§ 9858i. Reports and audits
(a)
Reports
(1)
Collection of information by States
(A)
In general
A State that receives funds to carry out this subchapter shall collect the information described in subparagraph (B) on a monthly basis.
(B)
Required information
The information required under this subparagraph shall include, with respect to a family unit receiving assistance under this subchapter information concerning—
(v)
the sources of family income, including—
(vii)
the type of child care in which the child was enrolled (such as family child care, home care, or center-based child care);
during the period for which such information is required to be submitted.
(C)
Submission to Secretary
A State described in subparagraph (A) shall, on a quarterly basis, submit the information required to be collected under subparagraph (B) to the Secretary.
(D)
Use of samples
(i)
Authority
A State may comply with the requirement to collect the information described in subparagraph (B) through the use of disaggregated case record information on a sample of families selected through the use of scientifically acceptable sampling methods approved by the Secretary.
(ii)
Sampling and other methods
The Secretary shall provide the States with such case sampling plans and data collection procedures as the Secretary deems necessary to produce statistically valid samples of the information described in subparagraph (B). The Secretary may develop and implement procedures for verifying the quality of data submitted by the States.
(2)
Annual reports
Not later than December 31, 1997, and every 12 months thereafter, a State described in paragraph (1)(A) shall prepare and submit to the Secretary a report that includes aggregate data concerning—
(A)
the number of child care providers that received funding under this subchapter as separately identified based on the types of providers listed in section
9858n
(5) of this title;
(B)
the monthly cost of child care services, and the portion of such cost that is paid for with assistance provided under this subchapter, listed by the type of child care services provided;
(C)
the number of payments made by the State through vouchers, contracts, cash, and disregards under public benefit programs, listed by the type of child care services provided;
(D)
the manner in which consumer education information was provided to parents and the number of parents to whom such information was provided; and
during the period for which such report is required to be submitted.
(b)
Audits
(2)
Independent auditor
Audits under this subsection shall be conducted by an entity that is independent of the State that receives assistance under this subchapter and be in accordance with generally accepted auditing principles.
(3)
Submission
Not later than 30 days after the completion of an audit under this subsection, the State shall submit a copy of the audit to the legislature of the State and to the Secretary.
(4)
Repayment of amounts
Each State shall repay to the United States any amounts determined through an audit under this subsection not to have been expended in accordance with this subchapter, or the Secretary may offset such amounts against any other amount to which the State is or may be entitled under this subchapter.