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Child Care Subsidy Provider Handbook 28 Payments + Taxes Who Can Be Paid as a Provider? To be paid as a child care subsidy provider, the parent/caregiver must report you as their choice of provider on the ACCESSNebraska platform. Subsidy rates are set based on the results of the biannual Child Care Market Rate Survey (MRS), which collects private pay rates from providers across Nebraska. Survey results determine the rates DHHS will pay for child care subsidy. Rates may differ for providers participating in Nebraska’s Step Up to Quality or other nationally accredited program. Providers who have been overpaid should work with their RD to correct the error. Providers may be temporarily or permanently disqualified if overpayments are not resolved in a timely manner. How Much Will I Get Paid? The payment providers receive is determined by their provider type, location and the ages of the children they serve. Subsidy rates are also based on providers’ private pay rates. However, according to Nebraska Revised State Statute 43-536, subsidy payments cannot exceed a provider’s private pay rates. If a provider’s rates are lower than the current subsidy rates, the subsidy reimbursement will not exceed the provider’s private pay rates. Amounts paid to specific provider types are outlined below: • License-exempt provider rates are set by DHHS. • In-home provider rates will match the current state minimum wage. • Special needs providers can be approved at a higher rate based on the needs of the family (see page 31 for more details on this process). • If a parent/caregiver uses child care services for a reason other than the specified need for service or exceeds the limitations of hours stated on the service authorization, they will need to pay for these hours privately. Parent/Caregiver Fees Reimbursement of certain fees can be approved for licensed programs only. By completing the Child Care Provider Enrollment, the provider agrees to accept these fees as payment in full and, therefore, cannot charge additional fees to child care subsidy families that they usually charge to private- paying families. Additional documentation of the fees charged to private-paying families may be requested to qualify for these fees. Fee types for licensed centers and homes may include: 1. Enrollment fee: One-time fee upon enrollment (amounts vary). 2. Activity fee: Up to three occurrences per year (amounts vary). Note: Please reference the Guidance Document for current rates and fees, as these may change periodically. BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS To download a step-by-step guide to support your child care business, visit: Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative nebraskaearly.org/blueprint CURRENT MARKET RATES Title 392 Child Care Subsidy Guidance Document dhhs.ne.gov/Guidance%20Docs/ Title%20392%20Guidance%20 Document.pdf Market Rate Survey dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Market-Rate- Survey.aspx