# 8 CCR 1403-1: COLORADO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM RULES AND REGULATIONS

> Colorado · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_CO_CCR_8_CCR_1403_1

## Section

- **Citation:** 8 CCR 1403-1
- **Heading:** COLORADO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM RULES AND REGULATIONS
- **Jurisdiction:** Colorado
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Code of Colorado Regulations / 1400 Department of Early Childhood / 1403 Colorado Child Care Assistance Program / 8 CCR 1403-1

## Text

1
DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program
COLORADO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM RULES AND REGULATIONS
8 CCR 1403-1
[Editor’s Notes follow the text of the rules at the end of this CCR Document.]
_________________________________________________________________________
3.100
AUTHORITY
These rules and regulations are adopted pursuant to the rulemaking authority provided in section 26.5-1-
105(1), C.R.S., and are intended to be consistent with the requirements of the State Administrative
Procedures Act, sections 24-4-101 through 24-4-204, (the “APA”), C.R.S., the Anna Jo Garcia Haynes
Early Childhood Act, Title 26.5 of the C.R.S. (the “Early Childhood Act”), C.R.S., and the Colorado Child
Care Assistance Program Act, sections 26.5-4-101 through 26.5-4-119, C.R.S.
3.101
SCOPE AND PURPOSE
These rules and regulations shall govern the processes and procedures of licensed child care providers
participating in the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP). The purpose of CCCAP is to
provide eligible households with access to high quality, affordable child care that supports healthy child
development and school readiness while promoting household self-sufficiency and informed child care
choices.
3.102
APPLICABILITY
The provisions of these rules and regulations shall be applicable to licensed child care providers
participating in the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program, which is regulated by the Colorado
Department of Early Childhood.
3.103
DEFINITIONS
A.
“Accused individual” means:
1.
An adult caretaker, teen parent, or child care provider who is being accused of
committing fraud or a fraudulent criminal act; or
2.
An adult caretaker or teen parent who is being accused of committing an Intentional
Program Violation.
B
the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program, which is regulated by the Colorado
Department of Early Childhood.
3.103
DEFINITIONS
A.
“Accused individual” means:
1.
An adult caretaker, teen parent, or child care provider who is being accused of
committing fraud or a fraudulent criminal act; or
2.
An adult caretaker or teen parent who is being accused of committing an Intentional
Program Violation.
B.
“Additional care needs” means a child who has a physical and/or mental disability and needs a
higher level of care on an individualized basis than that of his/her peers at the same age; or, who
is under court supervision, including a voluntary out-of-home placement prior to or subsequent to
a petition review of the need for placement (PRNP), and who has additional care needs identified
by an individual health care plan (IHCP), individual education plan (IEP),
physician’s/professional’s statement, child welfare, or individualized family service plan (IFSP).
C.
“Adult caretaker” means a person in the home who is financially contributing to the welfare of the
child and is the parent, adoptive parent, step-parent, legal guardian, or person who is acting in
“loco parentis” and has custody of the child during the period of time child care is being
requested.
Code of Colorado Regulations
Secretary of State
State of Colorado

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D.
“Adverse action” means any action by the counties or their designee which adversely affects the
adult caretaker or teen parent’s eligibility for services, or the Child Care Provider’s right to
payment for services provided and authorized under the CCCAP.
E.
“Affidavit” means a voluntary written declaration reflecting the personal knowledge of the
declarant.
F.
“Applicant” means the adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) who sign(s) the application form and/or
the redetermination form.
G.
“Application” is a Department-approved form that may include, but is not limited to:
1
ider’s right to
payment for services provided and authorized under the CCCAP.
E.
“Affidavit” means a voluntary written declaration reflecting the personal knowledge of the
declarant.
F.
“Applicant” means the adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) who sign(s) the application form and/or
the redetermination form.
G.
“Application” is a Department-approved form that may include, but is not limited to:
1.
An original Department-prescribed low-income child care application, which is the first
application for the CCCAP filed by the adult caretaker(s) or teen parent; or
2.
At the option of the county, any application for another public assistance program.
H.
“Application date” means the date that the county receives the signed application.
I.
“Application date for pre-eligibility determinations” means the date that the application is received
from the Child Care Provider or Applicant by the county.
J.
“Application process” means all of the following:
1.
The Department-prescribed, signed low-income child care application form completed by
the adult caretaker or teen parent, which includes appeal rights; or any application from
another public assistance program. Counties with Head Start programs may accept the
Head Start application in lieu of the Low-Income Child Care application for those children
enrolled in the Head Start program;
2.
The required verification supporting the information declared on the application form; and
3.
As a county option, an orientation or interview for new applicants may be required.
Counties shall ensure that, if the county chooses to incorporate an orientation or
interview into their application process, the orientation or interview process is not
burdensome to families by allowing a family to complete the process via phone or
electronic tools or by offering extended office hours to hold the orientation or interview.
K.
“Assets” include but are not limited to the following:
1
ounties shall ensure that, if the county chooses to incorporate an orientation or
interview into their application process, the orientation or interview process is not
burdensome to families by allowing a family to complete the process via phone or
electronic tools or by offering extended office hours to hold the orientation or interview.
K.
“Assets” include but are not limited to the following:
1.
Liquid resources such as cash on hand, money in checking or savings accounts, saving
certificates, stocks or bonds, lump sum payments as specified in rule section 3.111(H)(3).
2.
Non-liquid resources such as any tangible property including, but not limited to, licensed
and unlicensed automobiles and motorcycles; utility trailer; seasonal or recreational
vehicles (such as any camper, motor home, boat, snowmobile, water skidoo, or airplane);
and real property (such as buildings, land, and vacation homes). Primary home and
automobile of the primary caretakers are excluded.
L.
“Attestation of mental competence” means a signed statement from a Qualified Exempt Child
Care Provider declaring that no one in the home where the care is provided has been determined
to be insane or mentally incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction; or specifically that the
mental incompetence or insanity is not of such a degree that the individual cannot safely operate
as a Qualified Exempt Child Care Provider.

