R986-700-776. Intergenerational Poverty School Readiness Scholarship Program

  (1) Scholarships are available, as funding permits, for a child who

  (a) will be four years of age on or before September 2 of the school year in which the individual intends to participate in a school readiness program;

  (b) has not entered kindergarten; and

  (c) is experiencing intergenerational poverty, as determined by the Department.

  (2) The Department will mail scholarship applications to individuals who the Department has identified as potentially eligible and who live in an area where one or more high quality preschool programs is available. Individuals who do not receive an application from the Department may still apply by contacting the OCC and requesting an application. The Department will notify potential applicants of the due date for filing a completed application.

  (3) An applicant may be required to show that transportation to a high quality preschool program is available if the child does not live within a reasonable commuting distance from the high quality preschool.

  (4) An applicant may be required to provide verification and supporting documentation if necessary to determine eligibility.

  (5) The value of the scholarship will be determined by which program the parent chooses.

  (6) Scholarships are transferable however funds cannot be prorated during a given month. So if a child attends one day or more during a given month at one program, and wishes to transfer to a second program at any time during that month, the full scholarship payment will be made to the first program.

  (7) Payment will be made directly to the high quality preschool provider. The provider must send the OCC an invoice at the end of the month, or as soon thereafter as feasible, when services were provided.