PD 23-20: Expiration of COVID-19 Child Care Flexibilities (Revised)
| Date: | 06/30/2023 (Revised 09/29/2023) |
| To: | CalWORKs Employment Services Staff |
| From: | Michelle Rojas, SSA BPIS |
| Reference: | Child Care Bulletin (CCB ) 23-26, CCB 23-09, Assembly Bill (AB) No. 110 |
Background
On March 4, 2020, the Governor declared a State of Emergency in California in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the State has instituted several policies to support child care providers and families who receive subsidized child care throughout the pandemic. AB 82, later amended by AB 131, authorized an additional 16 paid non-operational days for COVID-19 related closures, reimbursement based on the maximum certified hours of care regardless of attendance for most subsidized providers, and family fee waivers, for use between July 1, 2021, and June 20, 2022.
On June 30, 2022, Governor Newsom signed AB 210, which extended the hold harmless provision with respect to reimbursement and family fee waivers until June 30, 2023. On September 27, 2022, Governor Newsom signed AB 185, which authorized an additional 16 paid non-operational days for COVID-19 related closures for use through June 30, 2023.
Expiration of COVID-19 Policies Related to Child Care
The following COVID-19 policies related to Child Care will expire:
16 Paid Non-Operational Days for COVID-19-Related Closures
Between September 27, 2022, and June 30, 2023, state-subsidized child care providers were authorized to use up to 16 paid non-operational days for closures due to COVID-19 self-quarantine or self-isolation, when recommended by local public health department guidelines.
Effective July 1, 2023, providers are no longer eligible to bill for non-operational days for COVID-19-related closures.
Family Fee Waiver
The Statewide waiver of family fees ends on September 30, 2023.
Extension of COVID-19 Policies Related to Child Care
The following COVID-19 policy related to Child Care is extended:
Hold Harmless with Respect to Reimbursement
Hold harmless with respect to reimbursement will extend through June 30, 2025, in accordance with Senate Bill (SB 40) and the Memorandum of Understanding between the Child Care Provider's Union and CDSS. Child care providers serving families utilizing CalWORKs Stage One Child Care will continue to be reimbursed based on the maximum authorized hours of care, regardless of attendance.
Implementation
Guidance provided within this Program Directive is effective immediately.
Supervisors
Employment Program Supervisors must review this Program Directive immediately with staff.