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10-148 Chapter 6 page 32

a. For License Exempt Providers, if the Provider, or any household member, or staff who are required by this Rule to undergo a background check do not pass the background check, the State will not pay for the child care services provided and the parent will be responsible for any fees the provider charges for the care provided. 5. When a Parent has completed the required eligibility re-determination forms, but failed to provide the requested documentation, or is no longer eligible for the Child Care Affordability Program, Child Care Affordability Program Payments will not be made beyond the end date provided for in the current Award Letter.

SECTION 8: CHILD CARE PROVIDER QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS A. Child Care Provider Qualifications 1. To be qualified to receive reimbursement from the Child Care Affordability Program, Child Care Providers must either be: (a) a Child Care Provider licensed by the Department, (b) a Child Care Provider licensed by the New Hampshire DHHS Child Care Licensing Unit, or (c) a License-Exempt Child Care Provider qualified by the Department under this Rule. a. Until September 23, 2025, License-Exempt Providers include: i. A License-Exempt Child Care Provider, who provides Child Care Services for no more than two (2) children, is eighteen (18) years of age or older, and is a Maine Resident, or is a Recreational program through a municipality, and has enrolled in Rising Stars for ME. ii. A License-Exempt Relative Child Care Provider, who is a Child(ren)’s grandparent, great grandparent, sibling (if living in a separate residence), aunt, or uncle, who provides Child Care Services for no more than two (2) children, is eighteen (18) years of age or older, and is a Maine Resident. b. Beginning on September 24, 2025 and thereafter, License-Exempt Providers include: i. A License-Exempt Child Care Provider, who provides Child Care Services for no more than three (3) children or four (4) children if at least two (2) of the children are siblings and no more than three (3) of the total number of children in the provider’s care are under two (2) years of age, is eighteen (18) years of age or older, and is a Maine Resident, or is a Recreational program through a municipality, and has enrolled in Rising Stars for ME.