CHILD WELFARE MANUAL

Section 8, Chapter 7 (Contracted Services), Subsection 3 – Protective Services Child Care

(Effective: 4/23/2025)

 

8.7.3 Protective Services Child Care Subsidy

8.7.3.1 Protective Services Child Care Subsidy Eligibility

8.7.3.2 Child Care Subsidy Verification Letter (CD-317)

8.7.3.3 How Families Apply for Protective Services Child Care Subsidy

8.7.3.4 Protective Services Child Care Considerations

 

8.7.3 Protective Services Child Care Subsidy  

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Office of Childhood administers the Child Care Subsidy Program. Eligible families must apply for child care through DESE’s Child Care Data System (CCDS) – Parent Portal. Through the CCDS – Parent Portal, the applicant will create an account and can apply for Protective Services Child Care Subsidy, report a change in their household, obtain authorizations, and select or change their child care provider.

DESE issues payments directly to child care providers. Children’s Treatment Service (CTS) funds are no longer utilized for child care.

8.7.3.1 Protective Services Child Care Subsidy Eligibility

Those eligible to receive Protective Services Child Care Subsidy are families who have a need for child care and are:

  • Families receiving Family Centered Services (FCS), Intensive In-Home Services (IIS), or services due to a Temporary Alternative Placement Agreement (TAPA) pursuant to section 210.123 RSMo.,
  • Parents of children on a Trial Home Placement,
  • Foster parents/Relative caregivers caring for a child in the custody of the Children’s Division,
  • Guardians or adoptive parents with an active subsidy for the child in which they are seeking child care, or
  • A CYAC parenting youth who is in Alternative Care and is caring for their child for whom they are seeking child care.

Units of Care

Eligible protective service families are not required to demonstrate a financial need for child care subsidy.

For protective service children to be determined eligible, the applicant must provide the following information when completing the application in the CCDS-Parent Portal: (1) the reason(s) the applicant has a need for child care; and (2) an explanation of why the amount of child care requested in necessary. This information is used to determine the units of care that are authorized for the child. 

Children of Youth in Alternative Care (CYAC) and Parenting Youth

 CYAC: A youth parent in alternative care whose child is not in alternative care (LS-7) or is not otherwise receiving services through Children’s Division, is eligible for Protective Services Child Care Subsidy. The youth parent must complete an application for Protective Services Child Care Subsidy in the CCDS – Parent Portal. The CD-317 is not provided.

Parenting youth: A youth parent in alternative care whose child is also in alternative care (LS-1) or otherwise receiving services through Children’s Division and is in the care of the youth parent, is eligible for Protective Services Child Care Subsidy. The youth parent must complete an application for Protective Services Child Care Subsidy in the CCDS – Parent Portal. The CD-317 is not provided.

Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC)

 Missouri as the sending state:

For an out-of-state caregiver to receive Protective Services Child Care Subsidy for an eligible child, the caregiver must complete an application for Protective Services Child Care Subsidy in DESE’s CCDS – Parent Portal. The child care entity who is providing child care services for the child must be contracted with Missouri DESE to receive Protective Services Child Care Subsidy.

Missouri as the receiving state:

A child residing in Missouri who is in the custody of another state (Legal Status 4) is not eligible for Protective Services Child Care Subsidy. The family may work with the sending state to determine the process to establish child care. If the sending state is unable to contract with a Missouri child care provider or is unable to provide financial assistance for child care, the family may complete a Family Application in the CCDS – Parent Portal.

Temporary Alternative Placement Agreement (TAPA)

A child placed through a Temporary Alternative Placement Agreement (TAPA) is eligible for Protective Services Child Care Subsidy.

Either the parent or the TAPA caregiver may initiate the application in the CCDS – Parent Portal.  If the parent initiates the application, the parent will need to add the TAPA caregiver as an authorized user to their account. If the TAPA caregiver initiates the application and the parent will be signing the child in or out of childcare, the TAPA caregiver will need to add the parent as an authorized user to their account.

