Certified license exempt centers

The State of Minnesota has the authority to certify license exempt centers. When a license exempt center is certified, it means that the center meets the federal requirements for receiving child care assistance.

Registration process

A certified license exempt center must register with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) to be paid by CCAP. A site may operate programs that fall under different license exemptions, and each site needs to be certified and registered separately. Providers register, renew their registration, and submit changes to DCYF. See Chapter 11.12 (Provider Registration).

Use the CCAP Provider Communications Form on SIR to notify DCYF when a provider has expressed interest in registering or if a family has requested a provider who is not actively registered. Refer the provider to the DCYF CCAP Provider Website or the DCYF CCAP Provider Support Team at ccap.providers.dcyf@state.mn.us or 651-431-4848 for any questions about registration. See Chapter 11.12 (Provider Registration).

Payments to license exempt centers

Pay license exempt centers at the same rate as licensed centers in the same age category.

License exempt centers must be certified to register with CCAP and can be paid retroactive to the later of the date that:

· Child care was authorized to begin OR

· The family became eligible OR

· The date of certification.

See Chapter 9.3 (Payments to Providers) for more information on first payment date.

Certified license exempt center information updates

Certified license exempt center names and site addresses are updated to the name and site address the provider has for certification. If a name or site address changes and the provider indicates the change is incorrect, the provider must update the information with their certification licensor. A provider can update their mailing address with the DCYF CCAP Provider Support Team. See Chapter 11.12 (Provider Registration).

Certified license exempt center receives a new certification number

When a certified license exempt center receives a new certification number, they must re-register and receive a new MEC² ID. Use the CCAP Provider Communications Form on SIR to notify DCYF when a provider has told you they have a new certification number. Refer providers to the provider to the DCYF CCAP Provider Website or the DCYF CCAP Provider Support Team at ccap.providers.dcyf@state.mn.us or 651-431-4848 for any questions about certification or registration. See Chapter 11.12 (Provider Registration).

Legal authority

Minnesota Statutes 142B.05, subd. 2
Minnesota Statutes 142C
Minnesota Statutes 142E.01, subd. 22
Minnesota Rules 3400.0120, subp. 1 and 1d