Submit Feedback: Proposed Changes to Subsidized Child Care Eligibility

The PA Department of Human Services and the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) are accepting public comment through December 14, 2020 for proposed changes to the current subsidized child care eligibility regulations.

Learn More

Proposed changes to the subsidized child care eligibility regulations at 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3041 might impact families, children, and early childhood education providers. Changes include, but are not limited to:

  • Expanded eligibility periods of 12 months;

  • Expanded eligibility to cover hours the parent or caretaker requires sleep following completion of overnight work shift;

  • No changes to the amounts of subsidy and co-payment for the duration of the eligibility period, unless to the family’s benefit;

  • Abolished the requirement for the parent or caretaker to pay an advanced co-payment prior to enrollment;

  • Children who turn 13 during the eligibility period will continue to receive the subsidy until the eligibility period ends;

  • Codifying payment practices permitting tiered reimbursement for providers who voluntarily exceed the basic health and safety requirements;

  • Codifying payment practices based on enrollment and not attendance, to include increasing the number of permitted absences from 25 to 40 per fiscal year;

  • After five consecutive days absent, the child maintains eligibility, but the enrollment is suspended until the child returns to care; and

  • Establishment of waiver provisions and periods of presumptive eligibility for particular populations, including victims of domestic violence and families experiencing homelessness.

The proposed changes are available for review in the PA Bulletin. The current regulations also are available.

How to Submit Comments

All public comments must be submitted in writing by the closing date of the public comment period on December 14, 2020.

All comments, suggestions or objections should reference the regulation number(s), section(s), and subsection(s). Comments can be submitted by:

  • Emailing RA-ocdsubchildcare@pa.gov

  • Faxing to 717-214-6575

  • Mailing to:

    Michael Ordonez
    Office of Child Development and Early Learning
    333 Market Street, 6th Floor
    Harrisburg, PA 17126

For details, view OCDEL’s flyer.

Heidi Winkler