How the Program Works
Step 1: Apply to Become a Provider
There are three types of Child Care Opportunities. If you want to provide child care services to families that are eligible for the publicly-funded child care program, you must be licensed. If you want to care for children not participating in this program, there is no need to become licensed.
Applications to become a Family Child Care provider in the State of Ohio are submitted to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Complete applications are forwarded to the county of residence for processing and licensing recommendation. To apply to be a Family Child Care provider, please contact the Child Care Policy Help Desk at 1-877-302-2347, option 4.
For additional resources and information, please visit the ODJFS Child Care page here.
Step 2: Register a child for your care
Once approved, the state will send the newly licensed provider a tablet and instructions for using the Time, Attendance and Payment (TAP)system, KinderConnect. A child care provider resource guide can be found here. A provider can then start registering children receiving publicly-funded child care. Before the provider accepts children into care, the provider or parent MUST report that the child plans to attend to HCJFS through a “Child Care Connection.” This connection authorizes the child to the provider.
Once you have reported a “child care connection” and your tablet arrives, you can start tracking attendance for payment.
Step 3: Decide the Days and Hours you will care for each child
Caretakers (parents) are approved for categories of care:
- Hourly – 0 to 7 hours
- Part-time – 7 to 24.9 hours
- Full-time – 25 to 60 hours
- Full-time plus – more than 60 hours
The days and hours used by the caretaker (parent) for care is between the provider and caretaker (parent). Caretakers (parents) do not have to use hours specifically tied to their work, school or training activity. They may not use more hours than the category allows, but the specific days and times are now up to the caretaker (parent) and provider. All providers are still held to their licensing limitations (staffing ratios, etc.).
Step 4: Start utilizing the TAP System to Receive Payment
The provider will receive payment from two sources:
1. Publicly-Funded Child Care
New providers will be shipped a tablet to track attendance. For more information about TAP, click here.
2. Family Co-payments
As a provider, you will receive a notice of the state-determined co-payment for each family. Providers may collect the fee on a weekly or monthly basis, but the amount displayed for the provider in the Provider Web is a weekly amount.
Providers will be paid weekly for services delivered and recorded on the tablet. Attendance is calculated for payment the Sunday after submission and the payment is issued electronically within 7-10 business days.