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laring that no one in the home where the care is provided has been determined
to be insane or mentally incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction; or specifically that the
mental incompetence or insanity is not of such a degree that the individual cannot safely operate
as a Qualified Exempt Child Care Provider.

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M.
“Attendance tracking system (ATS)” means the system used by adult caretakers, teen parents, or
another individual delegated by the adult caretaker or teen parent to access benefits and to
record child attendance for the purposes of paying for authorized and provided child care.
N.
“Authorization” or “Authorized care” means the amount and length of time a child is eligible to
receive care by licensed or qualified exempt child care providers to whom social/human services
will authorize payment.
O.
“Authorization start date” means the date from which payments for child care services are eligible
to be paid by the county.
P.
“Base reimbursement rate” means the regular daily reimbursement rate paid by the county to the
child care provider. This does not include the increase of rates of reimbursement for high-quality
early childhood programs. Base reimbursement rates do not include absences, holidays,
registration fees, activity fees, and/or transportation fees.
Q.
“Basic education” is a Low-Income Child Care eligible activity where an adult caretaker or teen
parent is in middle school, high school education programs working towards a high school
diploma or high school equivalency; Adult Basic Education (ABE); and/or English as a Second
Language (ESL).
R.
“Behavioral Health Administration” means the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration
established by section 27-50-102, C.R.S.
S.
“Cash assistance” means payments, vouchers, and other forms of benefits designed to meet a
household’s ongoing basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, utilities, household goods,
personal care items, and general incidental expenses
h as a Second
Language (ESL).
R.
“Behavioral Health Administration” means the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration
established by section 27-50-102, C.R.S.
S.
“Cash assistance” means payments, vouchers, and other forms of benefits designed to meet a
household’s ongoing basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, utilities, household goods,
personal care items, and general incidental expenses. Cash assistance may include supportive
services to households based on the assessment completed. All state diversion payments of less
than four (4) consecutive months are not cash assistance. For the purpose of child care, county
diversion payments are not cash assistance.
T.
“Child care authorization notice” means a Department-prescribed form which authorizes the
purchase of child care and includes the children authorized for care. The authorization notice will
be given to the adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) and applicable child care provider(s) in order
to serve as notice to the adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s), and child care provider(s) of
approval or change of child care services. Colorado’s child care authorization notice(s) are
vouchers for the purposes of the CCCAP.
U.
“CHATS” means the Child Care Automated Tracking System.
V.
“Child care provider” means the same as “provider” in section 26.5-4-103(9), C.R.S., a child care
provider licensed pursuant to Part 3 of Article 5 of Title 26.5 that has an agreement or enrollment
contract to participate in CCCAP.
W.
“Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies” (CCR&R) means agencies or organizations
available to assist individuals in the process of choosing child care providers.
X.
“Child care staff” or “child care technician” means individuals who are designated by counties or
their designees to administer all, or a portion of, the CCCAP and includes, but is not limited to,
workers whose responsibilities are to refer children for child care assistance, determine eligibility,
authorize care, process billing forms, and issue payment for child care benefits.
care providers.
X.
“Child care staff” or “child care technician” means individuals who are designated by counties or
their designees to administer all, or a portion of, the CCCAP and includes, but is not limited to,
workers whose responsibilities are to refer children for child care assistance, determine eligibility,
authorize care, process billing forms, and issue payment for child care benefits.

