Child Care Subsidy Information for Providers

 
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What you need to know

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DHHS may be able to help families with the cost of child care through the Child Care Subsidy Program. A family's first step is to apply through iServe and complete a phone interview. Eligible families may receive child care assistance to participate in one or more of the following activities:

  • Working
  • Involved with Employment First as part of the ADC program
  • Going to school or trainings
  • Going to medical or therapy visits for self or their child(ren)
  • Ill or hurt (must be confirmed by a doctor)

If you are interested in becoming an approved child care provider for the Child Care Subsidy Program, please have a family of interest make a referral by contacting ACCESSNebraska toll-free at (800) 383-4278, (402) 323-3900 in Lincoln or (402) 595-1258 in Omaha.


Providers who have a Child Care Subsidy Enrollment with DHHS: 
  • Are assigned a Resource Developer to oversee provider approvals and enrollments, provider training, monitor health and safety and provide technical assistance with billing needs
  • Can submit billing online and receive payment directly deposited into an account or placed on a Relia Card
  • May be able to charge a higher rate, if caring for a child with special needs
  • May be eligible for a child care grant to start or expand a child care program, meet licensing requirements, or to increase the quality of your program
  • May be eligible to participate in the Food Program
  • May receive a higher rate for National Accreditation
  • May receive a higher rate for participation in Step Up to Quality​

Child Care Subsidy Handbook​

The Child Care Subsidy Handbook is a resource for individuals who provide child care to families receiving support from DHHS through the Child Care Subsidy Program.

Child Care Provider Handbook  UPDATED Sept 2023

​A provider may be eligible for a Child Care Subsidy Enrollment even if they are not licensed. This is referred to as a License Exempt Provider. License Exempt Providers can provide care for a smaller ratio of children than licensed providers.

All License Exempt Providers must first complete the following:

  • Prepare to Care online Health and Safety Training Orientation
  • Certification in pediatric first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
  • State background checks, including:
    • State of Nebraska Central Registry for Adult Abuse and Neglect;
    • State of Nebraska Central Registry for Child Abuse and Neglect;
    • State Patrol Sex Offender Registry;
    • State of Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles; and
    • Local and State Law Enforcement Agencies.

Child Care Subsidy rates are set based on the results of the bi-annual Child Care Market Rate Survey (MRS). The MRS is a survey collecting private pay rates from providers across Nebraska. The results of the survey determine the rates DHHS will pay for Child Care Subsidy. Current rates are found at: Title 392 Child Care Subsidy Guidance Document. Child Care paid by IV-E funds uses these same rates. The current rates are based on 2023 MRS. The 2023 MRS can be viewed at: Market Rate Survey.


Providers can contact the Nebraska Early Childhood Training Center to find out more about upcoming trainings, information and medial materials related to children, technical assistance, Regional Early Learning Connection Partnerships and much more.

Prepare to Care Health and Safety Instructions

License Exempt or In Home Health and Safety Letter

Licensed Provider Health and Safety Letter​