Parent Information (Information for Parents About Child Care Assistance)

How To Apply For Low-Income Child Care Assistance

Contact the County Department of Social/Human Services of the county you live in to apply for child care assistance. You must fill out an application for child care services and provide information about your family including immunization information, income and your work or school program.

Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) Parent How-To-Swipe Informational Videos:

•  Full Length Video - shows a parent how to swipe their CCCAP card and the common errors parents experience and how to ensure a correct swipe.
  • Short Video - shows a parent how to swipe their CCCAP card.
  • Denial Video - shows a parent the common errors parents experience and how to ensure a correct swipe.

Submitting Employment Information

When you first apply for low-income child care assistance your child care worker may contact your employer by phone to verify hours and wages. You then have 30 days to supply written verification of your employment or education program. This is important! Benefits may be withheld if verification is not submitted. Let your worker know immediately if you cannot get the verification information.

Choosing A Child Care Provider

You must pick a child care provider for your children.  You can select a licensed child care center, a licensed family child care home, a friend, neighbor, or relative.  You will have to decide the type of care that will be best for your children and meets your family’s needs.  When choosing a provider look for signs that your child will be safe, developmentally stimulated, and encouraged to grow and learn.   Visit the Qualistar Colorado website for more information on quality child care or refer to the Parent Handbook you received from the county. You can check into any licensing history for licensed or registered providers.

Once you have chosen a provider you need to contact the county immediately so they can authorize care before you take your child to that provider. They will need the name, address and phone number of the provider along with whether they are licensed or not. You may be responsible to the provider for payment if you do not do this.

Notifying the County of Changes

In the Low-Income child care program, you must notify your child care worker of change in your eligibility activity within 4 weeks of the change.  You must also notify the county if your income exceeds the maximum allowed amount, of which your county will notify you. For your protection please provide that information in writing and you can use the county's Change of Eligibility Form. Report to the county any child care schedule change need of your child(ren).

Completing Your Low-Income Redetermination

Every twelve (12) months in the Low-Income program, you will be sent a redetermination of eligibility form which you can fill out online. This information is required for the county to determine if you still meet the eligibility requirements of the program.  You must turn in the signed form along with copies of the most recent three (3) months of income or education verification in the time specified or your child care will end.

Paying Your Parental Fees

You are required to pay a portion of your child care costs. This is called the parental fee schedule.   The amount paid is based on your gross income, the number of people in your household, and the number of children in care. The fee should be paid directly to your provider at the beginning of each month and it is the first money the provider will receive for providing care for your children. If you fail to pay the parental fee, child care benefits may end and you could be unable to receive benefits in the future. Your parental fees must be paid even if you change child care providers.  

The parental fee covers the amount of care agreed upon and is shown on your Child Care Assistance Program Authorization Eligibility Notice (Client).  Providers cannot charge you in excess of the county’s rate for your authorized child care even though their rates for private clients may be higher than the county’s rate.  However, providers can charge you for any hours used beyond those authorized on the certificate or late fees if you pick up your child after hours.

Moving From One County To Another

If you move from one county to another, there is no guarantee that your low-income child care benefits will transfer. Each county may have different eligibility criteria for Low-Income child care. Before you move, you must inform your child care worker and they can contact the county you are moving into and find out if your services can be transferred to the new county.

How To Receive Colorado Works Child Care Assistance

You will need to work with your TANF technician to receive this assistance.

How To Receive Child Welfare Child Care Assistance

You will need to work with your Child Welfare worker to receive this assistance.