Assigned to HHS FOR
COMMITTEE
Assigned to HHS FOR
COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Third Legislature, Second Regular Session
Purpose
Requires the Department of Child Services (DCS) to annually review and adjust the sliding fee scale and formula for determining child care assistance, and to post the most current payment rates, scale and formula to the DCS website.
Background
Currently, DCS determines payment rates for child care assistance. Payment rates provide for equal access for eligible families to comparable child care services provided to families who are not eligible to receive child care assistance. DCS pays different levels of child care assistance according to: 1) the category of child care provider; 2) the age of children; 3) the geographic area; 4) the level of accreditation; 5) varying costs for children with special needs; and 6) other circumstances to meet child care needs. DCS establishes a sliding fee scale and formula based several factors including the size of the family, the income and earnings of the family and the number of children receiving child care assistance (ARS § 46-805).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires DCS to annually review and adjust the sliding fee scale and formula for determining child care assistance.
2. Requires DCS to post on their website the payment rates and the most current sliding fee scale and formula.
3. Makes a conforming change.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 29, 2018
CRS/NW/lat