CALL TOLL FREE 1-866-982-9226

Child care services FAQs

Child Care Eligibility & Application Questions

CSS HIDE
CCA ATTENDANCE CARD NOTICE

IMPORTANT 2021 ATTENDANCE NOTICE

On Wednesday, March 31, use of the Child Care Automated Attendance (CCAA) system will end. Beginning April 1, parents/guardians will NO longer need to use their swipe card or call the 800 number to report attendance. Use the links below to view the parent letter and additional details.
 
 
Q: How do I apply for Child Care Services (CCS)?

Click one of the buttons below to apply. You have the option to apply online or you can print the paper application and fax it or scan and email it to us.  If you’re applying online, make sure you click the “Submit” button at the end of the application. If you have issues with the online application, please email us and let us know and fill out the paper application.

You will receive a letter telling you if you have been placed on the wait list. When there are openings, we will contact families in our priority groups, then families who have been on the waiting list for the longest period of time. A 12-day letter will be sent to you with a list of documents we need from you to determine if you are eligible. When all information has been received and eligibility determined, an appointment will be set for you. You will be e-mailed or called.

 

Apply OnlinePrint Paper Application
Q: I start work on Monday. How long do I have to wait for child care assistance?

You must first apply online and be placed on the CCS waiting list. The CCS program has recently changed and eligibility is now determined once every 12 months instead of 6 months. Funding for CCS assistance is limited and the waiting list is longer than it was in the past. We cannot give a timeline for enrollment from the wait list. Remember you must contact us every ninety (90) days to keep your place on the waiting list.

Q: Do I have to open a child support case with OAG to be eligible for CCS?

No, this is no longer a requirement for CCS eligibility.

Q: Once I am on the waiting list, what do I need to do?

You must call the CCS office every ninety (90) days and tell us that you still need care. If you don’t call us, you will lose your place on the waiting list and have to reapply.

Q: Can I apply for child care if I work but my spouse is disabled?

Yes. If your spouse is permanently disabled and you are working at least 25 hours per week, you may be eligible.

Q: If my spouse is not working or going to school can I still apply for child care assistance?

No, unless your husband has a permanent medical disability, you both must be working, going to school or in job training to be eligible.

Q: My spouse and I were both working when we got on the program, but he lost his job. Will child care be terminated?

Not immediately. Your spouse has 3 months to find another job, start school, or enter a job training program. Your child care may continue after that depending on what you are doing. Please notify your case worker to determine if your Parent Share of Cost fee can be reduced.

Q: My spouse and I separated and we have 2 children enrolled in CCS. One child lives with me and the other lives with the father. How will we pay the fees?

Each parent will have to have their own case. Each parent will pay the child care provider a fee for the child living in their household.

Q: I want my mom to care for my children. What do I need to do?

Your mom must become a listed child care provider with the Department of Family and Protective Services before she can provide care for your child through the CCS program. To learn how your mom can become a provider, click on the “How to Become a Relative Provider” button from our Provider Information web page. Once she is listed, you will both need to attend an orientation class with us.

Absence & Attendance Questions

CSS HIDE
CCA ATTENDANCE CARD NOTICE

IMPORTANT 2021 ATTENDANCE NOTICE

On Wednesday, March 31, use of the Child Care Automated Attendance (CCAA) system will end. Beginning April 1, parents/guardians will NO longer need to use their swipe card or call the 800 number to report attendance. Use the links below to view the parent letter and additional details.
 
 
Q: Can I throw away my Attendance Cards?

Yes, after April 1, parents will no longer report attendance using an attendance card.

Q: Why don’t I have to report attendance anymore?

TWC wants to implement a new attendance reporting system.  A new temporary system will be used until TWC adopts a new system. 

Q: How many absences can my child have now?

Once a child has been absent for 5 consecutive days 8 times (this equals 40 absence) termination of child care will begin.

Q: How will attendance and absences be reported?

Child Care Providers will only report absences now, but they won’t report every absence.  Providers will submit a “Provider Notice” after a child has been absent for 5 consecutive days. 

Q: What is a Provider Notice?

A Provider Notice will be sent to your Local Workforce Board when your child has been absent for 5 consecutive days. One Provider Notice = 5 consecutive absences, 2 provider notices means that your child was absent for 5 consecutive days twice.

Q: Will parents be notified when a Provider Notice is submitted?
  • Once a child has 3 provider notices, a 15-day absence notification will be sent to parents.
  • Once a child has 6 provider notices, a 30-day absence notification will be sent to parents.
  • Once a child has 8 provider notices during current 12-month eligibility period, child care termination will begin. Eight (8) provider notices equal 40 absences.
Q: Will my child’s current absences be erased?

Yes, the start date FOR EVRY CHILD CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN CCS will be reset to April 1, 2021.

Q: Will my child’s court ordered visit with their dad be counted as absences?

You must tell your Provider in advance of the court-ordered visit, so they know not to submit a Provider Notice.

Offices & Centers Closed | Workshops & Orientations Canceled

FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Our workforce centers and administrative offices are closed Thursday, Feb. 18, due to inclement weather. All events, including virtual workshops, orientations, tax preparation and other in-person appointments, have been canceled. If you have questions, please email us at questions@hotworkforce.com, and our staff will respond as soon as possible.