The Child Care Assistance Programs can help you cover part of the cost of child care while you are working or in school. Eligible residents can choose from hundreds of licensed care programs to find the one that best meets their needs.
Child Care Assistance helps pay a portion of monthly child care expenses based on income and household size. A JFS 07200 application must be completed for child care assistance. Eligibility for all child care programs will be determined using the JFS 07200 application. Visit the Early Care and Education page on the Ohio Department of Children and Youth for more information on child care programs.
Eligibility
Eligible residents can choose from hundreds of licensed care programs to find the one that best meets their needs. Visit childcaresearch.ohio.gov to find a child care program that best meet your needs. Make sure to select “Publicly Funded Child Care” or “Early Childcare Education Grant” in the “Other services provided” field if applying for one of those two programs.
Types of Childcare Assistance
Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC)
Tracking your child’s attendance
Once approved for assistance, you will receive instructions on how to track your child’s attendance in care using an app on your smart phone or mobile device. View the Parent/Caretaker Letter from the Ohio Department of Children and Youth outlining ways to keep your benefits safe and active. The guide also includes tips for resetting your KinderSign PIN. You can also visit Child Care Time, Attendance, and Payment to learn more.
Reapplying For Benefits
- Customers must reapply every year
- Re-determination Application (JFS 07204) is mailed 45 days prior to the end of the certification period
- All requested verifications must be provided prior to the end of the certification period.
Making Changes
If you are approved for child care benefits and your circumstances change, download and complete the Childcare Change Request Form.
Child Care Choice Program Voucher (CCCP)
The Child Care Choice Program Voucher supports families paying for child care who are above the income threshold for the state’s Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) program, but whose gross monthly income falls between 146% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Eligibility Requirements include:
- Must have applied for PFCC and be denied only for being over income
- All caretakers must be participating in a qualifying activity
- Full-time authorization only
Reapplying for CCCP
- Customers must reapply every year
- Re-determination Application (JFS 07204) is mailed 45 days prior to the end of the certification period
- All requested verifications must be provided prior to the end of the certification period.
See the Ohio Department of Children and Youth’s Child Care Choice Program Voucher page for more information on the program.
Early Care and Education Grant (ECE)
Customers without a qualifying work activity and an income below the 200 % FPL may be eligible for child care assistance under the Early Care and Education (ECE) grant. Eligibility requirements include:
- Children must between the ages of 3yr - 5yr old
- Income must be at or below 200% FPL for household size
- Certification for two years or until the child becomes kindergarten aged (based on residential school district)
While the ECE program is intended for economically disadvantaged children whose family income falls at or below 200 percent of FPL, the following groups of children are eligible for ECE without regard to income:
- Children with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
- Children experiencing homelessness
- Children in Kinship or Foster care with a case plan
- Children who exited Early Intervention at age 3 and do not have an IEP
For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Children and Youth’s Early Childhood Education Grant page.
Child Care Assistance Program Frequently Asked Questions
How to Apply
Follow the steps below to apply for the service:
- Apply Online.
- In-person at the Virgil E. Brown Center at 1641 Payne Avenue., Cleveland, OH 44114