The California Department of Education (CDE) has issued instructions implementing the 12-month eligibility requirement in AB 99. When a family establishes eligibility child care, the family shall be considered to meet all eligibility and need requirements for not less than 12 months. During the 12 month eligibility period, families are only required to report changes in income that are above 85 percent of the state median income. Income increase to over 85 percent of State Median Income must be reported within 30 days. Families can report reductions in income or increases in service need, and those reports will be processed decrease fees or increase services. Families can also voluntarily request reduction in service hours.
As a result of the new 12 month certification period, the three month limit on services on the basis of a child at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation is removed. The 60 day extension for seeking employment is also removed.
The 12 month certification period does not change the manner in which contractors are reimbursed or attendance reporting requirements. (Management Bulletin 17-14, September, 2017.)