Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the State Board of Social Services intends to consider amending the following regulations: 22VAC40-661, Child Care Program. The purpose of the proposed action is to implement a statewide child care automation system and to expedite the automation process by ensuring uniform statewide child care subsidy guidance. Uniform and consistent alignment of statewide guidance is a critical piece of the development of statewide automation for the Child Care Subsidy Program (Program). It also ensures compliance with state law and federal requirements. Program areas needing alignment include eligibility, length of time for receipt of subsidized child care, requirements related to the Division of Child Support Enforcement as they relate to the absent parent assisting with child care payments, legal age for contractual arrangements, and a standardized process for the state to recover child care subsidy overpayments to clients as well as vendors.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 63.2-217 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: September 1, 2010.

Agency Contact: Mary Ward, Child Care Subsidy Manager, Department of Social Services, Child Care & Early Childhood Development Division, 801 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 726-7638, FAX (804) 726-7655, TTY (800) 828-1120, or email mary.ward@dss.virginia.gov.