It is important to know that your child is well cared for while you are at work or going to school. One of the most important decisions you will ever make as a parent or guardian is choosing quality, affordable child care. Children are special and unique and deserve the best start possible so that they are ready to learn when they enter school.
Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can help to make quality child care affordable for income-eligible families. All families will have a copayment based on their gross income and family size. Child Care Assistance is available to:
Families participating in Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) • Families that had an MFIP case close within the last 12 months • Low-income families that may be eligible for the Basic Sliding Fee program The Child Care Assistance Program can help families pay child care costs for children up to age 12, and for children with special needs up to age 14. Child care costs may be paid for qualifying families while they go to work, look for work or attend school. To qualify for CCAP, families must comply with child support enforcement if applicable for all children in the family. Care must be provided by a legal child care provider over the age of 18. An annual summary of statistical information about families and children participating in CCAP is available in the Child Care Assistance Program Family Profile.
Family size, family income and participation in authorized activities are considered. The amount of available funding also may be a factor. In some Minnesota counties there is a waiting list for access to day care under the Basic Sliding Fee program.
CCAP has two types of rates that are used to determine the maximum amount for reimbursement to child care providers who serve CCAP families:
- Current maximum rates
- Current maximum rates with accreditation/credential differential
