Page 6

6 Child Care Subsidy Provider Handbook Child Care Provider Types In Nebraska, anyone who provides child care to four or more children must be licensed as a child care provider. There are five child care license types: 1. Family Child Care Home I (FCCHI) 2. Family Child Care Home II (FCCHII) 3. Child Care Center (CCC) 4. Preschool (PRE) 5. School-Age Only Center (SAOC) Providers caring for a smaller number of children may still be eligible for Child Care Subsidy enrollment: • License-exempt child care providers (LE) • In-home child care providers (IH) Any provider type may apply to be a subsidy provider. However, most programs licensed as a preschool program are not eligible, as they are considered educational learning environments and not child care programs. Provider Regulations The Child Care Subsidy Program and, subsequently, all providers participating in the program, are governed by both state and federal regulation. Providers are encouraged to make themselves familiar with the regulations found in Title 392 (NAC). These regulations govern a provider’s identification and status, service standards, billing and payments, and certain conduct that is required, regardless of provider type. Licensed providers who accept child care subsidies are expected to comply with: • Subsidy regulations: Title 392 (NAC) • Licensing regulations: Title 391 (NAC) It is important for all providers to understand that child care subsidy regulations change periodically. Providers may be notified of these changes in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to: A mailed letter, electronic notification, social media or through their subsidy enrollment process. For the latest information, providers may subscribe to receive updates via the DHHS home page. Notable recent changes to Title 392: • Each month, child care providers can bill up to five absence days for each subsidy child. Absences must be based on the child’s regular attendance calendar and an “A” should be recorded in that calendar. • Considerations of policies and procedures in place in the event of a state emergency or disaster have been expanded, as well as the provider’s obligations in developing preparedness plans. • Health and safety training required of providers has been clarified and codified. • The qualification age for license-exempt and in- home providers has been updated to age 19. • Twelve-month eligibility periods and reduced- reason authorizations can be closed. • Family fees cannot be increased during their eligibility period. • Three-month job search after job loss. • Children experiencing homelessness can be authorized for up to 40 hours per week to provide stability to the children and allow the caretaker the opportunity to seek out community resources. Licensed Providers Programs required to hold a child care license under the Child Care Licensing Act will complete this process through Children’s Services Licensing (CSL). CSL is part of DHHS Division of Public Health. Licensed programs will be assigned a child care inspection specialist (CCIS) who will complete required inspections. Licensed providers must keep their child care license current and maintain all licensing standards. LICENSE REGULATIONS To review the full list of regulations that govern each license type, visit: dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/pages/ child-care-licensing.aspx QUESTIONS? Please direct license-related questions to your child care inspection specialist (CCIS) or contact: DHHS Licensure Unit (Children’s Services Licensing) Toll free: 1-800-600-1289 Lincoln: 402-471-6564 Omaha: 402-595-3343 dhhs.childcarelicensing@nebraska.gov