The following press release is from the Louisiana Department of Education.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana (WAFB) – The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is giving eligible families an opportunity to apply for the Child Care Assistance Program before the waitlist begins on October 1st. The program currently serves approximately 24,500 children in Louisiana. As the number of eligible families approaches funding levels in the program’s budget, a wait list has been created to ensure funds are available to eligible families who apply by the end of September. The list has also implemented a process to allow eligible families who apply after October 1st to access the funds as soon as they become available.

The Louisiana Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provides families with financial assistance for child care services. CCAP provides quality child care for children under the age of 13 or children with special needs up to the age of 18 for parents or legal guardians who are working, attending school, or participating in vocational training. help cover the costs of CCAP pays for a portion of childcare costs. The family pays the difference charged by the provider.

In February, the Elementary and Secondary School Board approved payment rate increases and eligibility extensions to serve more working families. As a result, participation in CCAP has increased, averaging an additional 3,000 children. At the current pace, the number of eligible families expected to apply may exceed the amount of funds available. A waiting list has been set up to allow eligible families access to seats as soon as funds become available.

Applications received before October 1 will be reviewed and will receive funds as soon as they are determined to be eligible. Eligibility is currently determined within 60-90 days of receipt of a complete application. Eligible children experiencing homelessness, children of families participating in STEP or Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships, children in foster care, or children with eligible special needs are placed on the waiting list. excluded from

Eligible families who apply after October 1 will be placed on a waiting list. You will be notified by her LDOE website if you apply online or by mail if you use the paper application that you have been placed on the waiting list. Families on the waiting list will be notified by phone, mail and email when funds become available. There is currently no limit to the number of families that can be added to the waiting list.

Families can apply online. A frequently asked questions document has been created with more information about the CCAP waitlist. For additional information or questions, please contact LDOE by email at ldeccap@la.gov. Questions can also be sent to 1-877-453-2721.

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