After School Program FAQs

The After School Program allows the family to hire their own caregiver for after school respite care. SCARC reimburses the family at a rate of $200.00 per month.  This program is in lieu of Family Support.  In order to quality for this program, the parent or parents need to be working or in a training program.

Eligibility: DDD eligibility required
Hours: Three hours per day
Location: In the home of the family or in an existing after school program.

How do I enroll?
Your child must be eligible for services through DDD. You can contact either your DDD case manager or the Family Support Department at SCARC. There is an application package that must be completed. The caregivers must either be employed or in a job-training program to quality.

Is there a before-school program?
The typical hours of the program are 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Each case is on an individual basis and before-school hours may be accommodated with the approval of the DDD case manager and Family Support Department.

What are the criteria for hiring my own staff?
The family is considered the household employer and may hire an after-school provider that they are comfortable with. The family may choose an existing after-school program (i.e. K.E.E.P.) or hire a worker to come to their home. Tax guide information is given out to each family.

Does the program run year-round?
Yes.

How do I find staff to work?
We suggest contacting local high schools, churches, placing an ad in the local newspaper or contacting the SCARC office for potential workers.

Is the money received taxable?
The money is considered aid to individuals and is therefore, non-taxable. However, the worker is considered self-employed and must claim the wages after $1,500.00. The family must pay in to the worker’s social security benefits after a certain level of wages is reached. Each family is given a household employee tax guide to aid with these questions, and the family can contact the SCARC office for further assistance, if needed.

How do I document my hours used?
Hours are documented on a one-page calendar. The respite provider documents each day the hours and the activities provided. The parents would sign the calendar to verify the information. The calendar is then sent in at the end of the month and the family receives a check for reimbursement of hours provided.

What happens if I stop working?
The program guidelines state that the caregivers must either be working or in a job-training program. If the parent stops working, the child would be withdrawn from the program.

Please contact our Family Support Department at the SCARC office at 973-383-7442 or email us for more information.