Page 323

Child Care Assistance Program Policy Manual Issued 03/2021 Provider rates 9.24 The Department of Human Services conducts a statewide child care provider rate survey. All licensed family child care providers, licensed child care centers and licensed school age care programs are included in the survey. The resulting information is compiled and used by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and legislators to consider changes to the maximum rates. The maximum rates in place are based on provider survey responses within a particular county or survey responses within a group of counties. Determining the payment rate Maximum rates that can be paid vary according to the type of provider, the age of the child and the location where care is provided. See Chapter 9.24.3 (Child care rates, registration fees, copayments) for a link to the hourly, daily, and weekly child care maximum rates. Authorize payment up to the county maximum rate or the maximum city rate for providers located in St. Cloud and Sartell, not to exceed the provider’s charge for all hours of child care authorized. Apply the age categories for children in family child care (Licensed/Legal Non-Licensed) and child care centers (Licensed/License Exempt Centers). See Chapter 2 (Glossary) under infant, toddler, preschool and school age for these age categories. See Chapter 9.24.6 (Age category exceptions) for information about exceptions to the standard age categories. Use the maximum rates in the provider’s county of residence or if the provider is located St. Cloud or Sartell, use the maximum rates in the provider’s city of residence. If the provider lives outside of the State of Minnesota, use the maximum rate in the participant’s county of residence. All changes to maximum provider rates will be implemented in MEC2 the Monday following the effective date of the new rate. The family is responsible for any provider charges that exceed the maximum rates, in addition to the family copayment fee. See Chapter 9.24.9 (Higher rates for quality – Accreditation/differential). See Chapter 9.24.12 (Higher rates for quality – Parent Aware rated providers). Legal authority Minnesota Statutes 119B.13