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Y.
“Child Welfare Child Care” means a child care component within CCCAP where less than twenty-
four (24) hour child care assistance is needed to maintain children in their own homes or in the
least restrictive out-of-home care when there are no other child care options available. See rule
manual Volume 7, rule section 7.302, Child Welfare Child Care (12 CCR 2509-4) (January 1,
2025). The entirety of Volume 7 is herein incorporated by reference. No later editions or
amendments are incorporated. These regulations are available at no cost from the Colorado
Department of Human Services, 1575 Sherman St., Denver, Colorado 80203, or at
https://www.sos.state.co.us. These regulations are also available for inspection and copying at
the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, 710 S. Ash Street, Bldg. C, Denver, Colorado
80246, during regular business hours.
Z.
“Citizen/legal resident” means a citizen of the United States, current legal resident of the United
States, or a person lawfully present in the United States pursuant to Title IV of the Personal
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996, Public Law 104-193;
and Federal Register notices 62 Fed. Reg. 61344 (Nov. 17, 1997) and 63 Fed. Reg. 41658 (Aug.
4, 1998). Herein incorporated by reference. No later amendments or editions are incorporated.
These documents are available at no cost from the Office of the Federal Register at: 7 G Street,
NW, Ste. A-734, Washington, D.C. 20401, or at https://www.federalregister.gov/
(PRWORA) of 1996, Public Law 104-193;
and Federal Register notices 62 Fed. Reg. 61344 (Nov. 17, 1997) and 63 Fed. Reg. 41658 (Aug.
4, 1998). Herein incorporated by reference. No later amendments or editions are incorporated.
These documents are available at no cost from the Office of the Federal Register at: 7 G Street,
NW, Ste. A-734, Washington, D.C. 20401, or at https://www.federalregister.gov/. These
documents are also available for inspection and copying at the Colorado Department of Early
Childhood , 710 S. Ash Street, Bldg. C, Denver, Colorado 80246. Since the child is the
beneficiary of child care assistance, the citizen/legal resident requirement only applies to the child
who is being considered for assistance.
AA.
“Clear and convincing” means proof that is stronger than a preponderance of the evidence and is
unmistakable or free from serious or substantial doubt.
BB.
“Colorado Child Care Assistance Program” or “CCCAP” means the public assistance program for
child care known as the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program established in Part 1 or Article
4 of Title 26.5 of the Colorado revised statutes. CCCAP is administered by the Department and
provides child care benefits to households in the following programs: Low-Income Child Care,
Colorado Works Child Care, Protective Services Child Care, and Child Welfare Child Care. The
Department is responsible for the oversight and coordination of all child care funds and services.
CC.
“Colorado Works Program” is the program administered by the Colorado Department of Human
Services in Part 7 of Article 2 of Title 26 of the Colorado revised statutes. Colorado Works is
Colorado’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program that provides public
assistance to households in need. The Colorado Works program is designed to assist adult
caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) in becoming self-sufficient by strengthening the economic and
social stability of households.
DD
Services in Part 7 of Article 2 of Title 26 of the Colorado revised statutes. Colorado Works is
Colorado’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program that provides public
assistance to households in need. The Colorado Works program is designed to assist adult
caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) in becoming self-sufficient by strengthening the economic and
social stability of households.
DD.
“Colorado Works Child Care” means a child care component within CCCAP for Colorado Works
households with an adult caretaker or teen parent who have been referred for child care by the
county Colorado Works worker and are determined work eligible per Colorado Works Program
rules located at 9 CCR 2503-6 (July 1, 2025), herein incorporated by reference. No later editions
or amendments are incorporated. These regulations are available at no cost from the Colorado
Department of Human Services, 1575 Sherman St., Denver, Colorado 80203, or at
https://www.sos.state.co.us/ccr. These regulations are also available for inspection and copying
at the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, 710 S. Ash Street, Bldg. C, Denver, Colorado
80246, during regular business hours.
EE.
“Colorado Works households” means members of the same Colorado Works household who
meet requirements of the Colorado Works program, through receipt of basic cash assistance or
state diversion payments while working toward achieving self-sufficiency through eligible work
activities and eventual employment where the adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) is included in
the assistance unit, as defined in The Colorado Works Program Rules (9 CCR 2503-6),
incorporated by reference in subsection (CC) of this rule.

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payments while working toward achieving self-sufficiency through eligible work
activities and eventual employment where the adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) is included in
the assistance unit, as defined in The Colorado Works Program Rules (9 CCR 2503-6),
incorporated by reference in subsection (CC) of this rule.

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FF.
“Collateral Contact” means a verbal or written confirmation of a household's circumstances by a
person outside the household who has first-hand knowledge of the information, made either in
person, electronically submitted, or by telephone.
GG.
“Confirmed abuse or neglect” means any report of an act or omission that threatens the health or
welfare of a child that is found by a court, law enforcement agency, or entity authorized to
investigate abuse or neglect to be supported by a preponderance of the evidence.
HH.
“Consumer Education” means information provided to adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s), child
care providers, and the general public that will promote informed child care choices; information
on access to other programs in which families may be eligible; and, information on developmental
screenings.
II.
“County” or “Counties” means the county departments of social/human services.
JJ.
“Custody” means that a child is living with, or in the legal custody of, the adult caretaker(s) or teen
parent(s) on the days/nights they receive child care assistance.
KK.
“Department” means the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.
LL
ich families may be eligible; and, information on developmental
screenings.
II.
“County” or “Counties” means the county departments of social/human services.
JJ.
“Custody” means that a child is living with, or in the legal custody of, the adult caretaker(s) or teen
parent(s) on the days/nights they receive child care assistance.
KK.
“Department” means the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.
LL.
“Disaster” means the occurrence or imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury or
loss of life or property resulting from any natural cause or cause of human origin, including but not
limited to fire, flood, earthquake, wind, storm, wave action, hazardous substance incident, oil spill,
or other water contamination requiring emergency action to avert danger or damage, volcanic
activity, epidemic, air pollution, blight, drought, infestation, explosion, civil disturbance, hostile
military or paramilitary action, or a condition of riot, insurrection, or invasion existing in the state or
in any county, city, town, or district in the state.
MM.
“Discovery” means that a pertinent fact related to CCCAP eligibility was found by the county to
exist.
NN.
“Drastic economic change” means an economic impact on the county or state that has a strong or
far-reaching effect on the CCCAP.
OO.
“Drop in day” means a county-determined number of days that will generate an approval and
payment for care utilized outside of the standard authorization.
PP.
“Early care and education provider” means a school district or child care provider as defined in
section 26.5-4-103(4), C.R.S.
QQ.
“Eligible activity”, for the purpose of Low-Income Child Care, means the activity in which the teen
parent(s) or adult caretaker(s) are involved. This may include job search; employment; self-
employment; training and post-secondary education; or, basic education. RR
.
“Early care and education provider” means a school district or child care provider as defined in
section 26.5-4-103(4), C.R.S.
QQ.
“Eligible activity”, for the purpose of Low-Income Child Care, means the activity in which the teen
parent(s) or adult caretaker(s) are involved. This may include job search; employment; self-
employment; training and post-secondary education; or, basic education. RR.
“Eligible child”
means a child, from birth to the age of thirteen (13) years who needs child care services during a
portion of the day, but less than twenty four (24) hours, and is residing with the eligible adult
caretaker(s) or teen parent(s); or a child with additional care needs under the age of nineteen (19)
who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for themselves or is under court supervision and
is residing with or in the legal custody of the eligible adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s). Any child
served through the Colorado Works program or the Low-Income Child Care program must be a
citizen/legal resident.
SS.
“Emergency” means an unexpected event that places life or property in danger and requires an
immediate response through the use of state and community resources and procedures.

