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448 (07/2026) Chapter 2:Eligibility • Section 6: Non-financial eligibility Age and special needs categories The maximum allowable rate is determined in part by age or special needs of the children in care. The age categories on the provider rates charts are as follows: • Infant: A child who is:
Newborn to 1 year (12 months) for non-licensed care, or
Newborn to 2 years (24 months) for licensed care, registered or certified. • Toddler: A child who is:
1 year (12 months) to 3 years old for non-licensed care, or
2 years to 3 years old for licensed care, registered or certified. • Preschool: A child 3 years to 6 years old • School-age: A child 6 years old and older • Special needs: A child who requires a higher level of care than usually required for their age due to a physical, behavioral, intellectual, or mental health disability. Special needs rate (SNR) A caretaker who is applying for ERDC may have a child who requires a higher level of care than usually required for their age due to a physical, behavioral, intellectual, or mental health disability. The provider caring for a child who requires and qualifies as a higher level of care, aged newborn through age 17, may be reimbursed at a special needs rate (SNR). This rate offers families more options for child care services in their area. The intent of SNR is to allow families to access higher cost options that they may not have been able to afford under the standard ERDC maximum rate for their area. To authorize SNR, the caretaker will need to provide proof of the child’s physical, behavioral, intellectual, or mental health disability. Verification can be from: • A physician, osteopath, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, psychiatrist, licensed or certified psychologist, optometrist, ophthalmologist or clinical social worker, • Eligibility for Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education, and/or School Age Special Education programs • Eligibility for SSI. The Special Need Child Care Request (DHS 7486) form is given to the caretaker as a tool listing the verification needed. It is important to note that this form is not required to establish SNR eligibility, but it can help families understand verification requirements. The form provides the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) information. The ADA states child care providers may not charge caretakers of children who have disabilities more than other families are charged to cover any increased costs the program incurs in making the reasonable accommodations necessary to comply with the ADA. A case note is needed indicating the SNR is authorized and the necessary documentation is on file. Effective Dates for SNR If the SNR is requested at initial application or at renewal and verification is provided, the SNR effective date will be the same as the ERDC start date.