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Child Care Subsidy Policy October 1, 2024 116 Family Child Care providers who cannot afford the cost of complying with health and safety standards shall be referred to the grant programs sponsored by the CCR&R agency. Grants shall be available for providers for a variety of needs, including start up assistance to meet health and safety requirements, pay operating permits, attend training, or become accredited. While federal rules will not allow grant funds to be used for major improvements, grants may be approved for minor remodeling to meet health and safety requirements. Each CCR&R has individual grant application policy and procedures. In addition, the CCR&R agency sets limits for grant amounts and covered items and may establish policies that require repayment of grant funds if the home closes within two years of receiving funds for a capital improvement. A provider shall complete an application form and shall be notified in writing of the disposition within 30 days. All applications are confidential and are retained in the CCR&R agency for three years. 12.5. Child and Adult Care Food Program. The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is an important resource for child care providers. The program not only reimburses providers for meals served to children but completes onsite inspections and supplies nutrition training. Child care staff in the CCR&R agency will be responsible for informing new providers about the Child & Adult Care Food Program. 12.5.1. Cooperative Agreements. Each DoHS child care unit and CCR&R agency shall enter into a cooperative agreement with the sponsor(s) of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in their area operation. The cooperative agreement should include exchange of information, and resolution of problems which may arise. The cooperative agreement will help assure a good working relationship between agencies for the benefit of child care providers, parents, and children. The agreement should be discussed periodically and at any time problems arise. Information shall be shared among agencies, as legally permitted, particularly when there is an investigation for suspected fraud. 12.5.2. Exchange of Information. To maintain confidentiality, payment forms (ECE-CC-10A) should not be shared unless the sponsoring agency wishes to obtain them directly from the providers. By signing the child care application, the parent agrees that information may be released to the Child & Adult Care Food Program. Therefore, child care staff can provide the agency with names and number of children open or closed in the home of each provider who participates in the program. It then becomes the Child & Adult Care Food Program sponsoring agency’s responsibility to obtain other necessary information directly from the provider and parent. The Child Care Case manager shall insure that the Child Care Food Program is notified of changes that occur with providers monthly. 12.5.3. Regulation of CACFP Providers. Family home child care providers interested in receiving CACFP reimbursements must volunteer to register.