Section 3041.51. Head Start expansion program

(a) Head Start is a Federally-funded program designed to prepare at-risk children, 3 years of age or older but under 5 years of age, for school success. A Head Start expansion program is a program that combines the Head Start program with the subsidized child care program.

(b) A child who is enrolled in a Head Start program, whose parent or caretaker needs extended hours or days of child care beyond the hours or days provided by the Head Start program to work, is eligible for subsidized child care under this section, if the parent or caretaker meets the eligibility requirements for subsidized child care as specified in subsection (f), each time a child in the family applies for the Head Start expansion program.

(c) The eligibility agency shall verify with the Head Start program that the child is enrolled in a Head Start program that meets Federal and State Head Start standards.

(d) If a child in the family as specified in § 3041.31 (relating to family size) is enrolled in the Head Start expansion program, the family co-payment is based on family size and income. If additional children in the family are enrolled in subsidized child care, the family co-payment is based on family size and income.

(e) If extended hours or days of care are provided beyond the Head Start program hours or days, the extended hours and days of care shall be provided by a facility that has a certificate of compliance or registration by the Department as a child day care facility.

(f) Upon program entry and continuation in the Head Start expansion program, a parent or caretaker shall meet the following conditions:

(1) Verification of a minimum of 20 hours of work per week as specified in § 3041.43 (relating to work, education and training) each time a child in the family applies for the Head Start expansion program.

(2) Verification that extended hours and days of child care are needed to work as specified in subsection (b).

(3) Verification of income eligibility for subsidized child care as specified in § 3041.41 (relating to financial eligibility) each time a child in the family applies for the Head Start expansion program.

(4) Compliance with the waiting list conditions specified in § 3041.133 (relating to waiting list).

(5) Payment of the co-payment as specified in § 3041.101 (relating to general co-payment requirements).

(6) Report loss of work within 10 calendar days following the date work ended as specified in § 3041.127(b) (relating to parent and caretaker report of change).

(7) Report when a child is no longer enrolled in Head Start within 10 calendar days following the date the Head Start enrollment ended.

(g) Subsidy for a child receiving care under this section may be suspended during summer school breaks.

(h) A parent or caretaker whose child receives subsidized child care and is enrolled in a Head Start program is not required to report changes in circumstances during the period of the child’s Head Start enrollment, unless the parent or caretaker loses work. If the parent or caretaker involuntarily loses work, the family remains eligible for the Head Start expansion program for up to 60 calendar days following the loss of work. If the parent or caretaker is unemployed for more than 60 calendar days, the family is ineligible for subsidized child care.

(i) The eligibility agency may not complete a partial redetermination or redetermination on a child enrolled in the Head Start expansion program until the Head Start program, the parent or caretaker or a reliable source confirmed by the eligibility agency reports to the eligibility agency that a child is no longer enrolled in the Head Start program.

(j) The eligibility agency shall conduct a partial redetermination or redetermination as specified in § § 3041.129and 3041.130 (relating to partial determination based on reported changes; and redetermination of eligibility) if the family has additional children who are not enrolled in Head Start but receive subsidized child care.

(k) A child enrolled in the Head Start expansion program is not subject to partial redetermination or redetermination requirements as specified in subsection (i). Eligibility for a child enrolled in the Head Start expansion program is unrelated to the eligibility of other children in the family who are not enrolled in the Head Start expansion program and receive subsidized child care. Eligibility for a child enrolled in the Head Start expansion program shall continue as specified in this section.

The provisions of this § 3041.51 amended April 13, 2012, effective April 14, 2012, 42 Pa.B. 2000. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (312091) to (312092).

Notation

Authority

The provisions of this § 3041.51 amended under sections 201(2), 403(b) and 403.1 of the Public Welfare Code (62 P. S. § § 201(2), 403(b) and 403.1).

Cross References

This section cited in 55 Pa. Code § 3041.13 (relating to parent choice); and 55 Pa. Code § 3041.107 (relating to availability and use of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines).