Ohio agencies would help families apply for early childhood programs

Agencies would explain early childhood programs and help parents apply with their permission. The orientation would cover public assistance applicants who say they are parents or guardians of children age five or younger. Direct application help would require the parent's permission and must be allowed by federal law. These rules would not give an agency authority to decide eligibility for a program it does not run. Participation would remain voluntary and depend on program availability. Submitting a public assistance application would trigger contact to identify parents or guardians covered by this requirement.

The Department of Children and Youth would designate or establish a statewide early childhood portal. Parents and guardians could use the portal to seek early childhood assistance for their children and families. The portal could not make final eligibility decisions unless another law allows it. Reusing application information and sending it to agencies would require parental permission and must be allowed by federal law. Parents could decline further portal contact or enrollment. The portal would identify possible programs as soon as practical after a parent enters family details.

Agencies would search their records for families who may qualify and share the minimum information needed to carry out these requirements. The requirement would cover agencies holding records about children, families, and households that may qualify for early childhood assistance. Providing a direct way to apply would require parental permission. An outreach notice would not decide eligibility. Shared information could be used only for these requirements, and agencies would have to work to protect its security and confidentiality. Agencies would review records routinely and notify families as soon as practical after identifying possible eligibility.