The KentucKy Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is designed to provide financial support to families in Kentucky, helping them afford quality child care services. Administered by the Kentucky Division of Child Care, with application assistance from the Division of Family Support, CCAP ensures that eligible families can access safe and nurturing environments for their children while they work or attend school. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the KY child care assistance program, covering application processes, eligibility criteria, cost considerations, and important program details.
Applying for the KY Child Care Assistance Program
Applying for the Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program is a straightforward process, designed for easy access. Kentucky residents can apply through two primary methods:
- By Phone: Applicants can call the dedicated CCAP phone line at (855) 306-8959 to initiate their application.
- Online via kynect: The online application portal is available through kynect, Kentucky’s integrated health and social services system.
Assistance is readily available for individuals who may need language support or have disabilities. Free interpreter services can be accessed by calling (866) 291-8931. For other forms of assistance or for TTY services, individuals can call (855) 306-8959 or (800) 627-4720 (TTY). These services ensure that the application process is accessible to everyone in Kentucky, regardless of their circumstances.
Eligibility Requirements for the KY Child Care Assistance Program
Eligibility for the Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program is determined based on specific criteria outlined in 922 KAR 2:160. Prospective applicants can utilize the Prescreening Tool available on the kynect website to quickly assess their potential eligibility before formally applying.
For detailed information on eligibility requirements, applicants can refer to the CCAP Eligibility Flyer and the Spanish CCAP Eligibility Flyer. These flyers provide a concise overview of the criteria that must be met to qualify for the Kentucky child care assistance program.
Understanding Child Care Costs with KY CCAP
Once a family is approved for the Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program, understanding the breakdown of child care costs is essential. The child care provider will inform the family of their share of the costs. Payments are typically made on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly schedule. Several factors contribute to the total payment:
- Tuition: This is the standard rate charged by the child care provider for their services, usually a weekly amount. It’s important to note that providers participating in the KY child care assistance program cannot charge CCAP families differently than families paying privately. Any discrepancies in tuition charges should be reported to the Division of Regulated Child Care.
- State Maximum Rate: This is the maximum daily amount the state of Kentucky will contribute towards child care costs. This rate varies, and specific values are available in the DCC-300, Kentucky Child Care Maximum Payment Rate Chart.
- Co-pay: Based on the family’s pre-tax income and size, a co-pay is the portion of the state rate that the family is responsible for. A detailed co-pay breakdown can be found in 922 KAR 2:160 which governs the Child Care Assistance Program.
- Overage: If a child care provider’s tuition exceeds the state maximum rate and the family’s co-pay, the remaining amount is termed “overage.” Families may or may not be responsible for this overage, depending on the specific tuition charges.
- Additional Fees: Child care providers may charge extra fees for enrollment, application, or materials. Typically, the Kentucky child care assistance program does not cover these optional fees. However, in specific cases, such as for families receiving KTAP or those involved in child protective services, enrollment fees may be covered under certain conditions. Providers must request enrollment fee coverage in writing from the billing department, including the child’s name and case number. Coverage is limited to $100 per family per year and can only be paid once within a 12-month period.
For illustrative examples of child care expenses under the program, refer to the Child Care Expense Examples document.
Potential for Fraud and Misuse
It’s crucial to be aware that intentionally violating the rules, policies, or statutes of the Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program is considered fraud. Such actions can lead to criminal convictions and termination of program benefits and payments.
Fraudulent activity is defined as deliberately misrepresenting information to gain unauthorized access to services or payments. Common examples of parental fraud include failing to report changes that affect program eligibility, such as:
- Changes in income (hourly rate or number of hours worked).
- Changes in household size (individuals moving in or out of the home).
- Changes of address.
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date information with the program is essential to avoid any potential fraud allegations.
Kentucky Child Care Market Rate Study
To ensure that the Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program remains aligned with the actual costs of child care, the state conducts a Kentucky Child Care Market Rate Study every two years. This study gathers data on the prevailing costs of child care services across the state through surveys of child care providers. Participation in this survey is mandatory for all licensed child care providers in Kentucky.
The results of these studies help inform the state’s maximum payment rates and overall program effectiveness. The 2024 Kentucky Child Care Market Rate Study and the 2020 COVID-19 Workforce/Market Rate Survey are publicly available for review.
Documentation and Further Resources
For additional information and documentation related to the Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program, please refer to the following resources:
- Consumer Education Statement
- DCC-300 Kentucky Child Care Maximum Payment Rates Chart
- DCC-113 Facts About the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
These documents provide further details about the program’s policies, procedures, and payment structures, ensuring families and providers have access to all necessary information. The Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program is a vital resource for working families, and understanding its intricacies is key to utilizing it effectively.
