R986-700-717. Child Care Assistance for Children With Special Child Care Needs

(1) The Department will fund CC for children with special child care needs at a higher rate if the child has a physical, social, or mental condition or special health care need that requires: (a) outside of age-appropriate abilities: (i) assistance with basic movements, including standing, sitting, moving up or down stairs, or walking; (ii) assistance with toileting; (iii) assistance with eating or drinking; or (iv) assistance due to limited vision or hearing, including being blind, deaf, or nonverbal; (b) use of a feeding tube; (c) administration of medications during child care hours, which requires specialized procedures or training; (d) use of special medical equipment while in child care; (e) intensive supervision, which requires additional staff or specialized training; or (f) any other condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities of the child. (2) To be eligible under this section, the client must submit a written statement from one of the following documenting the child's disability and special child care needs: (a) Social Security Administration showing that the child is an SSI recipient, along with additional supporting documentation of the child's special needs; (b) Division of Services for People with Disabilities; (c) local school representative for students with an Individualized Education Program Plan; (d) Baby Watch, Early Intervention Program; or (e) by submitting a written statement from: (i) a licensed medical physician; (ii) a licensed advanced practice registered nurse; (iii) a licensed physician's assistant; (iv) a licensed or certified psychologist; or (v) a mental health professional. (3) Verification to support that the child is disabled and has a special need must be dated and signed by the preparer and include the following: (a) the child's name; (b) a description of the child's disability; (c) the date the condition requiring special child care needs began; and (d) the special provisions that justify a higher payment rate. (4) The Department may require additional information and may deny requests if adequate or complete information or justification is not provided. (5) The higher rate is available through the month the child turns 18 years of age. (6) A client qualifies for CC under this section if the household is at or below 85% of the state median income. (7) The higher rate in effect for each CC category is available on the Department's website. (8) The Department shall review the client's eligibility for special needs child care. (a) Except as provided in S ubsection (b), the client must submit an updated verification every 12 months or at the next review, whichever is later. (b) If the child has a permanent disability requiring special child care accommodations, only one special needs verification is required.