We appreciate your inquiry to the Child Care Voucher Program. We apologize we are unable to contact every client personally by phone due to high call volume. The following frequently asked questions list should answer any questions you have about the program. What is the Child Care Voucher Program? The Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) is a federal program that assists low-income families, families receiving temporary public assistance, and those transitioning from public assistance in obtaining childcare so they can work, attend training, or continue education. The purpose of CCDF is to increase the availability, affordability, and quality of childcare.

The table below will help you determine whether or not you may qualify for the CCDF Program.

Is there a waiting list?
Yes, there is currently a waiting list for child care voucher services in all counties.

How can I be placed on the waiting list?
You can call us at 317-545-5284, X204 and leave a message requesting a waitlist application along with your name and full address (including city and zip code). Applications are also available by clicking here.

How do I know when I have been placed on the waiting list?
Once your application has been processed you will be notified via mail as to if your application was approved or denied. If it was denied, you will be informed of the reason of the denial. Please remember that the waiting list application must have proof of your service need attached or we can not process your application. Only send copies of documentation as originals will not be returned.

How long will I be on the waiting list?
It is difficult to say how long you will remain on the waiting list. It depends on federal funding, state priority status and the date your waitlist application is completed. For these reasons it is impossible for us to tell you your number on the waiting list because it could change day to day based on who applies and their priority status.

What do you mean by "priority status?" The State of Indiana organizes the waiting list parents by priorities. The priorities are as follows: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Child Protection Services (CPS)/Foster Parents, Children with Special Needs (medically documented or special education classes) and Date of Waitlist Application. Is there a way to get on the program without being on the waiting list? The only way a parent can receive vouchers without going through the waitlist is by receiving a TANF/IMPACT referral from the Division of Family Resources. A parent must be a TANF/IMPACT client and must be deemed eligible for a referral by their Family Case Coordinator (FCC). How will I know when my name is pulled from the waitlist? CB notifies families on the waitlist that they are eligible for enrollment by mail. Our enrollments are by invitation only. It is very important that you contact us with any address changes you have while you are on the waiting list. If you miss the enrollment session your name was pulled for because we do not have an updated address your name is purged from the waiting list and you will have to fill out a new waiting list application.

What will I receive when my name is pulled for enrollment?
You will receive an invitation letter from CB with the date/time/location of the enrollment. There is a security sticker on this letter to ensure we are taking people by priority. You will also receive a list of what you must bring to your appointment and a form called a "Section G" form that must be completed by a certified or licensed CCDF childcare provider.

What can I expect at the enrollment?
Enrollment normally takes place early in the morning and the wait can be long. Child care vouchers are given on a first come first serve basis. No one will be seen unless they have their invitation letter, all paperwork listed on the letter (within the time frame stated on the letter-30 days prior to the open enrollment date) and the Section G form completed by a CCDF certified provider.

What if I can't come to that particular enrollment?
If you can not come on the day listed on your invitation letter, there is a number on the letter you must call to leave a message asking to be left on the waiting list. You must contact us by 5:00 pm on the day of the enrollment. You will remain on the list until your name is pulled for another open enrollment.

How do I know if my child care provider is a CCDF eligible provider?
You can call the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) in your area. Contact Child Care Answers at 317-631-4643 or 800-272-2937 for providers in Hamilton, Hendricks and Marion County and Huffer Memorial 765-284-0887 or 800-554-9331 for providers in Madison County. These agencies will check the current child care provider for CCDF eligibility and provide a listing of CCDF eligible providers if requested.

What other help is available while I am waiting?
You can contact your local CCRR (see above) for additional questions. You can ask them about "Title 20 Centers" in your area. There are some centers that have funds available to help families but you must attend those particular centers to receive that assistance. The income guidelines for these centers are the same as the ones for CCDF. You can also contact the Helpline at 2-1-1.

Forms and Publications

Appeal Form (70 KB)      Parent Appeal Procedure (59 KB)      Waiting List (226 KB)      "Stop" Letter (Requirements) (105 KB)      Section G Form (Providers) (287 KB)      DCS Referral Form (118kb)     CCDF Brochure (266kb)

Appeals

If you would like to appeal the termination of your child care voucher please read the Parent Appeal Procedure form above and fill out the Appeal Form and return it to:

Child Care Provider Information

If you have concerns about a child care provider, please contact Child Care Answers at 317.631.4643.

For more information on locating child care, see "Tips for Helping Families Locate Quality Child Care” at http://www.in.gov/fssa/children/bcd/famchd.html

Background As of October 1, 2003, Children's Bureau, Inc. began administering the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF). CCDF is a federal program that assists low-income families with a priority of serving Impact (a welfare to work program) and those individuals who are transitioning from public assistance, to obtain child care so that they can work or attend training/education. The program is federally funded by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, as the lead agency who then pays the child care provider directly for services. Providers must be state-approved child care providers to receive federal money to provide child care. Children's Bureau is the grantee for the next two years. Children's Bureau will collaborate with the local community groups such as the Step Ahead Council, during the grantee term. The Bureau of Child Development, has further details regarding the CCDF program at their website: http://www.in.gov/fssa/children/bcd/