Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 591 - RULES OF BRIGHT FROM THE START GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CARE AND LEARNING
Chapter 591-2
Subject 591-2-1 - GRANT DESCRIPTIONS
Rule 591-2-1-.02 - Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)

(1) General Scope and Purpose: To reimburse providers for nutritious meals served to children or eligible adults in a day care environment. The program provides reimbursement to childcare centers, adult care centers, family day care homes, after-school programs, and emergency shelters with children for the costs associated with providing meals to children or adults in their care.

(2) General Terms and Conditions: The children in this program must be 12 years of age or younger. Children participating in the At Risk After-School Care Meals and Snack Program may be claimed for reimbursement through the age of 18 and for those children who turn 19 during the school year as long as they are participating in an eligible after-school care program. The adults served in the program must be either functionally impaired or 60 years of age or older participating in adult day care services. Childcare centers, adult care centers, after-school programs or emergency shelters may contract directly with Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning or with a program sponsor that is approved by Bright from the Start to evaluate and determine a center's eligibility for participation in the program. Daycare homes may participate in the CACFP program through a Bright from the Start approved sponsor. Sponsors assist sponsored centers and homes in the preparation of program paperwork, provide training on program rules and regulations, and monitor all sponsored centers and homes for compliance with program rules and regulations.

(3) Eligible Recipients: Private non-profit [501©(3)] organizations, including churches or faith based organizations, or public non-profit organizations are eligible to participate. Private non-profit organizations must be tax-exempt under the IRS Code of 1986. Private for-profit organizations may participate if at least 25% of the children enrolled in the center receive Title XX funds or are eligible for free or reduced meals. Centers participating in the At Risk after School Meals and Snack Program must be private or public non-profit and located in a geographical area served by a school in which 50 percent or more of the children enrolled are eligible for free and/or reduced price meals.

(4) Application Process: Applicants wishing to apply for the program are required to attend an Orientation and Program training session. Upon attending the training session, applicants will receive access to complete their application. Applicants are required to submit the completed application to Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, Attention: Application Specialist, 2 Martin Luther King Jr., Drive, SE, Suite 670 East Tower, Atlanta, Georgia, 30334. Complete applications will be processed within 30days of receipt. Requests for missing information will be made within 15 days of receipt. A pre-operational visit is also conducted on all new participants. All participants are required to complete annual training and submit annual requirements online.

(5) Approximate Time to Apply: Applications may be submitted year-round. However, new applicants must have attended the Orientation and Program training and submit a complete application within six months of attending training. Approved institutions enter into a permanent agreement and must complete annual requirements each year no later than November 30th.

(6) Criteria for Grant Awards: Applications are evaluated according to the eligibility requirement listed in the "Eligible Recipients" section, and in accordance with USDA Federal Program Guidelines

(7) Calculation of Payments: Program participants submit claims on a monthly basis to Bright From the Start to report the number of children/adults enrolled in the center by category (i.e., free, reduced, paid), number of meals served, and actual costs incurred. Participants are reimbursed for the meals served using a calculation that takes into account the claiming percentage for the children/adults in each category (free, reduced or paid). Family Day Care Home Sponsors are reimbursed for the meals served to children in each payment category (Tier I, Tier II high, or Tier II low) and also receive an administrative reimbursement based on the number of homes sponsored by the organization. The administrative reimbursement is limited to the administrative rate multiplied by the number of homes claimed.

(8) Length of Award: Agreement shall be in effect on the date specified at the beginning of this agreement and shall remain in force and effect, contingent upon the receipt of federal funds and/or unless otherwise terminated. Either party may, in accordance with federal regulations and state policies, terminate this agreement.

(9) Authority: Federal Code Title 7 USDA: CFR Chapter 11 part 226; O.C.G.A. 20-1A-4.