Oak Park Early Learning Academy is now a Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) provider.  We invite you to explore the wonderful learning environment we've prepared for your children.

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is a federal program that helps low-income families obtain child care so they can work, attend training, or continue their education. The purpose of CCDF is to increase the availability, affordability, and quality of child care. This federally-funded program is administered through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) in the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning.

 

Who Is Eligible To Receive Child Care Assistance?

The CCDF helps low-income families so they can work and/or attend school. These families must meet specific service need criteria. The Children's Bureau, Inc. outlines who is eligible  to receive child care assistance.

CCDF eligibility guidelines include:

• Parents/Foster parents must be working or going to school; or have a referral from the Department of Child Services (DCS) or a referral from TANF/IMPACT.

• Household income must be within income guidelines.

• Parents/Foster parents must have proof of identity for all family members.

• Family must be a resident of the county where you are applying for assistance.

• Children receiving care must be 12 years of age or younger, unless they have special needs.

• The child receiving assistance must be a U. S. Citizen or qualified legal alien.

 

Income Guidelines
According to the Children's Bureau, Inc., a family's gross monthly income (before taxes & any other deductions) can not be over 127% of the federal poverty level to be eligible for the program. The family can then remain on the program until income exceeds 85% max of the Indiana Median income guidelines by Family Size. Licensed Foster parents, seeking care for foster children, and parents involved with the Department of Child Services do not have to be within these income guidelines. This table will help you determine whether or not you may qualify for the CCDF Program.

Size of FamilyPre-Tax Monthly Income Limit

1-$1,276.00

2-$1,719.00

3-$2,161.00

4-$2,604.00

5-$3,046.00

6-$3,488.00

7-$3,931.00

8-$4,373.00

9-$4,815.00

10-$5,258.00

11-$5,700.00

12-$6,143.00

13-$6,585.00

14-$7,027.00

15-$7,470.00

Income amounts are figured on gross (before taxes) income. This includes any overtime, holiday, bonus, sick/vacation, etc. Includes wages, SSI, TANF, unemployment, and child support.   (As of 4-30-2017)

 

How to Apply for Child Care Assistance

To apply for the CCDF voucher program, you must contact the local Intake Agent from the Children's Bureau, Inc. for Wayne County.  Currently, the Intake Agent for our region is:

Ashlee Donges
(317) 535-3326 or 866-494-5330

The Intake Agent can answer any specific questions you may have regarding who counts within the household size, how to calculate your household income, and what documents you will need to determine eligibility.

Next, you will be instructed to complete the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Pre-Application. You can either download this form online or request that the Children's Bureau mail it to you.

You will then need to call the above phone number to schedule an appointment to meet with the intake agent in Richmond. Remember to take your most recent pay stub with you.

After you submit your Pre-Application form, you are placed on a Waiting List.

 

How Long Does It Take To Receive Child Care Assistance?

Currently, every applicant is first placed on a waiting list. Once a month, the Children's Bureau reviews whether additional funds have been granted from the state for this program.

Depending on state funding, applicants may remain on the waiting list for anywhere from 2 weeks to over a year.

After your name is taken from the Waiting List, the Children's Bureau will schedule a meeting for you to complete your application. You will be asked to supply additional documentation that will be requested at that time. If your application is approved, you will be issued a Hoosier Works swipe card.

 

What Provider Will Accept My Swipe Card?

Families must then choose a child care provider who meets CCDF provider eligibility standards. If you need help locating a CCDF eligible provider, contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency at 1-800-299-1627.

Oak Park Early Learning Academy is a registered CCDF child care provider.

Families must then have their selected child care provider fill out the Provider Information Page to let the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) in the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning know where their children will be receiving child care.

We look forward to serving your family's needs!