(1) This chapter pertains to the Best Beginnings Program, which administers payment for child care services.

(2) Financial assistance may be available to pay a portion of a working parent's child care costs. Payment may only be made to:

(a) a licensed child care center;

(b) a registered group child care home;

(c) a registered family child care home; or

(d) a provider of family, friend, or neighbor care as that term is defined at ARM 37.95.102; or

(e) a relative care provider.

(3) The Child Care Assistance Program will be administered in accordance with:

(a) the requirements of federal law governing the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014, codified at 42 USC 9858 et seq., and 45 CFR part 98, child care and development fund, adopted November 29, 2016; and

(b) the Montana Child Care Manual, dated July 1, 2018, adopted and incorporated by this reference. The manual contains the policies and procedures utilized in the implementation of the department's Child Care Assistance Program. A copy of the manual is available at each child care resource and referral agency; at the Department of Public Health and Human Services, Human and Community Services Division, 111 N. Jackson St., P.O. Box 202925, Helena, MT 59620-2925; and on the department's web site at www.childcare.mt.gov.