Unlock Affordable Child Care: The Child Care Certificate Program Explained

Navigating the costs of child care can be challenging for many families. Fortunately, the Child Care Certificate Program offers crucial financial assistance to eligible families, ensuring that parents can access quality care for their children while pursuing work, education, or recovery. This program, sometimes referred to as the subsidized child care program, is a state initiative designed to support various demographics, including participants in Families First, parents transitioning off assistance, working parents, those in post-secondary education, teen parents, and foster children. Eligibility for this vital support is determined by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) or the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) for children in foster care.

Teacher helping children play with building blocks in a bright daycare setting

The TDHS is committed to easing the financial burden of child care through several assistance programs tailored to meet diverse family needs. Let’s explore the eligibility requirements for each to see if your family could benefit from this invaluable support.

Understanding the Eligibility Requirements for the Child Care Certificate Program

The Child Care Certificate Program encompasses several categories, each with specific eligibility criteria designed to support different family situations.

Families First Participants

For families actively participating in the Families First program, child care assistance is available to facilitate their progress towards the goals outlined in their Personal Responsibility Plan (PRP). Eligibility within this category is determined by TDHS Family Assistance staff, ensuring that child care support is aligned with the family’s plan for self-sufficiency.

Transitional Child Care (TCC)

Transitional Child Care (TCC), also known as Transitional Families First (TFF), is a vital bridge for families who have recently transitioned off Families First cash assistance. For a period of 18 months post-closure of these benefits, families can receive TCC to support their continued independence. To qualify, parents must be working a minimum of thirty hours per week, which can include self-employment, education, or training. Eligibility for TCC is reviewed every twelve months to ensure ongoing support for families in transition.

At-Risk Child Care Program

The At-Risk Child Care program (ARCO) is specifically designed to support guardians in Families First child-only cases, such as grandparents, aunts, or uncles who have taken on the care of a relative child. To be eligible for ARCO, these guardians must also be engaged in work or education for at least thirty hours per week, mirroring the requirements for TCC and emphasizing the importance of work and education in achieving family stability.

Smart Steps Child Care Payment Assistance

Smart Steps Child Care Payment Assistance is available to families who meet specific income criteria and are either working or enrolled in post-secondary education programs. This program is designed for families with children from six weeks of age up to kindergarten entry age. Notably, families do not need to be recipients of other TDHS benefits to qualify for Smart Steps, making it a broadly accessible option for working and student parents seeking affordable child care solutions.

Teen Parent Child Care Program

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by young parents, the Teen Parent Child Care Program provides support to teen parents who are currently enrolled in and attending high school and meet established income guidelines. Assistance is available whether the teen parent lives at home with their parents or is emancipated and living independently. Verification of school enrollment can be provided through written or verbal communication from school staff, simplifying the process for young parents to access this crucial support.

SNAP Employment and Training Child Care Program

For parents participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training Program (SNAP E&T), the SNAP Employment and Training Child Care Program offers crucial support. This assistance is available to parents who are actively enrolled in and participating in the Employment Training Program through the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Eligibility for this program is determined by the Department of Workforce and Development SNAP E&T staff, linking child care support directly to workforce development initiatives.

TN Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Child Care Payment Assistance Program

The TN Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Child Care Payment Assistance Program is a specialized program serving parents who are enrolled in designated treatment and recovery programs through the TN Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS). Eligibility for this program is determined by TDMHSAS staff, ensuring that parents engaged in crucial recovery programs have access to reliable child care, supporting their journey to well-being.

Re-Employment Child Care Payment Assistance Program

The Re-Employment Child Care Payment Assistance Program is tailored for parents enrolled in the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment Program (RESEA) through the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Referrals to this program are made by TDLWD staff. To be eligible, a parent’s household income must be below the 85th percentile of the State Median Income for the current Federal Fiscal year, ensuring that this assistance reaches those who need it most during re-employment efforts.

DCS Child Care Payment Assistance

TDHS also administers the child care certificate and payment processes for the Department of Children’s Services (DCS). DCS provides the funding and manages fund utilization, while county and regional DCS staff handle child care referrals and local fund management. This collaboration ensures that children in the DCS system also have access to necessary child care support.

Applying for the Child Care Certificate Program: A Step-by-Step Guide

Accessing the Child Care Certificate Program is designed to be as straightforward as possible, with multiple application options available.

Online Application

The most convenient method is to apply online through the One DHS Customer Portal. This digital platform allows you to submit your application and manage your case efficiently from anywhere with internet access.

Offline Application Options

Alternatively, you can complete a paper application and submit it via fax, mail, or in person at your local TDHS office. This option caters to those who prefer a more traditional application process or require in-person assistance. Application forms are available in multiple languages including Spanish, Arabic, and Somali to ensure accessibility for all families.

Need Assistance or Want to Change Providers?

For any questions or assistance regarding your application or ongoing child care payments, the One DHS Contact Center is readily available at 1-833-772-TDHS (8347). You can also submit inquiries through the One DHS General Inquiry webform. If you need to transfer your child to a new provider, this can be easily managed through your One DHS Customer Portal account, under the ‘Benefits Dashboard’ and ‘My Cases’ section.

Important Application Note: Ensure you submit all required verification documents with your application to avoid delays. The necessary documents are clearly listed on the first page of the application form. Note that Families First applicants follow a different application process through the Families First link, not the standard application form.

It’s also important to be aware that some child care assistance programs may require a co-payment based on income and household size. During the application process, you can also discuss potential eligibility for other support programs like SNAP/Food Stamps, TennCare/Medicaid, and Families First/TANF, creating a holistic approach to family support.

Did You Know? Flexibility and Choice in Child Care

Once approved for child care payment assistance, families have the freedom to choose the type of care that best suits their needs. A Find Child Care locator tool is available to help families find TDHS licensed or Department of Education (DOE) approved agencies. The chosen agency must participate in or agree to participate in the Child Care Certificate program. For those in Families First Child Care, Transitional Child Care, or At-Risk Child Only Child Care, there’s even the option to choose an individual care provider. In such cases, the individual’s home must meet health and safety guidelines, pass a background check, and complete health and safety training before approval. TDHS sets reimbursement rates and directly pays the approved provider, simplifying the financial transactions for families.