• Updating to full-time child care assistance for summer

   

Beginning April 1, 2026, the North Dakota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) will implement two updates that align program operations with state law and support more consistent use of child care assistance funds. These updates include clarifying the age limit for CCAP payments and establishing minimum attendance requirements for monthly payments. 

Visit the website to learn more about these policy updates. 

Providers with employees participating in the Workforce Benefit program must report when employment ends or when an employee is no longer working an average of 25 hours per week. Payments issued through the Workforce Benefit program when an employee works fewer than 25 hours per week may result in  an overpayment if the employee does not qualify for regular CCAP. 

Maternity leave and extended sick leave of an employee should be reported by the employee with a date on when they plan to return to work. This will not end their approval for the Workforce Benefit. 

Employees who do not reach their 25 hours a week due to illness, vacation or closure can still be eligible for the workforce program when their total hours for a month (4 weeks of paystubs or 2 bi-weekly paystubs) total an average of 25 hours per week. When the average of the hours is less than 25 hours a week, they are no longer meeting the requirement, and this should be reported to applyforhelp@nd.gov.  

Watch for a flyer to be mailed out in April with this information that can be shared with participating employees. 

As we gear up for the summer season, we want to ensure that all families who need full-time care in the summer are well-prepared for that change. Families requiring full-time care during the summer should reach out to our Customer Support Center in the month that school ends, to ensure there are no delays for child care assistance with the change from part-time care to full-time care. If children are already approved for full-time care, no further action is needed from the family.   

Families can request this change through their Self-Service Portal or by contacting the Customer Support Center through email or phone.

Every child deserves the right to be respected, valued and included.  

The USpireND team is available to provide free support in creating inclusive environments that meet the diverse needs of all children. Whether you are looking for strategies to support developmental differences, guidance on behavior or tools to adapt your learning space, inclusion coaches are available to walk alongside you. 

Stay connected to learn about the Inclusion Support Grant opportunity expected to be shared on the HHS Early Childhood website later this spring. 

Don’t miss a beat! Visit the EC News page to stay informed on the latest program updates, grant and incentive announcements, training opportunities and other key resources for providers and families. It’s your go-to source for timely information and updates that support North Dakota’s early childhood providers and families.  

Add the EC News page to your favorites and never miss an update!