Child Care Assistance Program

What is a Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)?

CCAP helps low-income families in Louisiana pay for child care so parents can work, go to school, or get training. It helps families with children under 13—or under 18 if the child has disabilities—cover part of the cost of child care.

How do I apply for CCAP?

You can apply in four ways:

1. Online (fastest): Use the Louisiana CAFÉ Customer Portal → Apply for CCAP online

2. Mail: Send a paper application to:
   Department of Education
   CCAP Household Eligibility
   P.O. Box 260037
   Baton Rouge, LA 70826

3. Fax: Fax your application to 225‑376‑6060.

4. In person: Ask a local library or community center to help you get an application.

How long does it take to receive funds?

You’ll be told if you're eligible within 30 days of submitting your application. You’ll also get a letter that says when payments to your child care provider will start.

What do the application steps look like?

1. Fill out your application (online or paper).

2. Gather paperwork: check stubs, IDs, school letter, birth certificates, etc. Upload or include them.

3. Submit everything online or by mail/fax.

4. Caseworker reviews your application. They may ask for more papers.

5. If files are missing, your application may go on hold or you may reapply.

6. If eligible, you'll be either:

   • Certified and placed on a wait list (if funds aren’t available yet)

   • Or approved and you can start sending your child to a CCAP provider

7. You must check your child in daily using KinderConnect once funds begin. 

What documentation is required when I fill out my application?

Child’s Age / Relationship

• Birth certificate

• Hospital records or baptismal record

Immunizations

• Shot records, appointment card, or doctor/pharmacy note

Income

• Up to 4 recent check stubs (within 45 days)

• Unearned income (e.g., SSI, child support, unemployment award letter)

• If self‑employed: tax returns or sales/personal wage records

School / Job Training

• Letter or schedule from school saying you're full‑time or at least 20 hrs/week

• If job hunting, screenshot from HiRE showing your activity

Special Needs / Disability

• IEP/IFSP document or doctor's statement

Identity / Citizenship

• Photo ID, voter registration, passport, or military ID

• Birth certificates for all children

• Social Security cards (optional but useful)

Common FAQ’s

1. Can I apply if I'm job hunting?
   Yes, you can get up to 90 days of help while looking if you meet other rules.

2. Do I need full-time school or work?
   Yes, adults must work or go to school at least 20 hours per week.

3. What if my family is homeless?
   Homeless families have 90 days to give proof, then can be approved.

4. When can my child start care?
   You and the provider start care after you get the approval letter with dates and payment info.

5. What if I pick a provider after applying?
   You must choose a CCAP‑approved provider before you get certified. Otherwise, your application won’t go through.

Who do I contact about my application status?

• Phone: 1‑877‑453‑2721

• Email: LDECCAP@la.gov

• Fax: 225‑376‑6060

• Mailing address:
  Department of Education
  CCAP Household Eligibility
  P.O. Box 260037
  Baton Rouge, LA 70826