The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued guidance regarding changes to attendance and reporting requirements because of COVID-19. These changes were enacted by SB 117 which waives specific attendance and reporting requirements for CalWORKs Stage 1 child care. CDSS also waives these requirements for Emergency Child Care Bridge Program for Foster Children. This waiver will remain in effect until June 30, 2020 unless changed by the legislature.
Providers who are closed because of COVID-19 and are not able to submit their monthly attendance record or invoice shall be reimbursed based on the total certified authorizations, either part-time or full-time. License-exempt providers shall also be reimbursed based on the maximum authorized hours of care.
Contractors that have closed because of COVID-19 may be reimbursed for up to 30 days after closure. Providers that remain open shall submit attendance records or invoices based on current reporting policy. Providers may submit an invoice or attendance record without the parent signature if the parent is unavailable to sign because of COVID-19. Regardless of attendance, these providers shall be reimbursed based on child-care authorizations.
Families who need services but whose usual provider is closed can select an alternative provider that will be paid. Alternate providers shall be paid even when the regular provider has a paid day of non-operation. (All County Welfare Directors Letter, March 19, 2020.)
The California Department of Education states that same policies apply to Stage 2 and Stage 3 providers. (Management Bulletin 20-04, March 18, 2020.)