How to Apply: Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP)

A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for the Vermont Child Care Financial Assistance Program.

What is the Vermont Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP)?

The Vermont Child Care Financial Assistance Program, also known as subsidy, helps families pay for child care costs. This program helps families access high-quality regulated child care, preschool, and after-school care by covering some or all child care costs for eligible families. The state pays your chosen provider directly, and you pay a weekly family share (co-payment) based on your family size and income. Family shares range from $0 to $425 per week. This program serves over 9,000 children across Vermont and supports working families by making child care more affordable.

How do I apply for the Vermont Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP)?

There are 2 ways to apply for CCFAP:

• Apply Online through CDDIS Parent Portal: Submit an application through the Child Development Division Information System (CDDIS) Parent Portal (recommended method)

• Use Google Chrome on a laptop, tablet, or desktop for best experience
• Mobile phone use is not recommended
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is required
• If you provided an email address on a previous application, use it to access the portal

Special Note: If you receive Reach Up benefits, ask your case manager if they can authorize Child Care Financial Assistance for you - you may not need to complete an application.

How long does it take to receive funds from the Vermont Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP)?

Your local Community Child Care Support Agency will determine your eligibility after receiving your complete application and all required documents. If you are eligible, assistance may begin on the date they received your fully completed application. Processing times vary by agency, but most agencies work to process applications as quickly as possible. You will receive communication about your application status through the CDDIS Parent Portal if you provided an email address, or by mail if you did not.

What do the application steps look like?

Step 1: Apply online through the CDDIS Parent Portal or submit a paper application to your local Community Child Care Support Agency

Step 2: Submit all required documents and additional forms to support your application (see documentation section below)

Step 3: Your local agency will review your application and determine eligibility

Step 4: If eligible, receive notification about how much the state will pay, for how many hours, and for what time period

Step 5: The state sends authorized payments directly to your chosen child care provider

Step 6: Pay your weekly family share (co-payment) directly to your provider

Step 7: Report any household changes within 10 days to maintain benefits

Step 8: Complete periodic reviews to keep your assistance active

What documentation is required when I fill out my application?

Basic Eligibility Requirements (all families must provide):

• Proof you live in Vermont
• Documentation showing accepted service need for child care (work, school, training, etc.)
• Income verification to meet guidelines (up to 575% of Federal Poverty Level)
• Assets must be less than $1 million

Child Information (required for all applications):

• Birth certificates for all children needing care (ages 6 weeks to 13 years, or 19 for special needs)
• Social Security cards for children
• Special needs documentation (if applicable for children 14-19 years old)

Income Verification (must provide for all household income):

• Recent pay stubs showing current wages
• Self-employment records and tax returns
• Social Security Income (SSI) statements
• Unemployment benefits documentation
• Worker's compensation payments
• Veteran's benefits
• Interest income, stocks, bonds, rental income
• Any other income sources

Service Need Documentation (provide what applies to your situation):

• Employment: Work schedule and employer verification
• Education/Training: School enrollment, class schedule, training plan form
• Job Search: Documentation (limited to 3 months total)
• Medical: Special Health Needs form completed by MD, NP, PA, or licensed psychologist
• Family Support: Risk assessment for families experiencing extreme stress
• Child Protection: Coordination with Family Services social worker

Child Support Information (if applicable):

• Court orders for each child
• 12-month payment history from Office of Child Support
• If not receiving support: detailed letter explaining why, including absent parent's name and address

Special Circumstances (only if applicable):

• Adoption assistance agreement (may waive income requirements)
• Reach Up authorization from case manager
• Specialized child care needs documentation

Common FAQ's

1. How much will I pay for child care? You will pay a weekly family share based on your family size and income. Family shares range from $0 to $425 per week. The state pays the difference between your family share and the CCFAP state rate directly to your provider.

2. What are the income limits to qualify? Families can now earn up to 575% of the Federal Poverty Level and still qualify. For example, a family of four can earn up to approximately $179,400 per year. Current income guidelines are updated annually and available on the CCFAP webpage.

3. What ages of children can get help? Children from 6 weeks to 13 years old qualify for assistance. Children with special needs may qualify up to age 19.

4. What are accepted reasons for needing child care? Accepted service needs include employment, education/training, job search (up to 3 months), medical incapacitation, family support due to extreme stress, and involvement with child protective services.

5. Can I get help finding a child care provider? Yes! Your local Community Child Care Support Agency can help you find providers, or you can search the Bright Futures website for up-to-date information about local child care options.

Who do I contact about my application status?

For CCFAP Applications by County:

Addison County:

Mary Johnson Children's Center

81 Water Street, Middlebury, VT 05753

Phone: 802-388-4304

Chittenden County:

Child Care Resource Contact: www.childcareresource.org

Franklin/Grand Isle Counties:

Family Center of Northwestern Counseling & Support Services

130 Fisher Pond Road, St. Albans, VT 05478

Phone: 802-524-6554 Fax: 802-527-1126

Lamoille County:

Lamoille Family Center

480 Cady's Falls Road, Morrisville, VT 05661 Phone: 802-888-5229

• Families A-B: 802-730-7806
• Families C-L: 802-730-7774

Orange/Windsor County (North):

The Family Place

319 US Route 5 South, Norwich, VT 05055

Phone: 802-649-3268 or 1-800-639-0039

Orleans/Essex County (North):

Kingdom Child Care Connection at Umbrella

79 Coventry Street, Suite 3, Newport, VT 05855

Phone: 802-624-4157 Fax: 802-624-4919

Rutland County:

Vermont Achievement Center

88 Park Street, Rutland, VT 05701

CCFAP: 802-773-4365

Child Care Referrals: 802-747-0033 or 1-800-775-2390

Washington County:

Family Center of Washington County 383 Sherwood Drive, Montpelier, VT 05602

Phone: 802-262-3292

Windham County:

Winston Prouty Center for Child and Family Development

209 Austine Drive, Brattleboro, VT 05301

Phone: 802-257-7731

For Technical Support:

CDDIS Help Desk: Submit a CDDIS Help Desk Requestfor login support or system errors

CDDIS Support Page: Visit for password resets and account setup assistance

For General CCFAP Information:

Child Development Division (CDD)

280 State Drive, Waterbury, VT 05671-1040

Deputy Commissioner: Janet McLaughlin

For Finding Child Care Providers:

Bright Futures Website: www.brightfutures.dcf.state.vt.us

Find a Provider: Vermont.gov Child Care Search

For Child Abuse Reporting: Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-649-5285 (24/7)

Additional Resources:

• Complete list of Community Child Care Support Agencies: dcf.vermont.gov/contacts/partners/cccsa
• CCFAP Income Guidelines: Updated annually on the CCFAP webpage
• Multi-Factor Authentication Guide: Available for CDDIS Parent Portal setup
• Act 76 Information: Details about Vermont's expanded child care law

Last updated July 14, 2025