Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some of the most frequently asked questions that our Division receives. If you cannot find something you are looking for please visit the Contact Us page to contact the correct unit regarding your question.
Please choose the area for your question:
Arkansas Better Chance
Where can I find documents and forms pertaining to the ABC program?
What are the rules or regulations for an ABC program?
Family Support
- What are the low income childcare requirements?
- Each adult in the household has to:
- work 30 hours per week or be a full time student or
- work part time and go to school part time that averages out to 30 hours per week.
- Each adult in the household has to:
- What type of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Time Assistance are there?
- Early Childhood and Out-of-School Time Assistance may be available to families through the Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) or Extended Support Services (ESS) Programs. TEA and ESS services are provided by the Division of Workforce Services. To see if you qualify for TEA/ ESS assistance, please call Workforce Services at: 1-855-225-4440.
- The Low-Income Early Childhood and Out-of-School Time Assistance program serves families who are working and/or going to school full-time. Families can receive a child care authorization for a minimum of one year based on Better Beginning Level of CCDF Participant. Job search shall be provided up to three months following the loss of an eligible activity. The Low Income program is only available through the Family Support Unit. For more information you may contact the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education at 1-800-322-8176 or http://hs.arkansas.gov/dccece.
- How do I apply for childcare?
- What is the income limit for childcare?
- What do I do as a provider to participate in the voucher program? - Contact the Family Support Unit at 1-800-322-8176 for the Participant Agreement information and a detailed explanation. Please note that you have to have your child care license first.
- Who do I contact to update rate information?
- Who do I contact for information on authorizations or other information for foster care?
- Please contact your DCFS caseworker for any information regarding Foster Care authorizations.
- How long will I be on the waiting list?
- Early Childhood and Out-of-School Time Assistance is available pending the availability of funds and eligibility. At this time there is no waitlist for Early Childhood and Out-of-School Time Assistance.
- How often will my case be re-evaluated once I am approved for child care services?
- Low-Income redeterminations shall be completed based on the provider’s Better Beginnings Level. Better Beginnings Level one (1) and two (2) are re-determined once a year. Better Beginnings Level three (3) are re-determined every two years.
- Why do I have to apply for child care services every year in order to stay on the waiting list?
- An application expires after one (1) year and a new application must be completed, so that we have a current waitlist of need. The applicant will also be required to provide proof of income, school attendance and other income eligibility data.
- Why was I sent a denial letter?
- The case record must document that each eligibility requirement has been met before services are granted.
- How do I appeal a denial decision?
- When an application is denied or an adverse action is taken on a case, the client will be informed in writing of the decision and of the right for a review of the decision. The notice to the applicant/client states that he/she has ten (10) days from the date of the Notice of Action in which to submit a request to for an internal review of the decision.
- Why must my newborn be added to the waiting list if I am receiving assistance for my other child(ren)?
- All children born or added to the household after the original approval date must be placed on the waiting list. If the recipient wishes to add children to the current case, the recipient must complete a new DCC-513 for the child(ren). The additional children will not be given priority over those already on the county waiting list.
- When will my child care begin?
- The effective date of child care services is the date that the Family Support Specialist makes a determination that all eligibility requirements have been met (not the date on the application), and a Certificate of Authorization has been keyed into the child care system.
- I am moving to another county, how do I change my child care provider?
- When a client notifies the Family Support Specialist that he/she is moving to another county and wants the child care case to remain open, the Family Support Specialist in the original county must contact the Family Support Specialist in the new county
Licensing
- Where can I find the Minimum Licensing Requirements for Licensed Child Care Family Homes, Registered Child Care Family Homes, Child Care Centers or Out of School Time?
- Where can I find the application to become a Licensed Child Care Family Home?
- Do you have the Technical Assistance Packet online?
Special Nutrition
- Who can participate in the CACFP Programs?
- How do I apply for one of the Special Nutrition Programs?
- All of our program applications are now online. Please go to SNP Application Web site or call (501) 682-8869 for additional information.
- What is a Day Care Home?
- Day Care Home means an organized non-residential child care program for children enrolled in a private home, licensed or approved as a family or group day care home and under the auspices of a sponsoring organization. Sponsor information can be obtained from the Special Nutrition Program office at (501) 682-8869.
- What is the Summer Food Service Program?
- How can I become a Sponsor for the Summer Program?
- Units of local government, camps, schools and private non-profit organizations can sponsor the SFSP. As a sponsor, you will attend the State agency’s training, locate eligible sites, hire, train and supervise staff, arrange meals to be prepared and delivered, monitor sites and prepare claims for reimbursement.
- Who can qualify for National School Lunch Program?
- Can you be on the School Breakfast Program and the Milk Program without being on the National School Lunch Program?
- Yes.
If you need to file a complaint of discrimination, write or call:
USDA, Director
Office of Civil Rights Room 326-W, Whitten Building
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250-9410
(202) 720-5964 (Voice and TDD)
