Child Care Resource and Referral Network

The CCRRN administers the Department of Human Services Child Care Assistance Program. Listed below are the current program facts:

The IDHS child care assistance program serves all working families with incomes that meet the income guidelines and/or that are in an approved education or training program.

Families can get help paying for child care services if a child (children) is under age 13.

Parent (s) can choose the child care provider who best fits their individual needs.

If the parent is enrolled in a below post-secondary education (literacy, adult education, etc…) or occupational/vocational programs (cosmetology, electrical, etc…) the client must maintain a "C" average or comparable grade as determined by the institution.  The parent is not required to work for the first two years on this program.  After the initial two year period, the parent is required to work 20 hours per week.

If the parent is enrolled in Post-Secondary Education (Associate or Bachelor degree program), there is no work requirement for the first four years on this program and must maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.  After the intial 4 year period, the parent is required to work at least 20 hours per week.

Families who are eligible and have been approved for child care benefits, eligibility will be redetermined every six months. Eligibility may be redetermined sooner if there is a change in income, family size or at The Department's discretion.

All parents are required to share in the cost of child care for their children.  Parents MUST make a payment, called the Parent Co-Payment to their child care provider each week or once a month.  The amount of the parent co-payment is based on gross monthly income, family size and number of children receiving child care.  The Department will pay your provider directly for the REMAINING child care charges up to the maximum rate.  The Department will not pay for any child care charges over the maximum rate.

A family is considered income eligible when the combined gross monthly income of all family membersis at or below the amounts listed below for the corresponding family size.  In two-parent families, both incomes must be combined to determine eligibility.  Two-parent families include those with 2 or more adults living in the home, such as the applicant and his or her spouse or parents of a common child in the home

Income Categories to be Eligible for Child Care Assistance Payments (As of 7/1/12):

The above income guidelines will be indexed annually so that the thresholds are no less than 185% of the federal poverty level for each family size.

Documentation must be secured for all income and maintained in the family eligibility file prior to approval for child care payments.

Parents are responsible for providing income verification and all other information required by the Department in order to determine eligibility for child care services.

The IDHS web site has a Child Care Assistance Program Eligibility Calculator. This calculator allows you to estimate if you would qualify for assistance.

Other Information, Forms and Links:

What Parents Should Know

What Providers Should Know

Are you a provider? Check payment status.

Need an application? Download the new updated IDHS Child Care Assistance Program application. You will need Adobe Acrobat to view the application.

Redetermination Form

Change of Information Form

Change of Child Care Provider Form

Parent Change of Address Form

Provider Change of Address Form

Note: After completing the application or any forms, you must mail it to us or bring it in to the office. We cannot accept an electronic version of the application.