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TT.
“Employment” is a Low-Income Child Care eligible activity where the adult caretaker or teen
parent is holding a part-time or full-time job for which wages, salary, in-kind income or
commissions are received.
UU.
“Enrollment freeze” or “freeze” means when a county ceases enrollment of individuals due to
being overspent or being projected to overspend.
VV.
“Entry income eligibility level” means the level set by the Department for each county above
which an adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) is not eligible at original application.
WW.
“Equivalent full-time units” mean all part-time units times a factor of .55 to be converted to full-
time units
en a county ceases enrollment of individuals due to
being overspent or being projected to overspend.
VV.
“Entry income eligibility level” means the level set by the Department for each county above
which an adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) is not eligible at original application.
WW.
“Equivalent full-time units” mean all part-time units times a factor of .55 to be converted to full-
time units. The full-time equivalent units added to the other full-time units shall be less than
thirteen (13) in order to be considered part-time for parent fees.
XX.
“Exit income eligibility level” is the income level at the twelve (12) month re-determination of
eligibility above which the county may deny continuing eligibility and is eighty-five percent (85%)
of the Colorado state median income as outlined in rule section 3.111(H).
YY.
“Fair market value” means the median resale market value an item or service.
ZZ.
“Families experiencing homelessness” means families who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate
nighttime residence and at least one of the following:
1.
Children who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic
hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, or camping grounds due to the
lack of alternative accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters;
2.
Children who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not
designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
3.
Children who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard
housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; or
4.
Migratory children who qualify as experiencing homelessness for the purposes of these
rules because the children are living in circumstances described in this definition (1)
through (3), of this rule subsection.
AAA.
“Federal poverty level” (FPL) or “federal poverty guidelines” (FPG) refers to figures set by the
Department annually
tandard
housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; or
4.
Migratory children who qualify as experiencing homelessness for the purposes of these
rules because the children are living in circumstances described in this definition (1)
through (3), of this rule subsection.
AAA.
“Federal poverty level” (FPL) or “federal poverty guidelines” (FPG) refers to figures set by the
Department annually. These figures, based on gross monthly income levels for the corresponding
household size, are included in the table in rule section 3.111(H)(2).
BBB.
“Fingerprint-based criminal background check” means a complete set of fingerprints for the
qualified exempt provider and anyone eighteen (18) years of age and older residing in the
qualified exempt provider’s home; or, for the qualified exempt provider if care is provided in the
child’s home, taken by a qualified law enforcement agency, and submitted to the Colorado
Department of Early Childhood, Division of Early Learning Access and Quality, for subsequent
submission to the Colorado Bureau of Investigations (CBI). The individual(s) will also be required
to submit a background check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Costs for all
investigations are the responsibility of the person whose fingerprints are being submitted unless
noted otherwise in the county’s plan, which can be found on the Colorado Department of Early
Childhood website at https://cdec.colorado.gov/colorado-child-care-assistance-program-for-
families, per rule section 3.130.

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ll
investigations are the responsibility of the person whose fingerprints are being submitted unless
noted otherwise in the county’s plan, which can be found on the Colorado Department of Early
Childhood website at https://cdec.colorado.gov/colorado-child-care-assistance-program-for-
families, per rule section 3.130.

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CCC.
“Fiscal agreement” means a Department-approved agreement between counties or their
designees and child care provider(s), which defines the maximum rate possible based on county
ceiling rates and quality rating tiers, defines provider rights and responsibilities, and defines
responsibilities of the counties or their designees to the child care provider(s). The fully executed
fiscal agreement includes noticing of county ceiling rates as well as a copy of the provider’s
CCCAP reimbursement rates. Fiscal agreements must be:
1.
One (1) year in length for qualified exempt child care providers
2.
Three (3) years in length for licensed child care providers
DDD.
“Fraud/Fraudulent criminal act” means an adult caretaker(s), teen parent(s), or child care provider
who has secured, attempted to secure, or aided or abetted another person in securing public
assistance to which the adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) was not eligible by means of willful
misrepresentation/withholding of information or intentional concealment of any essential facts.
Fraud is determined as a result of any of the following:
1.
Obtaining a “waiver of intentional program violation;”
2.
An administrative disqualification hearing; or
3.
Civil or criminal action in an appropriate state or federal court.
EEE.
“Funding concerns” means a determination by the Department or a county that actual or
projected expenditures indicate a risk of overspending of that county’s available CCCAP
allocation in a current fiscal year.
FFF
g:
1.
Obtaining a “waiver of intentional program violation;”
2.
An administrative disqualification hearing; or
3.
Civil or criminal action in an appropriate state or federal court.
EEE.
“Funding concerns” means a determination by the Department or a county that actual or
projected expenditures indicate a risk of overspending of that county’s available CCCAP
allocation in a current fiscal year.
FFF.
“Head Start” means a program operated by a local public or private nonprofit agency designated
by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services to operate a head start program
pursuant to the provisions of Title V of the Federal “Economic Opportunity Act of 1964”, as
amended.
GGG. “High-quality early childhood program” means a program operated by a child care provider with a
fiscal agreement through CCCAP and, that is in the top three levels of the state’s quality rating
and improvement system, is accredited by a Department-approved accrediting body, or is an
early head start or head start program that meets federal standards.
HHH.
“Hold slots” means a county determined number of days when payment is allowed for unused
care that is in addition to absences, holidays, and school breaks. Hold slots are intended to hold a
child's slot with a provider due to extended absence from care.
III.
“Household” includes: all children in the home who are under eighteen (18) years of age; all
children under nineteen (19) years of age who are still in high school and the responsibility of the
adult caretaker(s); and the adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s).
JJJ.
“In loco parentis” means a person who is assuming the parent obligations for a child, including
protecting their rights and/or a person who is standing in the role of the parent of a child without
having gone through the formal adoption process. Parent obligations include, but are not limited
to, attending parent teacher conferences, regularly picking up and dropping children at child care,
and regularly taking the child to doctor appointments.
g the parent obligations for a child, including
protecting their rights and/or a person who is standing in the role of the parent of a child without
having gone through the formal adoption process. Parent obligations include, but are not limited
to, attending parent teacher conferences, regularly picking up and dropping children at child care,
and regularly taking the child to doctor appointments.

