Section 281.64.8. Secondary eligibility.

       64.8(1) Criteria. Up to 20 percent of the available funded child development enrollment slots for at-risk may be filled by children who are three or four years of age on or before September 15 or public school enrollment slots by children who are three, four, or five years of age on or before September 15; are above the income eligibility guidelines provided that they are served on a sliding fee schedule determined at the local level; and are eligible according to one or more of the following criteria if the child:

        1.            Is functioning below chronological age in two or more developmental areas, one of which may be English proficiency, as determined by an appropriate professional;

        2.            Was born at biological risk, such as low birth weight (under 1500 grams—approximately three pounds) or with a diagnosed medical disorder, such as spina bifida or Down’s syndrome;

        3.            Was born to a parent who was under the age of 18; or

        4.            Resides in a household where one or more of the parents or guardian:

Has not completed high school;

Has been identified as a substance abuser;

Has been identified as chronically mentally ill;

Is illiterate;

Is incarcerated; or

Is a child or spouse abuser.

        5.            Has other special circumstances, such as foster care or being homeless.

The program may include children not at risk, provided they are at full pay and meet other age requirements.

       64.8(2) Enrollment criteria. Applicants must document the number of children enrolled under secondary eligibility and the criteria used for enrollment.