The person initiating the application must be assigned a DVN by the case managing circuit and provided a signed CD-317 Child Care Subsidy Verification Letter by the worker. When completing the application in the CCDS – Parent Portal, the applicant may use the CD-317 or the CD-294 Official Notice of Temporary Placement of a Child as verification of eligibility. Please note, the CD-295 Temporary Alternative Placement Agreement may not be used for verification of eligibility and should not be uploaded to the CCDS application.

To add an authorized user after completing an application in the CCDS – Parent Portal, the applicant must create an account in KinderConnect through the Child Care Business Information Solution (CCBIS) portal.

To register in KinderConnect:

KC-QRC-Sponsor-Self-Registration-MO-0919.pdf

To add and authorize a ‘sponsor’ or additional user to the KinderConnect portal:

KC-QRC-Sponsor-Adding-Authorizing-Sponsors-MO-0819.pdf

Immigration Status

The child who is the intended recipient of the Protective Services Child Care Subsidy must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in 5 CSR 25-200.050(32).

The applicant’s immigration status is not an eligibility factor when they are lawfully present in the United States. The child care provider must register with the Family Care Safety Registry, which requires the provider to have a SSN.

Temporary Child Care (Respite Care)

The Protective Services Child Care Subsidy Waiver is not applicable to temporary and short-term child care/respite care. If the need for child care is temporary and short term for things such as a parent night out, appointments, or other occasional events, the resource parent may apply the Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard by selecting a child care provider of their choice and make arrangements as they normally would for a child not in foster care. The resource parent should select a caregiver based on relevant factors such as the child’s age, developmental level and needs, the overall health and safety of the child, and the best interests of the child. Respite hours may be used for this need. See the respite care process outlined in the CWM 6.17 (Respite Foster Care).

Ineligibility for Protective Services Child Care Subsidy

The following circumstances and activities do not qualify for Protective Services Child Care Subsidy:

  • The child is not a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien
  • Head Start/Early Head Start program hours*
  • When the child is placed in a residential facility
  • Education costs/Special education costs/Educational activities
  • Respite Care
  • A youth 18 years old and not in school
  • A youth aged 19 or older
  • Legal Status 4 ICPC children (Missouri is the receiving state)
  • A foster parent that is also a child care provider cannot be authorized to be paid for any foster or adoptive children placed with them
    • See CWM 6.3.1.3 (Child Care Homes as Foster Homes) for more information.

* Some schools or Head Start facilities offer before and after school child care programs. These programs may be contracted with DESE to receive Protective Services Child Care Subsidy. The applicant may apply for Protective Services Child Care Subsidy for those specific hours of child care that are not considered core program education hours.

Protective Services Child Care Subsidy Waiver – CD-166

When seeking child care services, a DESE contracted child care provider should be used, or an identified child care provider should be encouraged to become contracted with DESE. However, the Protective Services Child Care Subsidy Waiver (CD-166) process may be utilized to establish alternative funding for child care services when the following circumstances apply:

  1. There is a need for child care; and
  2. The child is:
    1. in the legal custody of Children’s Division and in an out-of-home placement, or
    2. the active recipient of a guardianship or adoption subsidy, or
    3. a child of a youth parent who is in Alternative Care (CYAC) and the child is in the care of the youth parent; and
  1. DESE contracted child care is not available because:
    1. the applicant does not have access to a DESE contracted child care provider within a reasonable distance and all other available child care resources within a reasonable distance are unwilling to contract with DESE, or
    2. all DESE contracted child care providers within a reasonable distance are unable to meet the special needs of the child, and a child care resource has been identified that is able to meet the needs of the child but is unwilling to contract with DESE.
    3. Reason must be explained on the CD-166 Protective Services Child Care Subsidy Waiver and approved by the Fiscal Liaison.