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KKK.
“Incapacitated” means a physical or mental impairment which substantially reduces or precludes
the adult caretaker or teen parent from providing care for his/her child(ren) and participating in a
Low-Income Child Care eligible activity. Such a condition shall be documented by a physician's
statement or other medical verification which establishes a causal relationship between the
impairment and the ability to provide child care.
LLL.
“Income eligibility” means that eligibility for child care benefits is based on and determined by
measuring the countable household income and size against eligibility guidelines.
MMM. “Inconsistent” means the information provided is unclear or conflicting or the county has reason to
believe the facts presented are contrary to the information provided by the adult caretaker(s) or
teen parent(s).
NNN.
“Intentional Program Violation (IPV)” means an act committed by an adult caretaker(s) or teen
parent(s) who has intentionally made a false or misleading statement or misrepresented,
concealed or withheld facts for the purpose of establishing or maintaining a Colorado Child Care
Assistance Program household’s eligibility to receive benefits for which they were not eligible; or
has committed or intended to commit any act that constitutes a violation of the child care
assistance program regulations or any state statute related to the use or receipt of CCCAP
benefits for the purpose of establishing or maintaining the household’s eligibility to receive
benefits.
OOO
hild Care
Assistance Program household’s eligibility to receive benefits for which they were not eligible; or
has committed or intended to commit any act that constitutes a violation of the child care
assistance program regulations or any state statute related to the use or receipt of CCCAP
benefits for the purpose of establishing or maintaining the household’s eligibility to receive
benefits.
OOO. “Involuntarily out of the home” means when an adult caretaker or teen parent is out of the home
due to circumstances beyond his/her immediate control to include, but not be limited to,
incarceration, resolution of immigration issues, and/or restraining orders.
PPP.
“Job search” is a Low-Income Child Care eligible activity where an adult caretaker or a teen
parent is actively seeking employment.
QQQ. “Low-Income Program” or “Low-Income Child Care” means a child care component within
CCCAP for households with an adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) who is/are in a low-income
eligible activity, income eligible, and not receiving Colorado Works, Child Welfare, or Protective
Services child care.
RRR.
“Manual Claim” means the child care provider’s process of invoicing the county using the
Department-prescribed manual claim form for reimbursements that were not processed
automatically through CHATS including but not limited to:
1.
Care that was authorized and provided;
2.
Reimbursable registration fees;
3.
Reimbursable activity fees;
4.
Reimbursable transportation fees;
5.
Reimbursable hold slots;
6.
Reimbursable drop in days; and
7.
Reimbursable absence payments.
SSS.
“Maternity and/or paternity leave” is a temporary period of absence from the adult caretaker or
teen parent’s Low-Income Child Care eligible activity that is granted to expectant or new mothers
and/or fathers for the birth and care of a newborn child.

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mbursable drop in days; and
7.
Reimbursable absence payments.
SSS.
“Maternity and/or paternity leave” is a temporary period of absence from the adult caretaker or
teen parent’s Low-Income Child Care eligible activity that is granted to expectant or new mothers
and/or fathers for the birth and care of a newborn child.

