Child Care and Development Contractor Resources CDSS - CDMIS Support CDMIS Manual Appendix A: Data Definitions Reason for Needing Services

CDSS – CDMIS User Manual; Appendix A: Reason for Needing Services

Reason for Needing Services

The Reason for Needing Services information field indicates the primary reason that subsidized child care services through an agency’s contract are needed by the family as cited in the Welfare and Institution Code (WIC) 10271 (a)(1)(B). This is the primary reason used to determine “need” for services.

Where to Find It

On the CCD 26 Form, determine the primary reason from the boxes checked in Section II: Reason for Needing Service

Note: Check to see if the family has a subsequent Notice of Action on file (not the initial notice) that applies to the report period (i.e., completed on or before the report period, as indicated by the effective date of action). If a Notice of Action is on file and the reason has changed, enter the updated information.

Rules and Guidelines

  • This information field is required.
  • The Reason Code must be one digit to align with the possible choices listed below.

Possible Choices for the CDD-801A

If the child is a recipient of protective services or is at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, select the reason below:

  • A – Child Protective Services (CPS) or At-Risk (child is a recipient of protective services or is at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation)

If the primary reason below applies to the parent(s) and any other adult counted in the family size, select one of the following:

  • B – Parent/Caretaker Incapacitated
  • C – Experiencing Homelessness
  • D – Employment
  • E – Education/Vocational Training (participating in vocational training leading directly to a recognized trade, paraprofession, or profession)
  • F – Both employment and Education/Vocational Training
  • G – Seeking Employment
  • H – Seeking Permanent Housing (seeking permanent housing for family stability)

The following reasons apply to families where all children in the family only receive services in CHAN:

  • I – Severely Handicapped Program

Note: If more than one reason applies to a family, use the following to determine which choice to select:

  • When a family has two reasons from A – H and one of those reasons is A, select only A.
  • When a family has two reasons from B – H and one of those reasons is C, select only C.
  • When a family has two reasons from B – G select the reason that provides the most hours subsidized child care services to the child(ren) in the family.
  • When all children in a family are in part-day CHAN only, select I.

Possible Choices for the CDD-801B

If the child is a recipient of protective services or is at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, select the reason below:

  • A – CPS or At-Risk (child is a recipient of protective services or is at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation)

If the primary reason below applies to the parent(s) and any other adult counted in the family size, select one of the following:

  • D – Employment
  • E – Education/Vocational Training (participating in vocational training leading directly to a recognized trade, paraprofession, or profession)
  • F – Both Employment and Education/Vocational Training

Error Messages and Solutions

See Appendix B: Error Message Codes for solutions to error messages.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What reason do we check for needing child care services in the situation where a relative is the guardian/caretaker for a child?
    • Each situation is different. Treat the relative as "Parent/Caretaker," and carefully consider why it was determined that the Head-of-Household needed subsidized child care services. For further guidance, an agency may contact their Program Quality Implementation (PQI) Consultant.
  • What reason do we use for needing child care services in the case of a foster child?
    • Use the most appropriate reason for the situation. For example, if the foster parent is working, select the "employment" reason. For further guidance, an agency may contact their consultant.
  • Our agency has a CHAN contract. What reason do we select?
    • When a family has a child or children receiving services only in CHAN, select “I – Programs for Severely Handicapped” as the Reason for Needing Child Care Services.
  • If a family’s reason code changes, should I update the CDD-801A report?
    • The reason code reported should mirror the reason code used for certification purposes on the CCD 26 Form or as updated on the Notice of Action (CCD 7617).

Contact CDSS – CDMIS Support

CDMIS@dss.ca.gov