From the Office of Child Care -- The Office of Child Care (OCC) is pleased to announce the release of two new Information Memoranda (IM) related to emergency preparedness, response, and recovery (EPRR). The first IM focuses on ensuring that states, territories, and tribal grantees have adequate guidance to develop and implement their disaster plans (or disaster plans for tribal grantees’ service areas). The second IM helps clarify federal policies on the flexible use of Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program funds in the event of extraordinary circumstances.
Guidance on Statewide Disaster Plans. This IM provides guidance to assist CCDF lead agencies with the development of comprehensive EPRR plans for child care. Federal law and regulation require states, territories, and tribes to develop and maintain a comprehensive disaster plan to address EPRR efforts specific to child care. States, territories, and tribes must demonstrate how they will address the needs of children, including the need for safe child care before, during, and after an emergency situation or a disaster. In addition to this guidance, Appendix A provides a summary of the key elements for the lead agency to include in an EPRR plan to facilitate coordination with emergency management agencies and other partners. Appendix B contains resources from OCC and other partner agencies and organizations that are available to assist lead agencies with EPRR planning.
Guidance on Flexibility in Spending CCDF Program Funds in Response to Emergencies. Federal law allows states, territories, and tribes to request time-limited waivers from CCDF requirements in the event of extraordinary circumstances, such as natural disasters. This IM outlines a list of options available to states, territories, and tribes for using CCDF program funds to address emergencies. It also provides instructions to submit requests for time-limited waivers of CCDF requirements in response to disasters. States, territories, and tribes are encouraged to consider their own EPRR options to expend funds rather than waiting until an emergency unfolds.
The new IMs are available on this OCC Web page.
Office of Child Care
Administration for Children and Families
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Mary E. Switzer Building, Fourth Floor, MS 4425
330 C Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20201
General office number: (202) 690-6782
Fax: (202) 690-5600
General email: occ@acf.hhs.gov
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/occ
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