Process to establish alternative funding for child care when the above circumstances apply, and the child care provider is unwilling to contract with DESE:

  1. The worker should collaborate with the resource provider to accurately complete the CD-166 Protective Services Child Care Waiver
    1. Documentation must be provided on the CD-166 Protective Services Child Care Subsidy Waiver that supports the need for child care, barrier(s) to receiving Protective Services Child Care Subsidy, anticipated duration, and cost of child care.
    2. Once completed, the worker must obtain the required approval signatures from the local supervisor or Circuit Manager, Regional Director, and Deputy Director. After all other required signatures are obtained, the worker should send the CD-166 to the Fiscal Liaison at fiscal@dss.mo.gov to receive final authorization.
    3. The worker should upload the final and approved CD-166 to OnBase, indexed to ‘Other CD Forms’ and add a description of ‘Form CD-166 – Child’s Name’.
    4. The worker must conduct a review of available child care providers every 6 months to determine if these qualifications still apply for application of the waiver. If child care remains a need and, following the review, the worker determines that circumstances still exist to utilize the waiver process, a new waiver must be completed prior to expiration of the current waiver, and signatures obtained.
  1. The worker should determine whether the child care provider is licensed to provide child care, foster, or respite care in Missouri or another state.
    1. If the child care provider is licensed to provide child care, foster, or respite care in Missouri or another state, the worker should obtain a completed CD-167 Protective Services Child Care Waiver Invoice from the resource provider each month the child receives child care services through the waiver. The worker should follow the instructions below to submit the CD-167 Protective Services Child Care Waiver Invoice for payment.
    2. If the child care provider is not licensed to provide child care or foster care in Missouri or another state, the potential child care provider must become respite care approved to utilize the CD-166 Protective Services Child Care Waiver. The respite approval process is outlined in the Child Welfare Manual, Section 6.17 (Respite Foster Care). Once the respite approval process is finalized, the worker should obtain a completed CD-167 Protective Services Child Care Waiver Invoice from the resource provider each month the child receives child care services through the waiver. The worker should follow the instructions below to submit the CD-167 Protective Services Child Care Waiver Invoice for payment.
    3. A child care provider may be disqualified from receiving child care waiver funds when the child care provider has been refused child care licensure or has experienced licensure suspension or revocation under section 210.221 RSMo or 210.496 RSMo. When these circumstances apply, a supervisor consultation should occur and the determination regarding disqualification of waiver funds and the reason for that determination must be documented in the electronic case record. This information must also be documented in the ‘Additional Comments’ section of the (CD-166) Protective Services Child Care Subsidy Waiver.

Payment process for reimbursement of Protective Services Child Care Subsidy Waiver costs to Placement Provider, Adoptive Parent, Guardian or CYAC youth parent:

 FACES à Financial Management à Payment History à Client DCN: enter child’s DCN, click Display à Add Payment Request

    1. Enter DVN, click Display
    2. Enter Requesting Worker
    3. Select County
    4. Program Area: Children’s Treatment (CT)
    5. Vendor Type: Children’s Treatment (CT)
    6. Enter DCN click Display
    7. Enter Service month and year
    8. Select Service Code: CCWR (Child Care Waiver Reimbursement)
    9. Select Service Dates
    10. Enter Comments: Protective Services Child Care Waiver
  2. Obtain Level 1 approval in FACES for the Payment Request
  3. Send the Pending Level 2 Payment Request along with form CD-166 Protective Services Child Care Subsidy Waiver and CD-167 Protective Services Child Care Waiver Invoice to FACESPaymentUnit@dss.mo.gov.

In the event child care was initiated ahead of the waiver being authorized and the parent/foster parent paid for the child care expenses out-of-pocket, child care expenses may be reimbursed for a period up to 30 days prior to the date the Fiscal Liaison provided approval via the CD-166. This applies only if the child care provider meets the waiver criteria in that they are a licensed child care, foster or respite provider in Missouri or another state at the time services were rendered. To be reimbursed, a completed CD-167 Protective Services Child Care Waiver Invoice must be obtained and submitted for child care services provided for the 30-day period prior to the waiver authorization date.

Exceptions

Exceptions to any of the above or allowances for any unusual costs for children in alternative care must be approved by the Regional Director and submitted to the CD Deputy Director for processing.

8.7.3.2 Child Care Subsidy Verification Letter (CD-317)

The CD-317 Child Care Subsidy Verification Letter must be provided to applicants who have a need for child care only under these circumstances:

  1. Families receiving Family Centered Services (FCS), Intensive In-Home Services (IIS), or are part of a Temporary Alternative Placement Agreement (TAPA), or
  2. Children who are in the legal custody of Children’s Division but never left the care of a parent, therefore do not have an active Alternative Care function and the case is monitored through the Family Centered Services function, or
  3. When a case is restricted from viewing in Children’s Division’s electronic system.

