What does it mean to be eligible for funding? Why will I need a certificate?
In Massachusetts, families receiving subsidized child care may choose their child care provider from a variety of program types including licensed child care centers, licensed family child care homes, license-exempt center-based programs, summer camps, and informal arrangements such as care by a relative or care by a non-relative in the child's home. In all situations, to be “eligible for funding” the provider must be operating legally and must agree to the conditions required to receive federal funds. The Certificate of Eligibility for Funding lets the CCRR know that EEC has determined that you are eligible to provide care for children receiving subsidy.
Once we get approved and have our Certificate of Eligibility for Funding, how long does it last for?
Certificates of Eligibility for Funding must be renewed according to the following schedule:
Funded Center-Based Programs must renew their Certificate every 2 years.
Funded Summer Camps must renew their Certificate every 2 years.
Funded Informal Non-Relative Providers must renew every 3 years.
Do I need a Certificate of Eligibility if I am already providing subsidized child care?
All funded programs and providers will need a Certificate of Eligibility. EEC Funded Program Monitors will work with Designated Administrators to ensure that all currently Funded Programs obtain their Certificate of Eligibility. Programs looking to provide subsidized child care services on or after October 1, 2019 will be required to obtain their Certificate of Eligibility for Funding prior to caring for children whose care is subsidized.
If a public school operates a non-funded program can it apply for a Certificate of Eligibility?
If our public school operates a child care program that is not required to be licensed by EEC and we do not currently have an EEC child care contract or voucher agreement, can we still apply for a Certificate of Eligibility?
Yes however an EEC Certificate of Eligibility does not guarantee EEC child care subsidy funding.