Child care can cost as much or more than rent or your mortgage. And that's a price that’s too high for many of us to budget for. The Child Care Affordability Program is here to help keep your child care costs down. Families making up to 125% of Maine’s median income may be eligible. Because every Maine child deserves a strong start and chance to succeed.
Questions?
Contact the Child Care Affordability Program at 1-877-680-5866 or 207-624-7999.
Contact Us
Have questions? We're here to help.
Contact the Child Care Affordability Program
at 1-877-680-5866 or 624-7999.
Email
Looking for a CCAP Eligibility Specialist? View Contact List
Program Overview
Choose an approved child care provider you trust, at low or no cost with the Child Care Affordability Program.
- Program Model
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CCAP helps eligible families pay for child care so parents can work, go to school, or participate in a job training program. CCAP is also available for eligible families where the adult(s) are retired and are the legal guardian of a child. Providers can be a licensed child care program, adult, or a relative of the child. Parents choose an approved CCAP eligible child care provider they want and pay a portion of child care costs on a sliding scale.
- Mission, Vision, and Values
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The Child Care Affordability Program works to ensure Maine families have access to affordable, high-quality child care. We’re here to:
- Reduce financial barriers to accessing child care.
- Work with a network of licensed and approved providers and support the stability of the child care sector.
- Foster economic stability for families across Maine.
The program is administered by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and is part of a broader effort to promote opportunity for families with young children.
Getting Started
For Families
We help eligible families pay for child care, so you can work, go to school, or attend a job training program. And if you’re retired and a legal guardian, we can help you too. Because every family should have a chance to succeed.
Eligibility Requirements
- Income Guidelines: If your family income is at or below 125% of the Maine median income, you may be eligible. Am I eligible?
- Citizenship & Residency: Your child must be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien, and you must be a Maine resident. Proof is required.
- Status: You must be employed, in school or job training, or retired. Proof of your status is required.
- Your Contribution: Each week that CCAP pays a portion of child care tuition, you will be responsible for a family copayment. This copay is waived for families under 30% of state median income.
How to Apply
To participate in the program, you’ll need to apply by completing a CCAP application that includes necessary documentation. Apply online, update family information, and renew applications through Baxter, our online management system.
For more information and support, please contact OCFS at 1-877-680-5866 or (207) 624-7999 (Mon–Fri, 8:00am–5:00pm) or email CCAP.DHHS@maine.gov
For Providers
CCAP partners with providers to deliver affordable care to families. Providers can be a licensed child care provider, license-exempt relative or nonrelative provider who provides care in their home or the child’s home or a recreational program. Please visit CCAP Rules to find out what type of provider category you fit under.
Apply to Become a CCAP Provider
Apply online, update CCAP information and submit billing in Baxter, our online child care management system.
Details
- Become a CCAP Provider: You must complete a provider agreement with CCAP to become an approved provider. This includes meeting licensing requirements and for licensed-exempt non-relative providers meeting quality standards.
- Payment for Services: You’ll receive direct payments from CCAP for eligible families. The payment covers a portion of the child care costs based on Maine’s child care payment rates, while families contribute a sliding-scale copayment.
For more information and support, please contact OCFS at 1-877-680-5866 or (207) 624-7999 (Mon-Fri, 8:00am-5:00pm) or email CCAP.DHHS@maine.gov
Benefits for Providers
- Tiered Payment Rates: Providers offering higher-quality care as measured by Rising Stars for ME or serving underserved age groups (like infants and toddlers) can receive higher payment rates.
- Quality Improvement Support: Providers can access resources, training, and technical assistance to improve quality early learning and care in connection with Rising Stars for ME, Maine’s quality rating and improvement system (QRIS).
- Payment System: In 2025, CCAP is moving to a payment system based on the enrollment of children with payments made at the start of a 2-week time period, rather than reimbursed after the care was provided.
- Collaboration: Providers may engage with CCAP administrators to communicate about program improvements or adjustments to better serve children and families.
Meet the team
The Child Care Affordability Program works because of this team of people. We believe all Maine families deserve a chance to succeed.
Ashley Batchelder
Provider Support and Community Outreach
ashley.batchelder@maine.gov
Diane Perry
CCAP Manager
diane.perry@maine.gov
Kerri Wyman
CCAP Manager
kerri.wyman@maine.gov
Gina Forbes
Child Care Services Program Manager
gina.forbes@maine.gov
FAQs
For more information, resources, and links to rules and regulations, please visit: CCAP Information and Services
- Who can I choose as my child care provider?
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Any of the following can be used as a child care provider:
- Licensed child care centers, including YMCAs and Head Starts
- Licensed family child care programs
- Adults who provide care in their own homes
- Adults who come to your home to provide care
- Relatives over the age of 18
If not already approved, your chosen provider will need to complete an application to become an approved CCAP provider.
- How do I find a child care provider?
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To find a child care provider in Maine, visit childcarechoice.me for resources. This website allows you to search for licensed child care programs by location and type of program (e.g., center-based or family child care). You can also view detailed profiles of providers, including hours of operation, services offered, quality rating, and licensing details and reports.
- Is there a cost to participate in the Child Care Affordability Program?
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While you don’t have to pay to enroll in the program, you will have a family co-payment that you pay directly to your provider. There is a sliding fee scale that ranges from 1%-10% of your gross weekly income. Families under 30% of Maine’s median income do not have a copay.
- Is the Child Care Affordability Program available in all parts of Maine?
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Yes, it is available to eligible families throughout the state. Families must apply to participate. Child care providers must sign up with a provider agreement to participate.