Children’s Division works with the entire family unit. There are situations where a family has children in the legal custody of the Children’s Division and children who are in the legal care and custody of the parent. In these situations, when child care becomes a need for children in the legal care and custody of the parent, the worker must provide a CD-317 to the parent and the Family Centered Services box should be checked.

Documentation or upload of the CD-317 may occur in the AC or FCS case dependent on the case circumstance. If the child is in the legal custody of the parent and remains in the parental home, this would most commonly be documented in the AC case, but documentation in the FCS case is also an option. If the parent has agreed to a TAPA and the child is placed outside the parental home or if the child is in the legal custody of Children’s Division and never leaves the care of a parent, documentation should occur in the FCS case.

DESE can access Children’s Division’s electronic system to verify eligibility for children who have an active Alternative Care function and for children who have an active guardianship or adoption subsidy, therefore there is no need to provide the CD-317 to the applicant for DESE to verify eligibility under those circumstances, except when the case is restricted from viewing. In these situations, DESE cannot access the electronic system to verify eligibility so the ‘Restricted from viewing’ option should be selected, and the open case function selected so DESE can appropriately code the eligibility criteria.

Assigning a DVN

The case managing circuit is responsible for ensuring a DVN is assigned to parents in circumstances where the CD-317 is required. Instructions on how to assign a DVN can be found here: 

https://dssintranet.mo.gov/dss-childrens-division/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2019/05/FACESCallCenter.ppsx

Refer to the policy and process for providing the CD-317 to Family Centered Services families here:

     For Family Centered Services Child Care Subsidy and TAPA practice see:

     CWM 3.2.5 (Protective Services Child Care Authorization for Family Centered Services cases)

     For Intensive In-Home Services Child Care Subsidy practice see:

     CWM 8.7.2.3.2 (Protective Services Child Care Authorizations for Intensive In-Home Services Cases)

Authorization Period

 The authorization period is 12 full months, ending on the last day of the twelfth month.

(Example: Authorization start date: July 1, 2024. Authorization end date: July 31, 2025).

If child care will remain a need following the authorized period, the worker should provide a new CD-317 with new eligibility dates, ideally 30 days prior to the current authorization end date. Families whose services end with Children’s Division during any 12-month authorization period will remain eligible to receive the child care subsidy until that authorization expires, as long as the child remains in their care, even after Children’s Division is no longer involved. There is no additional documentation or action that needs to be taken by the family or by Children’s Division when the family’s services end with Children’s Division. The family may choose to end their Protective Services Child Care Subsidy in the CCDS – Parent Portal at any time.

If the child should move under the care of a different individual and child care remains a need, the new caregiver must complete their own application in the CCDS – Parent Portal.

8.7.3.3 How Families Apply for Protective Services Child Care Subsidy

The link for families to apply for Protective Services Child Care Subsidy through DESE’s CCDS – Parent Portal can be found here: https://childcare.mo.gov.

It is preferable for the application to be completed online and for the applicant to provide an email address, so the applicant can receive email communication regarding the status of their account and authorizations. Workers may assist families who are unable to access the online application and do not have an email address by printing the application and providing it to the applicant to complete.

The Protective Services Child Care Subsidy paper application can be accessed:

  1. Online at https://childcare.mo.gov/s/parent-landing à Download Paper Application; or
  2. By contacting the Child Care Call Center at 573-415-8605 or by email at childhood@dese.mo.gov

Family Support Division (FSD) Resource Centers do not provide the paper application but do provide a QR code for applicants to access the online application via their smart phone. The FSD Resource Centers will aid the applicant in uploading the required documents for their application. (ex: proof of residency, CD-317).

Workers may also assist families who are unable to access the online application but do have an email address by helping them to find access to the internet and/or a computer and sharing the additional resources found in the Resources for Families section below to successfully navigate the CCDS – Parent Portal.  