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TTT.
“Medical leave” means a temporary period of absence from the adult caretaker or teen parent’s
Low-Income Child Care eligible activity that is granted due to a personal illness or injury, or to
care for a family member that is not related to maternity/paternity leave.
UUU.
“Negative licensing action” is as defined in Child Care Facility Licensing rule sections 2.104(T)
and 2.304(A)(55) of 8 CCR 1402-1.
VVV.
“New employment verification” means verification of employment that has begun within the last
sixty (60) days. It is verified by a county form, employer letter, or through collateral contact.
Verification includes a start date, hourly wage or gross salary amount, hours worked per week,
pay frequency, work schedule (if nontraditional care hours are requested at application or re-
determination), and verifiable employer contact information.
WWW. “Non-traditional care hours” means weekend, evening, or overnight care.
XXX.
“Originating county” means the county where child care assistance eligibility was initiated in
instances where a family receiving low-income child care moves from one county to another
during their eligibility period.
YYY.
“Overpayment” means child care assistance received by the adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s),
or monies paid to a child care provider, which they were not eligible to receive.
ZZZ.
“Parent” means a biological, adoptive or stepparent of a child.
AAAA. “Parent fee” or “co-payment” means the household’s contribution to the total cost of child care
paid directly to the child care provider(s) prior to any state/county child care funds being
expended.
BBBB
e adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s),
or monies paid to a child care provider, which they were not eligible to receive.
ZZZ.
“Parent” means a biological, adoptive or stepparent of a child.
AAAA. “Parent fee” or “co-payment” means the household’s contribution to the total cost of child care
paid directly to the child care provider(s) prior to any state/county child care funds being
expended.
BBBB. “Pay stubs” means a form or statement from the employer indicating the name of the employee,
the gross amount of income, mandatory and voluntary deductions from pay (i.e. FICA, insurance,
etc.), net pay and pay date, along with year-to-date gross income.
CCCC. “Post eligibility stabilization period” means the time frame in which an adult caretaker or teen
parent must complete their job search activity if, at Low-Income Child Care re-determination, they
have not utilized their entire minimum thirteen (13) week time limited activity.
DDDD. “Preponderance of evidence” means credible evidence that a claim is more likely true than not.
EEEE. “Primary adult caretaker” means the person listed first on the CCCAP application and who
accepts primary responsibility for completing forms and providing required verification.
FFFF. “Protective Services Child Care” means a child care component within CCCAP for children that
have been placed by the county in foster home care, kinship foster home care or non-certified
kinship care; have an open child welfare case; and, the county has chosen to provide child care
services utilizing the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) rather than the Child Welfare Block
Grant.
GGGG. “Prudent person principle (PPP)” means allowing the child care technician to act in a manner
consistent with what a reasonable person of ordinary prudence would or would not do under the
same or similar circumstances when executing their responsibilities to determine CCCAP
eligibility, enter into a fiscal agreement, and reimburse child care providers for care that was not
automatically processed through CHATS.
on principle (PPP)” means allowing the child care technician to act in a manner
consistent with what a reasonable person of ordinary prudence would or would not do under the
same or similar circumstances when executing their responsibilities to determine CCCAP
eligibility, enter into a fiscal agreement, and reimburse child care providers for care that was not
automatically processed through CHATS.

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HHHH. “Qualified exempt child care facilities” means a facility that is approved, certified, or licensed by
any other department or agency, or federal government department or agency, which has
standards for operation of the facility and inspects or monitors the facility; and has been declared
exempt from the child care licensing act as defined in Department rule at 8 CCR 1402-1, rule
section 2.112.
IIII.
“Qualified exempt child care provider” means a family child care home provider who is not
licensed but provides care for a child(ren) from the same family; or an individual who is not
licensed but provides care for a child(ren) who is related to the individual if the child’s care is
funded in whole or in part with money received on the child’s behalf from the publicly funded
CCCAP under Department regulations at 8 CCR 1402-1, rule section 2.112(B)(5).
JJJJ.
“Rate notification” means a notification of provider reimbursement rates and applicable
registration, activity, or transportation fees that reflect the child care provider’s CCCAP
reimbursement rate based on the comparison of the county’s ceiling rates that are reflected in the
current fiscal agreement and the provider’s private pay rates, quality level or rate types.
KKKK. “Receiving county” means the county where child care assistance eligibility is re-determined after
a family receiving low-income child care moves from one county to another during their eligibility
period.
LLLL
sement rate based on the comparison of the county’s ceiling rates that are reflected in the
current fiscal agreement and the provider’s private pay rates, quality level or rate types.
KKKK. “Receiving county” means the county where child care assistance eligibility is re-determined after
a family receiving low-income child care moves from one county to another during their eligibility
period.
LLLL.
“Recipient” means the individual or family who is receiving or has received benefits from CCCAP
pursuant to Part 1 of Article 4 of Title 26.5 of the Colorado revised statutes.
MMMM.
“Recovery” means the act of collecting monies when an adult caretaker(s), teen parent(s)
or child care provider has received an “Overpayment.”
NNNN. “Re-determination (Redet) form” is a Department-prescribed form, which includes appeal rights,
that is used to determine a household’s continued eligibility for Low-Income Child Care at the end
of their twelve (12) month minimum eligibility period.
OOOO. “Re-determination (Redet) process” is the process to update eligibility for Low-Income Child Care.
This process is completed no earlier than every twelve (12) months and includes:
1.
The Department-prescribed re-determination form, which must be completed and signed
by the adult caretaker or teen parent or their authorized representative; and
2.
The required verification that supports the information declared on the re-determination
form that is needed to determine continued eligibility.
PPPP
.
This process is completed no earlier than every twelve (12) months and includes:
1.
The Department-prescribed re-determination form, which must be completed and signed
by the adult caretaker or teen parent or their authorized representative; and
2.
The required verification that supports the information declared on the re-determination
form that is needed to determine continued eligibility.
PPPP. “Regionally accredited institution of higher education” means a community college, college, or
university which is a candidate for accreditation or is accredited by one of the following regional
accrediting bodies: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; New England Association
of Schools and Colleges; North Central Association of Colleges and Schools; Northwest
Commission on Colleges and Universities; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools;
Western Association of Schools and Colleges; Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior
Colleges.
QQQQ. “Relative” means any of the following relationships by blood, marriage, or adoption: parent,
grandparent, son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, brother, sister, stepparent, stepbrother,
stepsister, stepson, stepdaughter, uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, or cousin.

