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can also transfer a portion of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) dollars to CCDF, or spend TANF directly for child care. All States, Territories, and Tribes must submit comprehensive plans every two years and conduct public hearings to invite public comment.
Fiscal year 2012 funding includes $10 million for child-care research, demonstration, and evaluation activities. These funds are increasing the capacity for child-care research at the national, State, and local levels while addressing critical questions with implications for children and families. Funds have been awarded to support individual project areas, including policy research, research partnerships, research schol- ars, and a web-based archive called Child Care and Early Education Research Connections.
Am I eligible for help from the Child Care and Development Fund?
States must give priority for services to children of families with very low income (considering family size) and children with special needs. States define the terms “very low income” and “special needs.” Federal eligibility suggests that help from CCDF be restricted to children from parents who are working or attending education/training who earn no more than 85% of the State’s average income.
To be eligible, a child must:
• Be under 13 years of age, or under age 19 if incapable of self- care or under court supervision
• Reside with a family whose income does not exceed 85% of the State’s average income for a family of the same size (States have the option to set a lower income limit)
• Reside with a parent or parents who are working or attending a job training or educational program.
When determining eligibility, States cannot discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, ethnic background, sex, religious affiliation, or
The Office of Family Assistance 41