May 1, 2020

SC Voucher Policy Updates

Thank you to all our providers who continue to serve children and families during this state of emergency. Below are updated policies to the SC Voucher program that were updated as of May 1, 2020.

• For the period of March 16, 2020 – August 30, 2020, the SC Voucher program will not be dropping children after ten (10) consecutive absences. If a child care facility is open, but the voucher parent is not bringing their child to the facility during the COVID-19 emergency time period, the child care provider should use the absence code HAZ on their Service Voucher Log (SVL). This code will allow for excused absences for the child.
• School-aged children’s half-time vouchers will be changed to full-time vouchers for March 16, 2020 – August 30, 2020. Providers are encouraged to call the SC Voucher program at 1-800-262-4416 to ensure all services for school-aged children are changed to full time when eligible.
• If an ABC Quality child care provider closes during the COVID-19 emergency and a voucher eligible parent needs to move to another provider in order to continue to work, the voucher child will be immediately disconnected from the closed provider and moved to a new provider.
• If an ABC Quality provider had voucher connections between March 16, 2020 and August 30, 2020 and had to close as a result of the COVID-19 emergency, the vouchers will continue to be paid. Providers in this situation should use the absence code FCL during this time period on their SVL.
• Child care providers that operate private 4K classrooms paid for by South Carolina First Steps through CERDERP funding, cannot be double paid by a voucher, private pay, etc. for the same children.

If you have any questions about vouchers during this COVID-19 emergency, please contact the SC Voucher Control Center at (800) 262-4416. Staff are available to assist you.