The Child Care Subsidy
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The CCCH and POD programs use a sliding fee scale for families that meet the income requirements. The subsidy amount is determined by the case worker and may vary depending on the family’s monthly income, family size, hours of activity or child care need, type and cost of care, as compared with allowable DHS maximum subsidy amounts. The eligibility conditions are reviewed monthly. Families may be required to pay some of the child care costs. See §17-798.1-14, for the tiered rate chart (effective 07/27/02) and more information.
The subsidy is paid directly to families for the child care services received. Families are issued an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and select a personal identification Number (PIN) during the intake interview. Families access their child care benefit by using the EBT card at ATM machines that bear the “Quest” symbol. A direct deposit option is also available.
Each family has different child care needs and preferences. The parent/guardian chooses the child care provider most appropriate for their child. Guidance and materials are provided during the office visit, to help make this important choice.
The subsidies can pay for a variety of legal child care settings including: child care providers in their own home, care by relatives or friends in their home, before and after school programs, and preschools. However, the child care provider, if not licensed by DHS, will need to have child abuse/neglect and criminal history background checks completed by DHS staff before approval can be given to receive a DHS child care subsidy. This is to help ensure a safe child care setting for the children. Parents will receive information about these requirements from the CCCH staff.
For assistance in locating licensed child care providers in your community, you may contact People Attentive to Children (PATCH) for a current listing. The State contracts for resource and referral services with this agency. See Child Care Services Links for their website information, and Additional Child Care Resources for the phone numbers where you may contact their offices.
