Cal-Learn Program Definitions

[EAS 42-762.3]

The following are definitions in the Cal-Learn program:

Adequate Progress

Adequate progress is defined as a teen parent earning a “D” grade point average for the current quarter (at least 1.0, but less than 2.0) on a report card or as reported by an approved school that offers a high school diploma or its equivalent, (i.e., Adult Education program or Alternative School). This determination is submitted by the Cal-Learn Case Manager as determined/reported by the teen’s school or program. If a Cal-Learn teen parent makes adequate progress for the current quarter or semester,  there is no bonus applied.

Cal-Learn Provider

PPMM is contracted with the Santa Clara County Public Health Department (SCC PHD) to serve as the service provider for the Adolescent Family Life Program (AFLP) and Cal-Learn program services. The PPMM is responsible for providing the necessary case management services to assist the teen parent in obtaining their high school diploma or its equivalent and working toward self-sufficiency.

Bonus

A bonus is a payment made to the Cal-Learn participant when the teen parent makes satisfactory progress in their educational program and/or receives a high school diploma or its equivalent. A bonus may be paid directly to the Cal-Learn teen participant if they complete their General Educational Development (GED) or High School Diploma. The Cal-Learn Case Manager notifies the Cal-Learn CalWORKs Employment Services (CWES) Worker, who authorizes the payment.

Cal-Learn Teen Parent

A Cal-Learn teen parent is an individual who is not exempt from the Cal-Learn program and has been approved by CalWORKs and received their Cal-Learn program notification from the Cal-Learn service provider, PPMM.

Exemptions/Deferrals/Good Cause

Exemptions, deferrals and good cause refer to a teen parent who is not required to participate in the Cal-Learn program because specific exemption criteria are met. Exemptions, deferrals and good cause are determined and verified by the Cal-Learn Case Manager. An exempt teen parent does not receive any case management services but is eligible for the $100 bonuses. A deferred teen parent may receive case management services and is eligible for the $100 bonuses.

Exemptions/deferrals/good cause verification must be determined and provided to the Cal-Learn CWES Worker.

Even though a teen parent is determined to be exempt, deferred, or granted good cause from the Cal-Learn program, that individual still must attend school pursuant to California Education Code (CEC) 48200.

Penalty

With the passage of Senate Bill 521, Cal-Learn participants are no longer subject to a noncompliance process or financial sanction as of January 1, 2024.

Report Card/Progress Report

The report card or progress report is the quarterly periodic report on a teen parent's academic achievement issued by the school.

Satisfactory Progress

Satisfactory progress means that the teen parent has made at least a “C” (2.0) grade point average on their current quarter or semester report card/progress report. This determination is made by the educational service provider and is submitted by the Cal-Learn Case Manager.

Supportive Services

Supportive services include transportation, child care, costs for diaper assistance, ancillary expenses and other supplemental services needed by a teen parent to attend their educational program.

Authorization for these payments is made by the Cal-Learn CWES Worker, who approves the supportive services and issues the Notice of Action (NOA).

Teen Parent

A teen parent is an individual who must:

• Be a CalWORKs recipient under the age of 19, or be 19 years of age and continuing Cal-Learn participation on a voluntary basis, and
• Not have obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent, and
• Reside with their child(ren) in the same Assistance Unit (AU), or
• Be pregnant.