Need Help Paying for Child Care?

Child Care Assistance - Division of Financial, Health and Work Supports

What's Available?

Child Care Assistance (CCA) is available to the children of income-eligible parents who are absent for a portion of the day due to employment or participation in academic or vocational training or PROMISE JOBS activities. Assistance may also be available for a limited period of time to the children of a parent looking for employment.

Child care services are provided to people participating in activities approved under the PROMISE JOBS program and people who receive Family Investment Program (FIP) assistance without regard to Child Care Assistance eligibility requirements if there is a need for child care services. PROMISE JOBS staff administer Child Care Assistance for child care needed to participate in PROMISE JOBS activities.

Child care services for a child with protective needs are provided without regard to income. To receive protective child care services, the family must meet specific requirements, and child care must be identified in the child's case permanency plan as a necessary service.

Who Can Get Help?

You may get help from the Child Care Assistance program if you live in Iowa and:

*        Have a child who needs care who is under the age of 13 (or under the age of 19 if the child has special needs) and

*        Are a member of a Family Investment Program (FIP) participant household.

If you're not a Family Investment Program participant, you may qualify for the CCA program if you live in Iowa and:

*        Have a child who needs care who is under the age of 13 (or under the age of 19 if the child has special needs) and

*        Have income* under the program's limits and

*        Work an average of 32 hours per week; or Attend an approvable training or education program full-time; or Attend an approvable training or education program part-time and work part-time for a total of at least 32 hours per week; or Are looking for work.

            NOTE:  Child care provided while the parent participates in postsecondary education or training has a 24-month lifetime limit.

Who Can Care for My Child?

You may chose a child care provider from a variety of arrangements. You can choose:

*        A licensed child care center,

*        A registered child development home,

*        A nonregistered child care home,

*        Someone who cares for your children in your own home,

*        A before-and-after-school program.

What Must My Child Care Provider Do?

Your provider must be approved by DHS in order to receive payment from the CCA program. Many providers are already approved by DHS to provide care for the CCA program. If you do not know whether your provider is approved, ask your DHS CCA worker for assistance. If your provider is not yet approved, DHS will provide you with the necessary forms to take to your child care provider.

What if I Have Questions?

Please contact the Centralized Child Care Assistance Unit by calling 866- 448-4605.