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Maine's Child Care Subsidy Program - Info for Parents

Effective Thursday, March 19, 2020, the Office of Child & Family Services (OCFS) Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP) offices will not be taking walk-in or in-person applications for CCSP until further notice, to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Maine.

What is the Child Care Subsidy Program?

The Child Care Subsidy Program helps eligible families to pay for child care so they can work, go to school or participate in a job training program.

Who is eligible to receive Child Care Subsidy?

Guidance for Child Care Subsidy Program or Transitional Child Care

Eligible families must meet the income guidelines (Word)
And
At least one of the following activities:

Work
School
Job Training Program

Who can I choose as my child care provider?

Licensed child care centers
Licensed family child care homes
Adults who provide care in their own homes
Adults who come to your home to provide care
Relatives over the age of 18

How do I apply?

As of January 2, 2020:
Applying for the Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP) will change to make it easier for families. All applications and renewals will be handled by OCFS (formerly handled by Office for Family Independence (OFI)).

There are three ways to apply:

Print the application: Child Care Subsidy Application (PDF);
Call: 1-877-680-5866 or (207) 624-7999 Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; or
Visit your local DHHS Office to receive a printed application. To find your local DHHS Office visit: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/dhhs-addresses or call: 1-877-680-5866 or (207) 624-7999

What you need to know:

The Child Care Subsidy Program assists eligible families in paying for child care if they work, are enrolled in school, participate in a job training program, or are retired and the legal guardian of a child.
For more information on eligibility guidelines, please visit the Child Care Subsidy Program webpage: www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/ec/occhs/step.htm
If you receive other benefits such as SNAP, TANF, or MaineCare, the process for applying for and renewing those benefits through OFI will not change. Please visit www.maine.gov/mymaineconnection for more information.

How much will the Child Care Subsidy Program pay to my child care provider?

You pay your co-payment to your provider and the Child Care Subsidy Program will pay the rest to your provider, up to the Market Rate (Excel) (effective June 30 2018) for your area.

View the Billing Weeks Schedule (Word), and the 2019-2020 Sliding Fee Scale 2020 (Excel)

How do I find a child care provider?

For help with locating child care visit: Child Care Choices or call 1-877-680-5866

What are the rules of the Child Care Subsidy Program?

Child Care Subsidy Program Rules

Plain Language for Child Care Subsidy Program Rules 2019

How is the Child Care Subsidy Program funded?

The Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) is a federal block grant that provides funding for states aimed at improving access to quality child care for high-need children and families.

Who do I contact with questions?

By phone at 1-877-680-5866 or 207-624-7999
By email CCSP.DHHS@maine.gov
By fax 207-287-6308
Financial Resources Specialist (Word)

Choosing Child Care

Choosing child care is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child. A good child care setting can have a long-lasting, positive impact on the development of your child. Maine has many different child care options to meet the various needs of families.

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