Child Care Subsidy Program Supports Children with Special Needs

Starting on October 1, 2024, there will be a new pilot to improve how the Child Care Subsidy Program supports children with special needs. This pilot will use a centralized process for requests for the Special Needs Rate (SNR) for children who have special needs who are applying to the Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP). 

The local DSS caseworker will complete the SNR Request Form on the behalf of the child/family and vendor.  The use of the SNR Request Form will be piloted for approximately six months (i.e., 10/1/2024-3/31/2025). 

 Your Role as a Subsidy Vendor:  

• Details on Accommodations Needed: As a subsidy vendor with a child with special needs applying for the SNR at your site, you will be asked by the LDSS caseworker to provide information on the accommodations that would be offered to support the child. Subsidy vendors can use the optional “Vendor Accommodations” form to articulate the accommodations that will be provided.  
• Notification on the Decision: Once a decision is made for an individual applying for the SNR, the LDSS caseworker will notify the vendor about the decision through a Notice of Action (when approved) or a Communication Form (when denied). If you have questions about the decision, you should first reach out to the LDSS caseworker.
• Questions/Feedback:  If you are interested in providing feedback on this process or have general questions about the pilot of the new SNR Request Pilot, please reach out to childcaresubsidy@doe.virginia.gov with “SNR Request Pilot” in the subject line of the email.