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Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)

Family
Care & Education Options Financial Assistance & Scholarships

What is CCDF?

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) helps low-income families obtain child care so they can work, attend training, or continue their education. The purpose of CCDF is to provide low-income families with the financial resources to locate and afford quality child care, as well as increase the availability of these programs.

Child care assistance is available for children through the age of twelve and up to age eighteen for children with special needs. The child receiving assistance must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal alien, even if the parents are not.

Who can help me with vouchers?

Firefly (formerly named Children’s Bureau) serves as the intake agency for central Indiana for both CCDF vouchers and On My Way Pre-K (OMWPK). Families in Hamilton, Hendricks, and Marion Counties can contact Firefly through a number of ways:

  • Call 317-545-5281. Note: Marion County residents may also call 2-1-1.
  • Email ccdfvouchers@fireflyin.org.
  • Visit Firefly’s CCDF office at Fay Biccard Glick Family Place, 3801 N. Temple Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46205

Each county is assigned their own contact. To find yours, or if you are outside of central Indiana, check the statewide CCDF Eligibility Office map.

Visit fireflyin.org

Navigating assistance for your family

Child Care Answers can support you throughout the entire process, from understanding eligibility requirements to applying for and choosing a child care program that will accept your voucher or scholarship. We are here to help!

Request a list of programsPrint Resource

Paying for Care

Navigating Financial Assistance

Learn more about eligibility for CCDF.

financial assistance scholarships cost

Income Requirements

To qualify for CCDF vouchers, your family’s gross monthly income (before taxes and any other deductions) cannot be more than 127% of the federal poverty level. Your family can stay in the program until your income is more than 185% of the Indiana median income guidelines by family size.
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Exemptions

Licensed foster parents who are seeking care for foster children and parents involved with the Indiana Department of Child Services don’t have to meet the income guidelines.
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Staying on the Program

In most cases, a voucher is active for 52 weeks and families re-certify each year. Once you are on the CCDF program, your family’s gross income can increase, but cannot exceed 185% of the state median income to remain eligible.
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How Do I Apply?

To qualify for CCDF, you must:

  • Be a foster parent who is working, attending training, or going to school
  • Be a parent who is working, going to school, or has a referral from TANF/IMPACT
  • Meet the income guidelines
  • Be a resident of the county where you are applying for assistance
  • The child receiving assistance must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal alien
Verify Eligibility
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How Do I Apply?

Apply online through Early Ed Connect

Early Ed Connect is your one-stop-shop to apply online for On My Way Pre-K and CCDF vouchers in Indiana. With the online application, you will know immediately whether you qualify or not. Families engaged with IMPACT and the Department of Child Services may need a referral from their caseworker to begin the application process.

Early Ed Connect
How Do I Apply?

Navigating the waitlist

If you pre-qualify you will be put on the waitlist. You will be contacted when your name has been “pulled” and you are eligible to continue the process. Keeping your contact information up-to-date in Early Ed Connect ensures a seamless process once you become eligible.

Check your status
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How Do I Apply?

What happens next?

Once your name has been pulled off the waitlist and you have an active voucher, you will need to complete the enrollment process.

  • Schedule a phone interview/orientation session with Firefly. 
  • Gather and submit all required documents online.
  • Find a participating program and have them complete and submit the provider form.
Find Child Care
Featured Resource

Child Care Assistance Guide

Your one-stop-shop to paying for child care. Dive deeper into the programs available to Indiana families, how to apply, and more!
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https://childcareanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CCDF-Webinar-Featured-Video-780-x-5001.png play button
Featured Video

Your Guide to Child Care Financial Assistance

This informative presentation and Q&A session details child care financial assistance in the State of Indiana. Carrie Gray from the CCDF voucher office at FSSA shares information about the options available for families in need of child care assistance.

Como pago para cuidado infantil
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¿Cómo pago el cuidado infantil?: Su Guía al CCDF, On My Way Pre-K, y Más

tell your money where to go
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Tell Your Money Where to Go vs. Wondering Where It Went

health insurance
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Health Insurance 101

Reporting Fraud

Fraud may be reported in variety of ways. Applicants, co-applicants, child care providers and concerned citizens can contact The Fraud Hotline at 800-403-0864 or through email at ReportFraud@fssa.IN.gov.
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Related News & Stories

Learn more about financially supporting your family.

Resource

On My Way Pre-K (OMWPK)

August 4, 2021
Resource

Paying for Child Care

July 26, 2021
Resource

Financial Assistance

July 26, 2021
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Phone: 317.636.5727 Toll Free: 800.272.2937
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