Stage One Child Care administrators cannot end child care authorization because of non-utilization. Stage One Child Care cannot be abandoned.
Counties and contractors can engage families when they are not using authorized child care including 1) contacting the family to determine if child care needs or hours have changed, and discuss the reasons for non-utilization, 2) offer alternative child care options, and 3) engage with families to create goals and a plan of action for child care.
If the county or contractor still does not reach the family, the county must continue to maintain the family’s eligibility for the full 24-month eligibility period and pay the provider based on the family’s maximum authorized hours of care, regardless of attendance. (CCB 26-05, March 4, 2026.)