Navigating the landscape of child care can be challenging for many families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Subsidized child care programs play a crucial role in bridging this gap, ensuring that low-income families and other eligible households can access quality care for their children. But What Is Enrolled In Subsidized Child Care Program, and how does it all work? This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview, focusing on the mechanics of subsidized child care, particularly for those interested in North Carolina’s program, and how providers can participate.
What is the Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program?
At its core, a subsidized child care program is designed to make child care more affordable for eligible families. These programs, often state or federally funded, share the cost of child care, significantly reducing the financial burden on parents. In North Carolina, the Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program (SCCA Program) operates statewide, helping over 100,000 children annually. This initiative ensures that parents, especially those striving for self-sufficiency through work or education, have access to safe and nurturing environments for their children during the day. While the program assists with costs, most families contribute a co-payment, the amount of which is determined by factors such as family size and income.
Enrollment for Child Care Providers: Becoming a Participating Provider
For child care providers, participating in the SCCA Program means becoming an approved provider, authorized to care for children receiving subsidy assistance. This process involves several key steps to ensure that providers meet certain standards and are properly set up to receive payments. In North Carolina, providers seeking to enroll in the SCCA Program must fulfill specific prerequisites:
- NC FAST Provider Portal Enrollment: Providers are required to register through the NC FAST Provider Portal, the state’s online system for managing social services programs.
- Direct Deposit Enrollment: Setting up direct deposit with the state’s designated vendor is mandatory for receiving subsidy payments efficiently.
- Provider Agreement Signature: Providers must sign a Provider Agreement, outlining the terms and conditions of participating in the SCCA Program.
- Rated License Requirement: A crucial eligibility criterion is holding a rated license of 3 stars or higher from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). Religious-sponsored programs, recognized under G.S. 110 – 106, need to possess a Notice of Compliance letter instead of a star-rated license.
The provider enrollment process serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it verifies the legal operation of the child care provider chosen by the parents. Secondly, it gathers essential rate information, which is crucial for payment approvals. Providers new to the SCCA Program will also need to visit their Local Purchasing Agency (LPA) in person for identity verification, presenting a photo ID and a copy of their DCDEE license. Detailed instructions and information can be found under the “Providers” tab, specifically within the “NC FAST” section on relevant state websites.
Step-by-Step Guide to Enrolling as a Subsidized Child Care Provider
If you are a child care provider in North Carolina and are considering enrolling in the Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program, here’s a step-by-step guide to navigate the process:
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Connect with Your County Child Care Contact: Your first step is to reach out to your County Child Care Contact. These contacts are invaluable resources for understanding the specifics of the SCCA Program and the enrollment requirements in your county. It’s important to carefully evaluate the program requirements to ensure they align with your program’s capabilities and operational style. There is no obligation to enroll if the program doesn’t seem like the right fit for your child care facility.
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Obtain a Business NCID and Link it in NC FAST: To initiate enrollment, you’ll need to secure a Business NCID (NC Identity Management system ID). After obtaining your Business NCID, contact your County Department of Social Services (DSS) or LPA. Provide them with your NCID so they can link it to your provider record within the NC FAST system. Once linked, you will gain access to the Provider Portal at http://providerportal.nc.gov.
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Complete Enrollment in the NC FAST Provider Portal: The final step involves logging into the NC FAST Provider Portal to input comprehensive information about your child care facility. This includes details such as operating shifts, days of operation, and your private pay rates. Upon entering all required information, an approval notice is generated. This document officially informs the LPA that your facility is eligible to receive state and federal subsidy funds for child care services. The approval notice contains critical information, including your approved payment rate, the age range of children you are approved to care for, your capacity, facility ID number, license number, and any changes in licensing status. The Provider Agreement is also signed electronically within the portal using e-signature. It’s important to note that after your initial enrollment, you will need to re-enroll annually through the portal to maintain your participation in the SCCA Program. Both the Provider Agreement and the Approval Notice PDFs can be accessed and downloaded from the NC FAST Provider Portal for your records.
Understanding Market Rates for Subsidized Child Care
Participating providers should also be aware of the county market rates for subsidized child care, which are essential for understanding the reimbursement structure. You can access and review the new county market rates for both Family Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers that are licensed with 1 to 5 stars. These rates provide a benchmark for subsidy payments and help providers understand the financial aspects of participating in the SCCA program.
By understanding what is enrolled in subsidized child care program and the enrollment process, child care providers can play a vital role in supporting families and ensuring that more children have access to quality early childhood education. Enrolling in the SCCA program is not just a procedural step; it’s an opportunity to contribute to the community and build a sustainable child care program that benefits both families and providers. For further assistance and to begin your enrollment journey, reach out to your County Child Care Contact today.
