Child care and early education: Policies and procedures
Resources, links to partner organizations and tips for getting work done.
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Resources, links to partner organizations and tips for getting work done.
New training requirements were established by the federal government as part of the most recent reauthorization of the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Act. It provides Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) with more than $90 million annually. To continue to receive CCAP payments and remain registered with the program, child care and early learning providers must complete the required health and safety training by Sept. 30, 2017. For further information, visit the page, Child Care Assistance Program: 2017 federal training requirements.
Legal nonlicensed providers who are reimbursed for child care costs by the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and serve at least one unrelated child must be monitored annually for compliance with health and safety requirements. Results of those visits must be posted publicly.
Child care and school-age care programs can get help becoming accredited from the Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children (MnAEYC)-Minnesota School-Age Care Alliance (MnSACA). For more information, visit MnAEYC-MnSACA’s accreditation website, call 651-789-3587, or email professionaldevelopment@mnaeyc-mnsaca.org.
Reimbursement for half of the direct cost of child care center and family child care accreditation may be available. For more information, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services Child Development Services Unit at 651-431-3809 or email dhs.child.care@state.mn.us.
Local Child Care Aware programs may have grants available to help with the accreditation process. Contact your local Child Care Aware agency by calling 888-291-9811 or visiting the Child Care Aware.
If your program is accredited from one of the following organizations, you may be able to receive higher rates for higher quality care when serving children receiving subsidies through the Child Care Assistance Program. In addition, your program can pursue a fast-track Parent Aware rating through the Accelerated Rating Pathway process, and apply for reimbursement of half of the direct cost of accreditation fees.
Use the CCAP Quality Differential Rate Request Form DHS-4795 (PDF) to identify qualifying credentials and/or accreditations and request the higher rate.
Accrediting organizations can apply to have their accreditation approved by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The application process is open each summer, with applications due by August 15. Accrediting organizations interested in applying should send an email to dhs.ccap@state.mn.us. Read the this accreditation approval process Frequently asked questions DHS-6450 (PDF) document to learn more.
Help serve children with special needs and challenging behaviors in child care settings through the Center for Inclusive Child Care.
The Child Care Assistance Program can pay a higher rate for children with special needs if children require higher levels of care for their age due to a physical, behavioral or medical disability. The disability must be documented, and the provider must explain why the child needs a higher than normal level of care, what their extra costs are and what steps they have taken to meet those needs. To ask for a special needs rate for an individual child, the parent and provider must complete the CCAP Special Needs Rate Variance Request DHS-4194 (PDF), include proof of the child's special needs due to disability and submit the form to the child's case worker.
Library of recent DHS Bulletins, the official communication to inform county and tribal staff, as well as other department business partners, about program changes and required actions by workers and partner agencies.