The Child Care Certificate Program in TN, also known as the subsidized child care program, offers crucial financial assistance to eligible families in Tennessee, ensuring access to quality child care. Administered by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) and the Department of Children’s Services (DCS), this program supports various demographics, including participants in Families First, working parents, those in education, teen parents, and foster families. Understanding the intricacies of this program is the first step towards securing the support your family needs.
Understanding Eligibility for the Child Care Certificate Program TN
Eligibility for the Child Care Certificate Program Tn is determined based on various categories, each with specific requirements designed to support different family circumstances. Let’s explore these categories in detail:
Families First Participants
For families actively participating in the Families First program, child care assistance is available to facilitate their engagement in approved activities outlined in their Personal Responsibility Plan (PRP). Eligibility for this category is determined by TDHS Family Assistance staff, ensuring that child care support aligns with the family’s goals towards self-sufficiency. This support is integral to enabling parents to pursue work, training, or education, contributing to the overall success of the Families First initiative.
Transitional Child Care (TCC)
Transitional Child Care (TCC), sometimes referred to as Transitional Families First (TFF), bridges the gap for families transitioning off Families First cash assistance. For up to 18 months after Families First benefits cease, eligible families can receive TCC. A key requirement for TCC is that parents must be working at least 30 hours per week, which can include self-employment, education, or training. Eligibility for TCC is reassessed every 12 months to ensure continued need and compliance with program criteria, providing a stable support system during this critical transition period.
At-Risk Child Care Program (ARCO)
The At-Risk Child Care program (ARCO) is specifically designed to support guardians in Families First child-only cases. These guardians, often grandparents, aunts, or uncles caring for relative children, can access ARCO if they are working and/or attending school. Similar to TCC, ARCO requires guardians to be engaged in paid work, self-employment, or education/training for a minimum of 30 hours per week. ARCO recognizes the unique challenges faced by these caregivers and provides essential child care support to enable their continued participation in the workforce or educational pursuits.
Smart Steps Child Care Payment Assistance
Smart Steps Child Care Payment Assistance broadens the scope of support to income-eligible families who are working or enrolled in post-secondary education programs. Unlike some other categories, Smart Steps eligibility does not require families to be recipients of other TDHS benefits. This program is available for children from six weeks of age until they enter kindergarten. Smart Steps is a vital resource for working families striving for financial stability, ensuring that affordable child care is not a barrier to employment or further education. For more detailed information, you can consult the [Smart Steps Flyer](Click here for a Smart Steps Flyer.).
Teen Parent Child Care Program
The Teen Parent Child Care Program addresses the specific needs of young parents pursuing their education. It supports teen parents enrolled in and attending high school who meet 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 as simple as written or verbal confirmation from school staff. This program recognizes the importance of education for teen parents and provides crucial child care support to enable them to complete their high school education.
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 assistance. Eligible parents enrolled in and actively participating in the Employment Training Program through the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development can receive support. Eligibility for this program is determined by the Department of Workforce and Development SNAP E&T staff, linking child care assistance 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 caters to parents enrolled in designated treatment and recovery programs through the TN Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS). Eligibility for this specialized program is determined by TDMHSAS staff. This program acknowledges the unique challenges faced by families in recovery and provides essential child care support to facilitate participation in treatment and recovery programs.
Re-Employment Child Care Payment Assistance Program
The Re-Employment Child Care Payment Assistance Program supports parents enrolled in the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment Program (RESEA) through the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Referrals for this program are made by TDLWD staff. To be eligible, parents’ household income must be below the 85th percentile of the State Median Income for the current Federal Fiscal year. This program is designed to assist parents actively seeking re-employment by providing temporary child care assistance to remove barriers to job searching and securing new employment. You can refer to the Income Eligibility and Co-Pay Chart for detailed income guidelines.
It’s important to note that for children in foster care, TDHS facilitates the Child Care Certificate and provider payment processes on behalf of the Department of Children’s Services (DCS). DCS provides the funding and manages its utilization, while local DCS staff handles child care referrals and regional fund management.
How to Apply for the Child Care Certificate Program TN
Applying for the Child Care Certificate Program TN is a streamlined process designed for accessibility. You have two primary options:
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Online Application: The most convenient method is to apply online through the One DHS Customer Portal. This portal provides a user-friendly interface to submit your application and manage your case.
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Paper Application: Alternatively, you can download and complete a paper application. The application forms are available in multiple languages to ensure accessibility for all families:
- Application for Child Care Payment Assistance/Smart Steps (HS-3408) – Instructions
- Application for Child Care Payment Assistance/Smart Steps (Spanish) (HS-3408sp) – Instructions
- Application for Child Care Payment Assistance/Smart Steps (Arabic) (HS-3408a) – Instructions
- Application for Child Care Payment Assistance/Smart Steps (Somali) (HS-3408s)- Instructions
Once completed, you can fax, mail, or deliver the application to your local TDHS office.
Important Application Tip: Ensure you submit all required verification documents along with your application. The necessary documents are listed on the first page of the application form. For Families First participants, applications are processed through the Families First program link and not via the general application forms.
For any queries or assistance, the One DHS Contact Center is available at 1-833-772-TDHS (8347). You can also submit general inquiries through the One DHS General Inquiry webform.
To change your child care provider after approval, you can easily do so through your One DHS Customer Portal account. Navigate to the ‘Benefits Dashboard’ and select ‘Change Provider’ in the ‘My Cases’ section.
Key Aspects of the Child Care Certificate Program TN
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Provider Choice: Once approved for child care payment assistance, families have the flexibility to choose the type of care that best suits their needs. This includes licensed TDHS providers or Department of Education (DOE) approved agencies that participate in the Child Care Certificate program. Families First, TCC, and ARCO participants can also choose individual caregivers, provided their homes meet health and safety guidelines, background checks are cleared, and health and safety training is completed.
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Direct Provider Payment: TDHS establishes reimbursement rates and directly pays the chosen and approved child care provider, simplifying the process for families and providers alike.
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Potential Co-payment: Some child care assistance programs may require a co-payment based on income and household size. It’s advisable to discuss potential co-payment obligations during the application process. Applicants can also inquire about eligibility for other support programs like SNAP/Food Stamps, TennCare/Medicaid, and Families First/TANF during contact with TDHS.
For a concise overview, refer to the Child Care Payment Assistance Fact Sheet.
Additional Resources for Child Care Certificate Program TN
- Current State Rate and QRIS Bonus Table (Effective 10-1-2024): Reimbursement Rate Chart
- Child Care Certificate Program Income Eligibility and Parent Co-Pay Fee Table: Income Eligibility and Co-Pay Chart
- FY 2024 Market Rate Survey: Market Rate Survey
- Provider EAV and Modernization Information: Provider Resources
The Child Care Certificate Program TN stands as a vital support system for Tennessee families. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and available resources, families can effectively access the assistance they need to thrive.