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RRRR. “Risk-based audit” means audit selection based on a combination of the likelihood of an event
occurring and the impact of its consequences. This may include, but not be limited to, the
number, dollar amounts and complexity of transactions; the adequacy of management oversight
and monitoring; previous regulatory and audit results; review of the technician's accuracy; and/or
reviews for separation of duty.
SSSS. “Self-employment” is a Low-Income Child Care eligible activity where an adult caretaker or teen
parent is responsible for all taxes and/or other required deductions from earned income.
TTTT
unts and complexity of transactions; the adequacy of management oversight
and monitoring; previous regulatory and audit results; review of the technician's accuracy; and/or
reviews for separation of duty.
SSSS. “Self-employment” is a Low-Income Child Care eligible activity where an adult caretaker or teen
parent is responsible for all taxes and/or other required deductions from earned income.
TTTT. “Self-sufficiency standard” means the level of income adequate in each county for a given year to
meet the cost of basic needs, exclusive of child care costs, based on a verifiable and statistically
based third party source.
UUUU. “Slot contracts (county option)” means the purchasing of slots at a licensed child care provider for
children enrolled in CCCAP in communities where quality care may not otherwise be available to
county-identified target populations and areas or to incentivize or maintain quality. A slot contract
is tied to a licensed child care provider and may be filled by any child who is eligible for and
receiving CCCAP.
VVVV. “State established age bands” means the breakdown of child age ranges used when determining
child care provider base reimbursement rates.
WWWW.”State or local public benefit” means any grant, contract, loan, professional license, or
commercial license provided by an agency of a state or local government, or by appropriated
funds of a state or local government.
XXXX. “State Median Income” (SMI) refers to figures set by the Department annually. These figures,
based on gross monthly income levels for the corresponding household size, are included in the
table in rule section 3.111(H)(2).
YYYY. “Substantiated” means that the investigating party has found a preponderance of evidence to
support the complaint.
ZZZZ. “Target population” means a population whose eligibility is determined by criteria different than
other child care populations, and has a priority to be served regardless of wait lists or freezes
based upon appropriations. Current target populations include:
1
3.111(H)(2).
YYYY. “Substantiated” means that the investigating party has found a preponderance of evidence to
support the complaint.
ZZZZ. “Target population” means a population whose eligibility is determined by criteria different than
other child care populations, and has a priority to be served regardless of wait lists or freezes
based upon appropriations. Current target populations include:
1.
Households whose income is at or below 130% of the current federal poverty guidelines;
2.
Teen parents;
3.
Children with additional care needs;
4.
Families experiencing homelessness; and
5.
Segments of population defined by a county, based on local needs.
AAAAA. “Teen parent” means a person under twenty-one (21) years of age who is financially contributing
to the welfare of the child and is the parent, adoptive parent, step-parent, legal guardian, or
person who is acting in “loco parentis,” has custody of the child(ren) for the period that care is
requested and is in an eligible activity such as attending basic education, employment, self-
employment, or job search. If the person participates in workforce training or post-secondary
education, they are considered to be an adult caretaker as defined in rule section 3.103(C).

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BBBBB. “Temporary Absence” or “Temporary Break” means a period of time when an adult caretaker or
teen parent is absent from their employment, self-employment, or education activity due to
seasonal work, medical leave, maternity/paternity leave, and holidays or scheduled breaks but
still remains employed, self-employed, or enrolled in training or education, while receiving Low-
Income Child Care, and will return to the activity after the duration of their leave or break.
CCCCC. “Tiered reimbursement” means a pay structure that reflects increasing rates for high-quality
early childhood programs that receive CCCAP reimbursement. These increases are made in
addition to the base reimbursement rate.
DDDDD
lf-employed, or enrolled in training or education, while receiving Low-
Income Child Care, and will return to the activity after the duration of their leave or break.
CCCCC. “Tiered reimbursement” means a pay structure that reflects increasing rates for high-quality
early childhood programs that receive CCCAP reimbursement. These increases are made in
addition to the base reimbursement rate.
DDDDD. “Timely written notice” means that any adverse action shall be preceded by a prior notice period
of fifteen (15) calendar-days. “Timely” means that written notice is provided to the household and
child care provider at least by the business day following the date the action was entered into the
eligibility system. The fifteen (15) calendar-day prior notice period constitutes the period during
which assistance is continued and no adverse action is to be taken during this time.
EEEEE.
“Training and post-secondary education” is a Low-Income Child Care eligible activity
where an adult caretaker or teen parent attends educational programs including regionally
accredited institutions of higher education for a Bachelor's degree or less or a workforce training
program. Workforce training includes educational activities such as vocational, technical, or job
skills training which result in a diploma, license, or certificate; and, effective July 1, 2026,
nationally recognized, evidence-based substance use disorder treatment programs that are
licensed by the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) at an intensive outpatient
service level of care or higher. FFFFF. “Transition families” means households ending their
participation in the Colorado Works Program and who are eligible to transition to Low-Income
Child Care Assistance.
GGGGG. “Units” or “unit of care” means the period of time authorized care is billed by a child care
provider and paid for a household. (These units would be full-time, part-time, full-time/part-time,
or full-time/full-time.)
HHHHH
. “Transition families” means households ending their
participation in the Colorado Works Program and who are eligible to transition to Low-Income
Child Care Assistance.
GGGGG. “Units” or “unit of care” means the period of time authorized care is billed by a child care
provider and paid for a household. (These units would be full-time, part-time, full-time/part-time,
or full-time/full-time.)
HHHHH. “Up-to-date immunizations” means documentation of immunization status or exemption as
required by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) rules located in
6 CCR 1009-2 rule section VI(A), (May 15, 2023), no later editions or amendments are
incorporated. These regulations are available from the Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment at no cost at https://www.coloradosos.gov/CCR/Welcome.do. These regulations are
also available for public inspection and copying at the Colorado Department of Early Childhood,
710 S. Ash St., Bldg. C, Denver, CO 80246, during regular business hours. Immunizations
required for school entry are set by the board of health and based on recommendations of the
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
IIIII. “Voluntarily out of the home” means circumstances where an adult caretaker or teen parent is out of
the home due to his/her choice to include, but not be limited to, job search, employment, military
service, vacations, and/or family emergencies.
JJJJJ. “Wait list” means a list maintained by a county that reflects individuals who have submitted a
complete application for the CCCAP program for whom the county is not able to immediately
enroll.
KKKKK
here an adult caretaker or teen parent is out of
the home due to his/her choice to include, but not be limited to, job search, employment, military
service, vacations, and/or family emergencies.
JJJJJ. “Wait list” means a list maintained by a county that reflects individuals who have submitted a
complete application for the CCCAP program for whom the county is not able to immediately
enroll.
KKKKK. “Willful misrepresentation/withholding of information” means an understatement, overstatement,
or omission, whether oral or written, made by a household voluntarily or in response to oral or
written questions from the Department, and/or a willful failure by a household to report changes in
income, if the household’s income exceeds eighty-five percent (85%) of the State median income
within ten (10) days, or changes to the qualifying eligible activity within four (4) weeks of the
change.

