Family Size
The Family Size information field indicates the number of family members used to determine income eligibility and assess an appropriate family fee. This information is provided by the individual applying for subsidized child care services through an agency’s contract with the Early Education Division (EED) and is documented on the ELCD-9600.
Where to Find It
On the ELCD-9600, look at item Family Size in Section III Family Adjusted Gross Monthly Income and Size.
Note: On the ELCD-9600, family size includes the following:
- All parent(s)/caretaker(s) listed in Section I Family Identification, Fields A and B.
- All children named in Section IV Data on Children.
- All additional adults and children listed on additional ELCD-9600s.
Rules and Guidelines
- This information field is required.
- The maximum length of this field is two numbers.
- Enter numbers only.
- The maximum family size is 15.
Error Messages and Solutions
- The Family Size is required. [801A File Transfer], [801A Input/Edit], [801B]
Problem: The Family Size field is blank, or a letter, symbol, or decimal point is entered. This field must have information. The Child Development Management Information System (CDMIS) will not save an entry with letters, symbols, or decimal points.
Solution: Enter the family size correctly.
- Family Size must be at least one (1). [801A Electronic File Transfer], [801A Input/Edit], [801B]
Problem: Zero (0) is entered. This is not a valid family size. A family must have at least one person.
Solution: Enter the correct family size.
- The Family Size must be a whole number. [801A Electronic File Transfer], [801A Input/Edit], [801B]
Problem: A number containing a decimal point is entered. This is not a valid family size. The family size must be a whole number.
Solution: Enter the correct Family Size.
- Family Size can be “1” only if the answer to “Is the Head-of-Household Single?” is “F – Child is head-of-household – Family of one.” [801B only]
Problem: The family is indicated as containing only one person, but the answer provided for the question “Is the Head-of-Household Single?” indicates a married or single adult as the Head-of-Household (HoH).
Solution: Enter the correct family size. Confirm that the child listed is a family of one. Confirm that the question “Is the Head-of-Household Single?” is answered correctly.
- If “Is the Head-of-Household Single?” is “Child is head-of-household,” then Family Size cannot be less than the number of children listed. [801B only]
Problem: The family is indicated as containing only one person, but the number of children listed is greater than the family size.
Solution: Enter the correct family size. Confirm that the children listed are all a part of the same family. Example: For a family of two (made up of two children receiving subsidized child care services), both children must be listed as children and the family size indicated is two.
- Family Size cannot be less than the total number of children listed plus the head-of-household. [801A Electronic File Transfer], [801A Input/Edit], [801B]
Problem: The family size indicated is less than the total number of children and the HoH listed.
Solution: Confirm the family size of the family. For example, if two children are listed in addition to the HoH for one family, the smallest family size allowed is three.
- When Family Size is “1” or when child is listed as Head-of-Household, the Social Security Number must be blank. [801A Electronic File Transfer], [801A Input/Edit], [801B]
Problem:
- CDD-801A: The reported family size indicates that no adults were counted in the family size; a child is listed as the HoH.
- CDD-801B: The answer to the question “Is Head-of-Household Single” indicates that no adults were counted in the family size; a child is listed as the HoH.
Solution: When no adults are counted in the family size and a child is listed as the HoH, agencies cannot report an Social Security Number (SSN). Leave this field blank and enter the Family Identification Case Number (FICN) of the family.
- Family Size cannot exceed 15. [801A File Transfer], [801A Web Input], [801B]
Problem: A family size that exceeds 15 is entered. Because the Family Fee Schedule (FFS) and income ceilings only go up to a family size of 15, this is the maximum size the CDMIS will allow.
Solution: Verify family size is entered correctly. If the family size exceeds 15, enter 15 so the family’s information can be saved.
Frequently Asked Questions
- For a foster child or in situations where no adults were counted when determining the family size, what do I enter for Family Size?
The answer to this question is based on how eligibility to receive subsidized child care services through an agency’s contract with the EED is determined for the family.
If the family’s income was not used to determine income eligibility and no adults were counted when determining the family size, then this is probably a family of one; the child should be listed as the HoH.
If sibling children received services as well, the family size should be the number of siblings residing in the family. The oldest child should be listed as the HoH.
For further clarification or guidance, an agency may contact their consultant.
- The information for the Family Size is not correct. What should I do?
The family size is taken directly from the CDD-801A submitted by agencies via the CDMIS. If the family size is incorrectly reported, correct the information. Once agencies complete the CDD-801B for the family, agencies must also correct the corresponding CDD-801A and any other CDD-801As where this information is incorrect.
Return to Appendix A: Data Definitions