Important Notice

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING CHILD CARE PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT (CCPA)

The new CCPA is projected to be fully operational for billing purposes by October 1, 2011. The delay is to allow the billing system to recognize the holidays and absentee day changes. The Labor Day holiday (September 5, 2011) may not be billed as a holiday as the system will not accept holiday billing until after October 1, 2011.

All Child Care Providers who have not completed the mandatory on-line training, test and submitted the appropriate documents for final approval will have a hold on payments for any service billed for October 1, 2011 or forward. If the CCPA is not completed by November 30, 2011 all authorizations will be cancelled and families will be required to select another child care provider.

Please ensure that you have completed the CCPA training, test and submitted the required documents.

Overview

Child Care Assistance is a program that is available for low-income families.  This program provides financial assistance for quality child care and is made possible by the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF).  This program is under the administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In the State of Arkansas, the Department of Human Services and the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education are responsible for managing the Child Care Assistance Program.

Program Support

Click the title for a link to the section or document.

Am I eligible for Child Care Assistance?

Families must meet the following criteria:

What are the Income Guidelines?

Open the 2011 CCDF Sliding Fee Chart document below and find the size of your family and then locate the column in which your family's Gross Monthly Income falls. (All income from all family members must be included in the monthly total.  This includes earned income, SSA, SSI, VA, etc.) If your monthly income falls into one of the columns listed on the chart, your family may qualify for child care assistance. Families may be required to pay a percentage of the cost for child care.

How do I apply for Child Care Assistance?

You may print and complete the Child Care Assistance Application below, request an application by contacting the local Program Eligibility Specialist or you may contact the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education at 1-800-322-8176 and an application will be mailed to you.

After you complete the application you may mail or return it to your local Program Eligibility Specialist or the address below:

What is the application process?

The Child Care Assistance Program is based on the availability of funds. If funds are available at the time your application is received, you will be contacted by the local Program Eligibility Specialist.  This will verify your eligibility for child care assistance.

If funds are not available at the time your application was received, the local Program Eligibility Specialist will send a notification to you which explains you have been placed on a waiting list for the county of your residence.  Your application will only be effective for twelve (12) months as stated on your application.  If you still require assistance at the end of the (12) months, then you must submit a new application to remain on the waiting list.

How is child care provided for my children?

Once a family is determined eligible for the Child Care Assistance Program, they must select a child care provider that is licensed or registered by the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. The provider must be an active participant in the Child Care Assistance Program.

Families may contact the Program Eligibility Specialist to request a list of child care providers that participate in the Child Care Assistance Program or call 1-800-322-8176.

Child Care Provider Information

Any child care provider that is licensed or registered by the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education and meets the requirements of the State of Arkansas may choose to participate in the CCDF Child Care Assistance Program.

The child care provider must complete an online training and exam. They must also complete the Required Documentation available after the completion of the exam.  All of the Required Documentation will need to be on file with the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education in order to be considered for approval into the CCDF Child Care Assistance Program.  Mail or fax all forms to the address below: