A child care provider is defined as individuals or centers licensed by a state or Tribe, individuals or centers under the jurisdiction of the federal government, certified license exempt centers, and legal nonlicensed individuals providing legal child care services.

CCAP will not pay a provider who lives in the same home as the child.

A licensed individual or a licensed center must have a valid child care license issued by a state or a Tribe and provide child care services in the licensing state or in the area under the tribe’s jurisdiction. Individuals or centers licensed by a state or tribe outside of Minnesota or under the jurisdiction of the federal government must meet federal health and safety requirements.

A legal nonlicensed child care provider must meet requirements as outlined in Chapter 11.9 (Legal Nonlicensed (LNL) Providers). When authorizing care for a legal nonlicensed provider, follow guidance in Chapter 9.1.18 (Authorizing Care with a Legal Nonlicensed Provider).

CCAP parents have a right to choose their child care provider. Each family can use up to two providers that can be paid by CCAP, one primary provider and one secondary provider. Parents choose their children’s primary and secondary provider, and they may choose a different primary and secondary provider for each child in the family. See Chapter 9.1.9 (Authorizing Care – Multiple Providers).

Some provider requirements vary based on the type of provider:

· Licensed providers include family child care providers and centers licensed by Minnesota, Tribal nations, or other states. See Chapter 11.3 (Licensed Child Care Providers)

· Certified licensed exempt centers. See Chapter 11.6 (Certified License Exempt Centers)

· Legal nonlicensed providers. See Chapter 11.9 (Legal Nonlicensed (LNL) Providers)

The Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) Provider Guide DHS-5260-ENG (PDF) is a resource available to child care providers who care for children receiving CCAP. The booklet may be referenced by CCAP workers if needed during discussions with CCAP providers or for informational purposes. The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) Legal Nonlicensed (LNL) Provider Handbook DHS-5260A-ENG (PDF) is a supplement to the Provider Guide for legal nonlicensed providers that explains additional policies that only apply to legal nonlicensed providers.

Legal authority

Minnesota Statutes 142E.10, subd. 5, 9, 11
Minnesota Statutes 142E.11, subd. 4
Minnesota Statutes 142E.01, subd. 19
Minnesota Statutes 142E.16
Minnesota Rules 3400.0035, subp. 7 & 8
Minnesota Rules 3400.0120