Child Care

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Do I Qualify?

Are you a parent or guardian who is:

    • Employed – part-or-full-time
    • Attending school or job training
    • Receiving Ohio Works First cash assistance
    • Homeless
    • Have an open Children’s Services Case Plan
    • Have income at or below 145% of the Federal Poverty Level or
    • Have a child with a county-agency-verified special need and have income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level?

Apply now!

 

Step 1: Apply using one of the following convenient ways:

  • Online https://ssp.benefits.ohio.gov/ through the ODJFS Online Benefit Application Portal. Select “Apply for Benefits”. After completing the application, continue with submitting verification documentation.
  • In Person – applications are available in our lobby and may be submitted in person or left in the drop-box.
  • Print an APPLICATION and return through one of the following ways:

Step 2: Gather Verification Documents

If you’re applying for more than one program on the same application, the same verifications will be used. The Child Care application does require that a Child Care Provider is selected.

Specific documents accepted are listed in the application, but in general we will need to verify:

    • Who is in the household
    • All household income, and
    • Basic information such as identity, Social Security Number(s) and Birth Verification(s).

Submit verification documents the same way you submitted your application and as a good practice, please write your name and case number or social security number on all verification documents. 

 

How do I become a Child Care Provider?

  •    What is Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC)?
    •  PFCC is the care of children under the age of thirteen that are eligible for child care services that are paid by the state in whole or in part. PFCC services are paid for an eligible child to a provider with an ODJFS provider agreement.
  •  What is Step Up To Quality (SUTQ)?
    • SUTQ is Ohio’s quality rating and improvement systems. If a provider chooses to participate then your program will meet quality programming standards that exceed basic health and safety requirements. SUTQ programs receive a higher PFCC payment rate for child care based on their awarded SUTQ rating.
  • Interested in becoming a Type B PFCC Provider?
    • Create a profile in the Ohio Professional Registry (OPR) Sign In | OCCRRA
    • Complete the required ‘Family Child Care Pre-Licensing” training located in the OPR
    • Apply for licensure in the Ohio Child Licensing and Quality System (OCLQS): OCLQS Licensing Job Aids | Job and Family Services (ohio.gov)
    • Complete and submit a request for a background check in the OPR and
      • Prepare for the pre-licensing inspection.

Where can I find a provider that is state approved to receive Publicly Funded Child Care?

 View State Approved PFCC Providers here: http://childcaresearch.ohio.gov/

Note: The Child Care Provider selected does not have to be located in the county of residence. Talk with your local County JFS Child Care Coordinator about your individual needs.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What if my child care has been discontinued?
    • Submit a new application with all required verifications.
  •  What if I need to change my child care provider?
    • Notify your County JFS as soon as possible for a timely transition.
  •  What if I’m no longer working or attending school?
    • Notify the County JFS as soon as possible as: 1) you may be eligible for continued services if you have a qualifying activity in the near future or 2) you wish to end the current authorization. 
  •  How can I get my copayment reduced?
    • If your income has changed you may submit a change form to your County JFS with verification documentation. Your copayment may be reduced if eligibility is met.