicly funded educational program, such as kindergarten or a specialized treatment program.

(f) A parent/caretaker is ineligible for subsidized child care if he does not attend a face-to-face interview no later than 30 calendar days following the request for care. The Department may extend the 30-day time frame for the face-to-face interview if, on or before the 30th calendar day, the parent/caretaker claims hardship due to conflicts with the parent’s/caretaker’s working hours, transportation problems or illness of the parent/caretaker or another family member. At the time the parent/caretaker claims hardship, the Department may grant an additional 30 days from the date the hardship is claimed for the interview. The Department may substitute a telephone contact for a face-to-face interview if a face-to-face interview cannot be scheduled without the parent/caretaker having to take time off from work.

(g) A parent/caretaker is ineligible for subsidized child care if he does not select an eligible child care provider and enroll the child within 30 calendar days following the date the Department notifies the parent/caretaker that the child may be enrolled or that the family’s current child care provider is ineligible to participate in the subsidized child care program.

The provisions of this § 168.18 amended January 8, 1999, effective February 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 271; amended December 29, 2006, effective December 30, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 7961. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (290994) to (290995) and (265391).