Individuals who have had a prior child care authorization should choose to ‘connect their account’ in the CCDS – Parent Portal rather than create a new account. Once the accounts are connected, the individual will be able to start a new application or make any necessary changes or updates to their account, child care provider or contact information.

Authorized Representative

If a parent wishes to appoint someone to act on their behalf to talk to the child care provider or CCDS staff about their application, the parent must complete the Appointing an Authorized Representative form (MO 500-3482) and submit it in the CCDS – Parent Portal.

If a parent wishes to revoke their Authorized Representative they must complete the Revocation of Authorized Representative form (MO 500-3483) and submit it in the CCDS – Parent Portal.

Choosing a Child Care Provider

During the application process, the applicant may choose to not immediately identify their child care provider. If they submit the application without choosing a child care provider the application may be approved, indicating the applicant has been determined eligible to receive Protective Services Child Care Subsidy, however the application will remain pending until a child care provider is identified in the application. Once the child care provider is identified in the application, and all other information is fully completed and required documents uploaded, the applicant will receive notice that their application has been authorized. At that time, the application is complete and authorization is active.

Establishing a DESE Contracted Child Care Provider

 If the need for child care is long term or routine, such as daily care while resource parent(s) are working, every effort must be made to pursue a child care provider who is contracted with DESE to receive Protective Services Child Care Subsidy. A search for child care providers can be completed here: Child Care Search.

If an applicant identifies a potential non-contracted child care provider who is interested in contracting with DESE for the purpose of receiving Protective Services Child Care Subsidy, the worker can direct the potential child care provider to:

When an Applicant needs to Change their Child Care Provider

 When a child remains in the care of the currently authorized applicant but will be changing child care providers, the applicant may access their CCDS – Parent Portal to change the child care provider at any time. A new application does not need to be made.

When a parent needs to update the child’s information due to a legal name change

 Contact the DESE/Office of Childhood Child Care Call Center by phone at 573-415-8605 or email at childhood@dese.mo.gov. Documentation may be required.

Documentation of Disability or Special Need

Children do not have to have a verified disability or special need to continue to qualify for child care past age 12. Children who turn 13 years old during an authorization period remain automatically qualified due to their status as a protective service child. Eligibility periods extend beyond a child’s 13th birthday without further action until the current authorization period ends. If child care remains a need when the current authorization period ends, a new application must be made in the CCDS portal to request an additional 12-month period of child care. A child who meets the protective service eligibility criteria may receive child care services up to age 18 or up to age 19 if they are still in school.

Application Processing

 DESE’s goal timeframe to process an application after it is entered into the CCDS system is 15 calendar days.

If the need for child care is emergent, the applicant may provide a copy of the CD-317 Child Care Subsidy Verification Letter, completed by the worker, to the child care provider to show eligibility for the child. The child care provider is not required to provide services based on the CD-317 Child Care Subsidy Verification Letter; however, the child care provider may agree to accept the child as there could be a delay in the child care provider being able to view the authorization in the CCDS – Provider Portal as the application is being processed.

In the event a child begins child care prior to an application being made or prior to an authorization being received, no action needs to be taken to ensure the authorization period will cover the dates of child care already provided. It is important that placement changes are entered timely and accurately. When the application is processed, DESE will use the placement begin date in CD’s electronic system as the authorization begin date or the begin date indicated on the CD-317 if that is the method of verification. On the application, the applicant must select the child care provider who provided the care in order for the child care provider to be able to submit attendance for that child in the CCDS – Provider Portal.

Notice to the Applicant Their Authorization Period is Ending

Through the CCDS – Parent Portal, DESE will provide notice to the applicant at 60 and 30 days prior to their authorization end date. If child care is still a need and the child continues to qualify for Protective Services Child Care, the applicant must reapply through the CCDS – Parent Portal and, if approved, a new 12-month period will be authorized.

In circumstances where the CD-317 is required, the worker must provide a new CD-317 to the applicant to be uploaded during their renewal application. The eligibility begin date should be one day after the last authorization period end date. There should be no gap in dates from one eligibility period end date to the next eligibility period begin date. (Example: Authorization end date: June 30, 2024. Eligibility start date: July 1, 2024).

