Part 4: Understanding and Applying to Be a Child Care Subsidy Provider
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What is the Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP)?
CCSP helps eligible families to pay for child care so parents can work, go to school, or participate in a job training program. CCSP is also available for eligible families where the adult(s) are retired and are the legal guardian of a child.
Where can families go to get more information and to learn how to apply for CCSP? As a child care business owner/provider you can also learn more about the process that parents go through by visiting this site.
How Do I Get Started as a Provider?
- Go the State of Maine’s Child Care Subsidy Information for Providers’ webpage to learn more.
- Under “Rules” click on the 10-148, Ch. 6 – Child Care Subsidy Program Rules (PDF), and download this go-to guide for information.
- Next, under “Documents and Information”, scroll down to “Child Care Provider Agreement” and click on the one that pertains to your business to download the PDF:
- Licensed Child Care (PDF) (includes a child care facility and a family child care).
- Licensed-Exempt Child Care Provider (PDF)
- Relative Licensed-Exempt Child Care Provider (PDF)
- Within the provider agreement you will provide information about the place of your business, hours of care you provide, ages and number of children, sign a provider agreement, a W-9 vendor form, an example of sign in/sign out sheet, direct deposit banking forms, billing information, and information about the Maine Childcare Market Rates, effective in 2021.
- To participate in the Child Care Subsidy Program your licensed child care facility/family child care program must be enrolled in the Quality for ME, Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS).
- All staff must complete the On-Demand CCDF Health and Safety Training. You can find guidance for how to sign up for the training by reviewing this resource.
- Annually, all staff must complete a renewal version of this health and safety training. You will NOT be prompted to complete this, it’s a good idea to keep this within their employee files as a reminder.
Need Assistance with the CCSP Process?
Contact Information for CCSP:
- By phone at 1-877-680-5866 or (207) 624-7999
- By email at CCSP.DHHS@maine.gov
- By fax at (207) 287-6308
- A listing of Financial Resource Specialists, by county, can be found on the Maine DHHS, Paying for Child Care webpage. Scroll down to the Child Care Subsidy Program Contacts.