Daycare Assistance - Help for Families, Help for you

Daycare Assistance may be something that parents will consider when they contract to pay you for your child care service (if they are eligible to receive it). If they qualify, the families can get help through state agencies that direct Federal Child Care and Development grants. All states decide if the family is qualified for Daycare Assistance... this is done within each state.

There is a certificate of agreement that is signed annually by the parent, the provider, and the funding agency. You will have to check with your state as to how often you have to submit a form for reimbursement to the funding agency. This is typically done monthly- this may vary from state to state. If you choose to provide care to assisted families, you will receive the information you need on what to do. Please be sure you are clear on your time lines and how the program works and Child Care Regulations.

Ask questions so that you fully understand WHEN you will be paid and how MUCH your payment will be. The money you receive from the assistance agency is considered income and you must report it when you file for your income tax.

As a childcare provider who is starting a day care, you will have to decide if you want to enter into this type of agreement. It is certainly an option to consider.

Below is the website for the National Child Care Information and Technical Assistance Center. They will have a list of state agencies that you can share with parents who may be looking for help: http://nccic.acf.hhs.gov/Statedata/dirs/display.cfm?title=ccdf



The parents can contact your state agency to find out if they are eligible and also how they can apply for assistance. I would also suggest that you direct them to your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency. They are there to help families in need.

You/they can find the list of CCR&R agencies at Child Care Aware. Here is their website:

http://www.childcareaware.org

Here is their toll free number to find an agency where you are:

1-800-424-2246