<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 13A.14.11.04" title_num="13A" subtitle_num="14" chapter_num="11" heading="Applications.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The Administration shall accept applications for an award only from currently operating child care providers.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>To apply for an award, a child care provider shall submit to the Administration a completed application, which includes:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>An application form supplied by the Administration that is completed and signed by the applicant;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Itemization of known and estimated costs of supplies, materials, and equipment for which funds are sought;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The amount of funds available to the applicant to purchase supplies, materials, and equipment;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The total amount of direct incentive grant funds requested from the Department;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>At the time of application:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The total number of children enrolled in the applicant's child care program; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The number of children receiving child care subsidies through the POC program;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>An explanation of how each item will be used to enhance the quality of care provided to enrolled children;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>The name and location of the nearest public elementary school; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>Any other relevant information required by the Administration.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Determination and Notification of Eligibility.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Awards may be made only to:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Child care facilities:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Located in Title I communities; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>In which at least 25 percent of the children enrolled receive child care subsidies through the POC program; or</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Family day care homes that serve children who receive child care subsidies through the POC program.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>An applicant may be determined eligible for an award if:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The application is complete;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The applicant is not in arrears in the payment of any money owed to the State; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>The applicant is currently licensed or registered by the Administration and is not subject to any pending or ongoing regulatory action.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The Administration shall determine and notify an applicant of eligibility within 35 calendar days after a complete application is received by the Administration.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Determination by the Administration that an applicant is eligible for an award does not entitle an applicant to an award.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>If an applicant is found eligible for an award, the applicant shall be notified that, pursuant to Regulation .05 of this chapter, an award shall be determined on the basis of:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Award priority; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The availability of funding.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>If the applicant is found ineligible for an award, the Administration shall specify in writing the reason for ineligibility.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>