License Exempt Providers and  CCAP

 With so many families working evenings, weekends and odd hours, license exempt providers  (also known as family, friend and neighbor care), play an important role in the state's Child Care Assistance program (also known as CCAP). CCAP is funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and assists low-income working families with paying for child care services. Any legally operating child care provider or program may choose to accept reimbursement payments from the CCAP for child care services provided.

To be paid through the CCAP program, ALL license-exempt providers must:
  •  be 18 years of age or older
  • care for no more than three (3) children including their own, unless all the children are from one other family
  • successfully clear a background check 

In addition to the above requirements, non-relative license exempt providers are also required to
  • complete fingerprinting
  • complete required health and safety training
  • agree to participate in an annual health and safety home visit

The following license- exempt providers cannot receive CCAP payments:
  •  the child's mother or father, or  a stepparent who is currently married to the child's parent and is living in the same household as the child, 
  •  anyone who is included in the same public assistance grant as the child (for those families receiving such assistance),
  • a person living in the home who is a parent of the child's sibling or has a child in common with the applicant, or If such a person is available and qualified to care for the child in the home, child care will not be approved.
  • the sibling of children needing care who is living in the same household.

 Providers may be employed  but will have to provide documentation that the outside employment does not interfere with the child care that is approved by the Department


 

QUICK LINKS

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