Kinship Day Care is for children in the custody of DCFS who are placed in the care of a relative or an interested individual. Kinship Day Care payments end when DCFS custody is terminated. Kinship Day Care assistance is based upon funding availability and is subject to change.
- A minor mother who is currently in the custody of DCFS is eligible for daycare through Kinship Day Care.
- Kinship day care can be used for children placed with relatives where a filing is to be completed but the case has yet to go to court. If the filing is complete or the court denies the custody, the daycare services will be terminated immediately.
- If the relative has Temporary Custody or a filing is in motion, they are not eligible for kinship daycare.
- Caregivers who work full-time outside of the home or are full-time students can request daycare for five (5) days a week in accordance with their work/school schedule.
- Caregivers who work part-time or are enrolled in school part-time (25 hours a week or less) can request daycare services for three (3) days a week.
- Authorization period for Kinship Daycare is six (6) months.
Choosing a Daycare
- Daycare must be licensed and willing to take payments from DCFS.
- Daycares should be Step-Up-To-Quality centers. Caregivers should contact Starting Point at (216) 575-0061 for assistance locating a Step-Up-To-Quality (SUTQ) daycare provider.
- If there is an application/registration fee for daycare enrollment, the fee can be paid by completing a purchase order in FACTWIS.
- Approved HOME daycares can be used for INFANTS ONLY (aged 0-36 mos.). Children between the ages of 4 and 6 must be in pre-kindergarten or a head start program. Children over the age of 6 may be enrolled in a before/after school care at an approved daycare facility.
Kinship Daycare Rates
| Age Group | Average Full-Time Weekly Rate | Average Part-Time Weekly Rate | Daily Reimbursement Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-17 months | Up to $208.91 | Up to $125.35 | Up to $41.78 |
| 18-35 months | Up to $189.37 | Up to $113.62 | Up to $37.87 |
| 3-5 Years Old but, not in school | Up to $168.40 | Up to $101.04 | Up to $33.68 |
| 5+ years old and in school | Up to $139.20 | Up to $83.52 | Up to $27.84 |
Kinship Daycare Frequently Asked Questions
How to Apply
Follow the steps below to apply for the service:
- Please contact your case worker or resource manager.