When the Protective Services Child Care Subsidy authorization period ends, and the situation no longer meets Protective Services Child Care Subsidy eligibility requirements, the applicant may apply for subsidized child care by completing a Family Application in the CCDS – Parent Portal. Additional eligibility requirements must be met to qualify. Eligibility requirements can be found here: Child Care Subsidy Information for Families | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

8.7.3.4 Protective Services Child Care Considerations

 When a Child’s Placement Changes

When a placement change occurs and the need for child care exists, the child care application must be made timely, as close to the date the need is identified as is possible, to ensure payment of Protective Services child care subsidy.

If a child leaves the care of their parent and enters alternative care and child care is a need while in the care of the resource provider, the resource provider must complete their own Protective Services Child Care Subsidy application in the CCDS – Parent Portal.

If a child moves from the care of one resource provider to another resource provider and child care is a need, the new resource provider must complete their own Protective Services Child Care Subsidy application in the CCDS – Parent Portal.

If a child moves from the care of a resource provider to the care of the parent and child care is a need, the parent must complete their own Protective Services Child Care Subsidy application in the CCDS – Parent Portal.

In all circumstances when a placement changes, even if the child continues to attend the same child care provider, a new Protective Services Child Care Subsidy application must be made by the new caregiver. The authorization must be in the name of the current caregiver, or the caregiver will not be able to check the child in or out.

Any applications entered for the child by a previous caregiver will automatically end when the new caregiver’s application is authorized in the CCDS system for that child, therefore no action needs to be taken by the previous caregiver to end their authorization.

Biological and Foster children in the same home

When a foster, guardian or adoptive parent has an existing Family Application (Income Maintenance Application) for a biological child or adopted child with no active adoption subsidy, they should add any foster children to the household on that application to accurately reflect the household members, however the foster child cannot be added to that application as needing services.

The foster or guardianship/adoption subsidy parent must complete a separate Protective Services Child Care Subsidy application for the foster child. If the foster or guardianship/adoption subsidy parent already has a Protective Services Child Care Subsidy application in place for another child, they can add any new foster placements to that Protective Services Child Care Subsidy application by accessing the landing page in the CCDS – Parent Portal, click ‘make a change’ and add the new household member, indicating that the child is in need of child care.

Resource parent is also a child care provider

A resource parent that is also a child care provider cannot receive Protective Services Child Care Subsidy payments for any foster or adoptive children placed in their care. If the child receives child care services at the same location in which the resource parent is employed as a child care worker, the resource parent cannot be the primary caregiver assigned to the child. The resource parent may utilize Protective Services Child Care Subsidy for the child at another child care location.

Beginning a Trial Home Placement

In circumstances where a Trial Home Placement is anticipated and the child’s current caregiver is receiving child care subsidy for the child, the parent can begin their application for child care subsidy prior to the Trial Home Placement starting, however once the parents’ application is approved, the current caregiver’s authorization will end, causing non-payment for the child care services. Therefore, the parent must comment in the portion of the application where the days and hours are selected that the authorization begin date is a future date and that date must be noted. That date specified can be either the date the Trial Home Placement begins or the actual date the child is anticipated to begin child care while in the care of the parent. The parents’ application will then be processed on that future date so as not to end the placement provider’s current authorization prematurely.

In circumstances where a Trial Home Placement is anticipated and child care is a need, the parent may begin an application and no special comments are needed if the child is not currently authorized for child care subsidy while in the care of the current placement provider, as this will have no impact on any existing authorizations.

The worker is responsible for assigning DVN’s to parents when a Trial Home Placement begins if they are in need of child care.  

 

Forms

Child Care Subsidy Verification Letter (CD-317)

Protective Services Child Care Subsidy Waiver (CD-166)

Protective Services Child Care Subsidy Waiver Invoice (CD-167)

 

Resources

Resources for Families

     Child Care Subsidy Information:

Child Care Subsidy | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Child Care Subsidy Brochure:

https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/child-care-subsidy-brochure

CCDS – Parent Portal:

https://childcare.mo.gov    

Step-by-step CCDS – Parent Portal instructions:

https://dese.mo.gov/childhood/child-care-subsidy/child-care-data-system

Select from the “For Families” drop down menu.

