Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
The Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) is administered through the Larimer County Department of Human Services for Larimer County residents. The program provides child care services to families who meet the income guidelines and who are in an eligible activity. Eligible activities are:
- Working
- Job Search (30 days per year)
- Teen parent(s) under the age of 22 who are attending junior high, high school or a GED program.
CCCAP also provides assistance to families enrolled in the Colorado Works Program who need child care services to support their efforts towards self-sufficiency.
Eligibility
You must have a gross monthly income below the established program income limits. Eligibility levels vary from county to county. Larimer County is currently assisting families who have total household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty level.
How to Apply
To apply for child care assistance in Larimer County, first complete a CCCAP application packet. Bring the completed application packet to a face-to-face interview. At the interview, please be prepared to show original documents verifying the citizenship status of the children you are requesting care for. This is a State of Colorado requirement. You will have 30 days to follow-up with other written verifications, such as employment and immunization records.
For your convenience, CCAP application forms can be downloaded. You may also have application forms mailed to you be calling (970) 498-6300 or you can pick them up at the Human Services office locations listed below (along with the interview hours.)
| CCAP Interview Hours 1501 Blue Spruce Drive Fort Collins |
CCAP Interview Hours 205 East 6th Street Loveland |
CCAP Interview Hours 1601 Brodie Ave Estes Park |
|
| Monday | 8:30 - 11:00 AM | 12:30 - 3:30 PM | Please call 498-6300 to make arrangements. |
| Tuesday | 12:30 - 3:30 PM | No CCAP interviews | |
| Wednesday | No CCAP Interviews | 12:30 - 3:30 PM | |
| Thursday | 8:30 - 11:00 AM | 8:30 - 11:00 AM | |
| Friday | No CCAP interviews | No CCAP interviews | No CCAP interviews |
Choosing a child care provider
Parents have the ability to choose whether they would like to use a licensed child care center, a licensed family child care home, or a provider legally exempt from licensing such as a friend, neighbor or relative. The only requirement is that your child care provider must agree to the CCCAP terms and conditions.
When choosing a provider, decisions will need to be made about the type of care that will best meet the needs of your child as well as your family. Regardless of the child care provider selected, parents should look for signs that their child will be safe, developmentally stimulated and encouraged to grow and learn.
If a parent needs help locating child care providers they can contact their local resource and referral agency. Resource and referral agencies maintain lists of child care providers that include the type of care provided and other relevant information. For help finding a child care provider in Larimer County, contact the Child Care Resource and Referral Agency at 970-377-3388
Once a family has selected a child care provider, they must notify their CCCAP technician. Before authorizing child care services, the CCCAP technician will work with the provider to ensure that all requirements have been agreed upon, the fiscal agreement has been signed and all other required forms have been completed.
If a family selects an exempt provider, Larimer County will do a background check to find out if that person has been involved in incidents which would indicate they may pose a threat to children. If the county finds that the exempt provider has been involved in any incidents, they will refuse to enter into a fiscal agreement with the provider and the family would have to select a different provider.
Paying Parental Fees
Parents are required to pay a portion of their child care costs (parental fee). The parental fee is based on the family’s income and the number of people in the household. The fee is then paid directly to the provider each month.Redetermination of Eligibility
As a recipient of child care assistance, you will be asked to update your information every six months. Your answers to the questions on the redetermination forms will provide us with the information we need to continue your child care assistance. Please note that failure to complete these forms and supply required documentation will result in the discontinuance of your child care benefits.For your convenience, CCAP redetermination forms can be downloaded. You may also have the forms mailed to you be calling (970) 498-6300 or you can pick them up at the following Human Services office locations.
| 1501 Blue Spruce Drive Fort Collins CO 80524 |
205 East 6th Street Loveland CO 80537 |
1601 Brodie Drive Estes Park CO 80517 |
Interested in being a Provider?
Contact your county office by calling 498-7623 and request information regarding becoming a CCAP provider. If interested in details, a packet of information can be mailed to you which includes a fiscal agreement for your review. Read over the agreement very carefully, as it would serve as a contract between you and the county. The agreement describes each party's responsibilities and contains the reimbursement rate you would be paid.
Child Care Licensing
As a provider, if you choose to be licensed, the Colorado Department of Human Services is responsible for issuing child care licenses. You may also reach them at (303) 866-5958 or (800) 799-5876.
Forms and information for current CCAP providers
http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/childcare/