Understanding the Foster Care Assistance Program for Child Care

Child Care Payment Assistance, often referred to as the subsidized child care program, includes crucial support through the Child Care Certificate Program. This state initiative is designed to aid various groups, notably children in foster care, alongside Families First participants, parents transitioning from Families First, working parents, parents in post-secondary education, and teen parents. For children specifically within foster care, eligibility for this program is determined by the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) staff, while for other categories, the Department of Human Services (TDHS) staff handles eligibility assessments. TDHS offers financial aid to help eligible families manage child care expenses through several child care assistance programs.

Who Qualifies for Foster Care Child Care Assistance?

Children in foster care are specifically eligible for child care payment assistance. The eligibility for foster children is determined by the Department of Children’s Services (DCS). This ensures that foster parents and caregivers receive the necessary financial support to access quality child care, allowing them to better support the children in their care.

For other categories, the eligibility criteria are as follows:

Smart Steps Program Applicants: Parents applying for the Smart Steps program must have an income below the 85th percentile of the State Median Income. This income threshold is detailed in the Income Eligibility and Parent Co-Pay Fee Table. Eligible children must be between six weeks and kindergarten age, and parents must be working, in post-secondary education, or a combination of both for at least 30 hours per week.
Teen Parent Program Participants: High school or middle school mothers who are enrolled in the Teen Parent program and remain in school are eligible.
Families First Program Participants: Parents participating in the Families First program who need child care to fulfill their personal responsibility plan’s work activities are eligible.
Transitional Child Care Assistance: Parents whose Families First case has closed may receive transitional child care assistance for up to 18 months post-closure, provided each parent works an average of 30 hours or more weekly.
Non-Parental Guardians in Families First: Non-parental guardians in the Families First program needing child care for a related child are eligible if the guardian works, trains, or attends education for an average of 30 or more hours per week.

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Applying for Foster Care Assistance and Other Child Care Payment Programs

To apply for Child Care Payment Assistance, including foster care assistance, there are several convenient methods:

Apply Online via the One DHS Customer Portal

Applying online through the One DHS Customer Portal is the recommended method for its efficiency and ease of use.

Alternatively, you can use paper applications, which can be downloaded and submitted via fax, mail, or in person at your local TDHS office:

Important: Ensure all required verification documents are submitted with your application, whether online or paper-based, for complete processing.

Required Documents for Application

To complete your application and determine eligibility for the Child Care Payment Assistance program, including for foster children, you will need to provide several documents for verification. These typically include:

Identification Documents (for each parent/guardian):

Driver’s License
State Issued ID
Voter’s Registration Card (Tennessee)
I-94 Card
Passport

Proof of Current Residence (in parent/guardian’s name):

Rent/lease agreement
Mortgage receipt
Utility bill

Citizenship Verification (for each child needing care):

U.S. Passport
Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (DHS Forms N-560 or N-561)
Birth certificate
Hospital, clinic, or doctor records
Report or Certificate of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen

Relationship Verification (if applicable):

Marriage Certificate, Court Orders, Birth Certificate, etc., to verify relationships with spouse/partner, siblings, and other children.

Income Verification (for each parent/guardian):

Recent check stubs (for the last eight weeks)
Employer statement on company letterhead (if employed recently or if wage/hours changed within eight weeks)
Federal 1040 (for self-employment verification, most recent year)
Award Letters
Self-Employment Reporting and Verification Form HS-3177
Child Care Certificate Program Verification of Employment Form hs-3550
Child Support Verification (court order, payment records)

School/College Enrollment Verification (for parents/guardians):

Current class schedule verifying registration and attendance per semester/quarter.

Additional Verifications:

Any other documents as requested to determine eligibility.

Note for Families First Recipients: If you are a Family First participant, reach out to your Client Service Representative for specific guidance on eligibility.

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Finding a Child Care Provider

Locating a child care provider is made easy through the Find Child Care tool. You can search for providers by address, provider name, or county. For those using child care payment assistance, ensure to filter for providers who “Accepts Child Care Assistance Program.” This filter helps identify providers that are approved to receive payments through the Child Care Certificate Program, including foster care assistance.

Understanding Your Co-Pay

If you are deemed eligible for child care payment assistance, including foster care for children, your co-pay will be determined based on your income and the number of children in care. The co-pay chart provides an estimate, but you will receive a precise amount upon qualification. Timely and consistent co-payments are crucial to maintain your child care services. Failure to pay may result in termination from the child care program.

Current State Rate and QRIS Rating Bonus Table

Transferring Child Care Providers

To request a transfer of child care providers, you can do so through your One DHS Customer Portal account. After logging in, navigate to the ‘Benefits Dashboard’ and find the ‘My Cases’ section. Then, select ‘Change Provider’ to access and complete the transfer request form.

Note for Family First Recipients: Family First participants should contact their assigned Client Service Representative for assistance with transfer requests.

Additional Resources for Parents and Guardians

For more helpful resources for parents, you can visit here. This page provides information on choosing the right child care, types of providers in Tennessee, and how the state evaluates child care services. It also highlights the significance of regular check-ups and developmental screenings for children.

Information on safe sleep practices for babies is available here.

Furthermore, if you are exploring child care payment assistance, you might also be eligible for other support programs listed here, which can assist with various needs.

Questions or Support

For any questions regarding child care payment assistance, including foster care assistance, please contact the One DHS Contact Center at 1-833-772-TDHS (8347). You can also submit inquiries via the One DHS General Inquiry webform, available by clicking here.

Customer Experience Survey

Help improve services by sharing your experience applying for child care payment assistance through this customer survey.