 Child Care and Resource Search Parent Flyer:

https://earlyconnections.mo.gov/media/pdf/child-care-and-resource-search-parent-flyer.

The flyer contains a link to search online for child care providers and a link to search for additional resources.

Find a Child Care Provider:

You can search for child care providers in your area at https://healthapps.dhss.mo.gov/childcaresearch/. If you need help finding child care, contact the Child Care Referral office at: programresources@united4children.org or call 866-583-2392, extension 1.

Questions regarding DESE’s CCDS portal, parent account, application, authorization, and services should be directed to:

DESE/Office of Childhood Child Care Call Center

573-415-8605

childhood@dese.mo.gov

To register in KinderConnect to view child care attendance and activities:

KC-QRC-Sponsor-Self-Registration-MO-0919.pdf

To add and authorize a ‘sponsor’ or additional user to the KinderConnect portal:

KC-QRC-Sponsor-Adding-Authorizing-Sponsors-MO-0819.pdf

Report child care provider charging additional fees to PS eligible families:

By phone at 573-415-8605 or by email to ccsubsidyagreements@dese.mo.gov

 

Resources for Child Care Providers

CCDS – Provider Portal

Child care Providers may be directed to this link for account technical questions, child care subsidy agreement questions, child care subsidy payment questions, tips to navigate the provider portal and more. https://dese.mo.gov/childhood/child-care-subsidy/providers

Step-by-step CCDS – Provider Portal instructions:

https://dese.mo.gov/childhood/child-care-subsidy/child-care-data-system

Select from the “For Providers” drop down menu.

Apply to become a Protective Services Subsidy child care provider

https://childcare.mo.gov/s/provider-landing

Child Care Subsidy Information:

Child Care Subsidy | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Child Care Subsidy Initial Checklist Six or Fewer

Child Care Subsidy-Contracted Providers may contact the Office of Childhood:

For questions about subsidy provider applications or contracts by phone at 573-526-3011 or email at CCSubsidyAgreements@dese.mo.gov.

For questions about subsidy provider payments by phone at 573-522-1385 or email at CCPayments@dese.mo.gov.

 

Additional Information

Instructions on how to assign a DVN: 

https://dssintranet.mo.gov/dss-childrens-division/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2019/05/FACESCallCenter.ppsx

To access up-to-date information about DESE’s CCDS system:

https://dese.mo.gov/childhood/child-care-subsidy/child-care-data-system

To receive announcements and updates from the Office of Childhood, join the mailing list here:

 https://earlyconnections.mo.gov/

 

Related Policies, Memos and Practice Alerts

For Family Centered Services Child Care Subsidy practice see:

CWM 3.2.5 (Protective Services Child Care Authorization for Family Centered Services Cases)

For Intensive In-Home Services Child Care Subsidy practice see:

CWM 8.7.2.3.2 (Protective Services Child Care Authorizations for Intensive In-Home Services Cases)

For Alternative Care Child Care Subsidy practice see:

CWM 4.10.5 (Protective Services Child Care Authorizations for Alternative Care)

For Guardianship and Adoption Child Care Subsidy practice see:

CWM 4.9.6.3.1 (Subsidy Basic Package)

 

Related Laws and Regulations

DESE Child Care Policy manual/rule:

https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/child-care-subsidy-eligibility-policy-manual-1

Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) state plan:

https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/2022-2024-ccdf-state-plan      

Code of Federal Regulations

eCFR: 45 CFR 98.20 — A child’s eligibility for child care services 

DESE Office of Childhood, Child Care Subsidy Regulations

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Division 25-Office of Childhood, Chapter 200-Child Care Subsidy, 5 CSR 25-200.050 through 5 CSR 25-200.130

 

Definitions

Child care licensed: Any person providing care to more than six children, or more than three children under age 2, must be licensed through DESE – OOC or qualify for an exemption to operate. Section 210.201 RSMo. Child Care | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Child care contracted: a child care entity must be contracted with DESE – OOC to receive Protective Services Child Care Subsidy. A child care entity can be licensed without being contracted and can be contracted without being licensed if caring for less than six children or less than three children under age 2. A child care entity can also be contracted if licensed exempt.