Finding affordable child care is a significant challenge for many families. The good news is that programs like the Child Care Affordability Program (CCAP), sometimes referred to in community outreach as the Ashley Care Relief Program, are available to help eligible families manage these costs so parents can work, attend school, or participate in job training. CCAP also extends to families where adults are retired but serve as legal guardians for a child.
Who Qualifies for the Ashley Care Relief Program (CCAP)?
The Ashley Care Relief Program, officially known as CCAP, has specific eligibility guidelines to ensure assistance reaches those who need it most. These guidelines consider factors like income, family size, and the reason for needing child care (e.g., work, education, job training). To determine if your family is eligible for the Ashley Care Relief Program and receive support for your child care expenses, it’s essential to review the detailed eligibility criteria provided by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Contacting the CCAP office directly or visiting your local DHHS office are excellent first steps to understand your family’s eligibility.
How to Apply for the Ashley Care Relief Program
Applying for the Ashley Care Relief Program, or CCAP, is designed to be accessible. There are several convenient methods to submit your application:
- Mail-in Application: You can download and print the application form, complete it carefully, and mail it to the designated CCAP office. This option provides a tangible way to manage your application process.
- Phone Application Assistance: For direct support and guidance through the application process, you can call OCFS at 1-877-680-5866 or (207) 624-7999, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. This allows you to speak with a representative who can answer your questions and provide assistance.
- In-Person Application at DHHS Office: Visiting your local DHHS office offers the opportunity to receive a printed application and speak with staff in person. You can locate your nearest office through the Maine DHHS website or by calling the numbers mentioned above.
Choosing the application method that best suits your needs ensures a smooth and efficient process to access the Ashley Care Relief Program benefits.
Selecting Your Child Care Provider Under the Ashley Care Relief Program
The Ashley Care Relief Program provides flexibility in choosing a child care provider that meets your family’s needs. Eligible providers include:
- Licensed Child Care Centers: These centers offer structured care environments and are regulated to meet specific safety and quality standards.
- Licensed Family Child Care Providers: These providers offer care in a home setting, often providing a more intimate and family-like atmosphere.
- In-Home Caregivers: This includes adults who provide care in their own homes or come to your home to provide care, offering personalized and convenient child care solutions.
- Relative Caregivers: In some cases, relatives over the age of 18 can be approved as child care providers, allowing for care from trusted family members.
The Ashley Care Relief Program aims to accommodate various child care arrangements to best support working families.
Understanding Out-of-Pocket Expenses with the Ashley Care Relief Program
While the Ashley Care Relief Program significantly reduces child care costs, it’s important to be aware that families are typically required to contribute a portion of these expenses. CCAP utilizes a sliding scale to determine parent co-payments, ensuring that the contribution is proportionate to the family’s income and circumstances. This system is designed to make child care affordable while also promoting shared responsibility. For detailed information on the sliding scale and potential out-of-pocket costs, contacting CCAP directly is recommended.
Ashley Care Relief Program (CCAP) Contacts for Further Assistance
For general inquiries or application submissions, you can contact CCAP directly via email at [email protected]. You can also reach them by phone at the toll-free number 1-877-680-5866 or in Augusta at 207-624-7999, or by fax at 287-6308.
For changes or updates related to your case, please contact the relevant county email address listed below:
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For specific inquiries, you may find the following contacts helpful:
| Department | Contact Person | Email Address |
|---|---|---|
| Integrity and Recovery | [email protected] | |
| Provider support & community outreach | Ashley Batchelder | [email protected] |
| CCAP Manager | Kerri Wyman | [email protected] |
| CCAP Manager | Diane Perry | [email protected] |
| Child Care Services Manager | Gina Forbes | [email protected] |
| Associate Director of Early Care & Education | Tara Williams | [email protected] |
Navigating child care affordability can be complex, but resources like the Ashley Care Relief Program (CCAP) are in place to provide crucial support to families. By understanding the program’s details and utilizing the available contact information, families can access the assistance they need to ensure quality child care while pursuing their work or education goals.
