*** The Health Care Programs Manual (HCPM) has been replaced by the Minnesota Health Care Programs Eligibility Policy Manual (EPM) as of June 1, 2016. Please refer to the EPM for current health care program policy information. ***
Effective: August 1, 2009 |
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30.20 - Child Care Needs |
Archived: June 1, 2016 (Previous Version) |
There are several child care subsidy programs to help low and moderate income families pursue employment or education leading to economic self-sufficiency by subsidizing their child care. Some are designed specifically for current and former MFIP participants. Others are open to all families that meet eligibility guidelines, subject to funding availability. These programs are administered by DHS.
Basic Sliding Fee Child Care Program.
Transition Year Child Care Program.
Non-MFIP Post-Secondary Program.
TITLE XX/CSSA Child Care Program.
Child Care Resource and Referral.
Basic Sliding Fee Child Care Program
The Basic Sliding Fee Child Care Program is supervised by the DHS Transition to Economic Stability Division. People must meet the income guidelines, published by DHS annually. Priorities for the Basic Sliding Fee program are:
1. Non-MFIP caretakers without a GED or high school diploma (with higher priorities for younger caretakers).
2. Non-MFIP families finishing their transition year (the first year following MFIP termination due to increased earnings or a combination of earnings and child support).
3. Portability pool (current child care participants who move to another county that has a waiting list).
4. Families in which at least one parent is a veteran. A veteran is a U.S. citizen or resident noncitizen separated under honorable conditions from any branch of the U.S. armed forces after:
n serving on active duty for 181 consecutive days,
n incurring a disability while serving on active duty,
n meeting the active duty requirement, or
n having active duty service certified as a discharge under honorable conditions.
5. Additional county-set priorities, which includes all other families within the income range.
Refer people to their county of residence to apply for basic sliding fee child care.
The MFIP Child Care Program is also supervised by DHS and is limited to certain MFIP families.
Transition Year Child Care Program
The Transition Year Child Care Program is also supervised by DHS and may be available for former MFIP recipients during the first 12 months after leaving MFIP due to increased earnings or a combination of earnings and child support, if they need child care to retain employment.
Non-MFIP Post-Secondary Program
This program is administered by the Minnesota Higher Education Services Office and offers child care assistance to non-MFIP caretakers who are pursuing post-secondary education. Refer clients to the school's financial aid office for information.
TITLE XX/CSSA Child Care Program
The Title XX Community Social Services Act (CSSA) Child Care Program is administered by county social service agencies. The program is available for participants engaging in social and health related activities that are not covered through the other Child Care Assistance Programs administered by DHS.
Child Care Resource and Referral
Minnesota has a Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for each region in the state. In the metro area there is a CCR&R agency for each county. State law requires these agencies to provide up-to-date information on all types of licensed child care, including family day care, center care, half-day programs, Head Start, drop-in programs, and school-age programs.
Clients calling the designated CCR&R agency for their area will receive a computerized list matching their child care needs to those providers with openings to meet their needs. Information includes hours of care needed, ages of children, openings, rates, location, school districts, pets, smoking or non-smoking, special needs, training of provider, transportation, and program philosophy.
Clients will receive detailed information, both through phone counseling and written materials, on how to choose child care, parents' rights in choosing care, indicators of quality, how to set up a good parent/provider interview, and how to negotiate a good parent/provider contract.
For more information on the CCR&R program or agencies, contact the DHS Transition to Economic Stability Division.