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3.104
CCCAP APPROPRIATIONS
Nothing in these rules shall create a legal entitlement to child care assistance. Counties shall not be
required to expend funds exceeding allocated state and federal dollars or exceeding any matching funds
expended by the counties as a condition of drawing down federal and state funds.
When a county can demonstrate, through a written justification in its county CCCAP plan, that it has
insufficient CCCAP allocations, a county is not required to implement a provision or provisions of rule(s)
enacted under statutory provisions that are explicitly “subject to available appropriations.” The county is
not required to implement that or those rules or statutory provision(s) for which it has demonstrated
through its annual CCCAP plan that it has insufficient CCCAP allocations to implement, except for the
entry income eligibility floor referenced in rule section 3.111(H)
provisions of rule(s)
enacted under statutory provisions that are explicitly “subject to available appropriations.” The county is
not required to implement that or those rules or statutory provision(s) for which it has demonstrated
through its annual CCCAP plan that it has insufficient CCCAP allocations to implement, except for the
entry income eligibility floor referenced in rule section 3.111(H).
As part of its demonstration, the county shall include a list of priorities reflecting community circumstance
in its county CCCAP plan that prioritizes the implementation of the rules and/or provisions of statute that
are “subject to available appropriations.”
If the Department determines the county CCCAP plan is not in compliance with these rules and/or
provisions of statute, the Department will first work with the county to address the concerns. If a resolution
cannot be agreed upon, the Department reserves the right to deny the county CCCAP plan. If the
Department denies the county CCCAP plan, the county and the state shall work together to complete a
final approved county CCCAP plan that is in compliance with these rules and statute. Approved county
CCCAP plans can be found on the Colorado Department of Early Childhood website at
https://cdec.colorado.gov/colorado-child-care-assistance-program-for-families
3.105
PROGRAM FUNDING
A.
CCCAP will be funded through annual allocations made to the counties. Counties may use
annual allocation for child care services which includes direct services and administration.
B.
Each county shall be required to meet a level of county spending for the Colorado Child Care
Assistance Program that is equal to the county's proportionate share of the total county funds set
forth in the annual general Appropriation Act for the CCCAP for that State fiscal year. The level of
county spending shall be known as the county's maintenance of effort for the program for that
State fiscal year.
C
unty shall be required to meet a level of county spending for the Colorado Child Care
Assistance Program that is equal to the county's proportionate share of the total county funds set
forth in the annual general Appropriation Act for the CCCAP for that State fiscal year. The level of
county spending shall be known as the county's maintenance of effort for the program for that
State fiscal year.
C.
The CCCAP allocation formula shall be applied uniformly across all counties and must be based
on the relative cost of the program. The allocation formula must take into consideration:
1.
The eligible population for each county using the federal poverty level (FPL) as outlined
in rule section 3.111(H); and
2.
Reimbursement rates set by the state as informed by the market rates study.
3.
If not already taken into consideration in the initial allocation formula as stated in rule
sections 3.105(C)(1) and (2), the following factors must also be included:
a.
A measure of cost of living, which may include market rates; and
b.
The cost of high quality child care programs.
4.
If not already taken into consideration in the initial allocation formula, the formula may
include the following factors:

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a.
A statewide adjustment to the allocation formula for geographic differences within
counties or regional differences among counties in order to improve access.
b.
A statewide adjustment to the allocation formula for drastic economic changes
that may impact the ability of CCCAP to serve low-income families.
c.
A statewide adjustment to mitigate significant decreases in county allocation
amounts due to changes in the factors considered in the initial allocation formula
ences within
counties or regional differences among counties in order to improve access.
b.
A statewide adjustment to the allocation formula for drastic economic changes
that may impact the ability of CCCAP to serve low-income families.
c.
A statewide adjustment to mitigate significant decreases in county allocation
amounts due to changes in the factors considered in the initial allocation formula.
APPLICANT RIGHTS
3.106
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION
Child care programs shall be administered in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42
USC 2000(d)) located at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/title_vi.htm; Title II of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (42 USC 12132(b)).
A.
Counties or their designee shall not deny a person aid, services, or other benefits or opportunity
to participate therein, solely because of age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, political
beliefs, or persons with a physical or mental disability.
B.
No otherwise qualified individual with a physical or mental disability shall solely, by reason of
his/her disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected
to discrimination under any program or activity provided by the counties or their designee(s).
C.
The county shall make services available to all eligible adult caretaker(s) and teen parents,
subject to appropriations, including those with mental and physical disabilities and non-English
speaking individuals, through hiring qualified staff or through purchase of necessary services.
3.107
CONFIDENTIALITY
The use or disclosure of information by the counties or their designee(s) concerning current or prior
applicants and recipients shall be prohibited except for purposes directly connected with the activities
listed below:
A.
The administration of public assistance programs, Child Welfare, Head Start and Early Head Start
programs, and related activities.
B
f necessary services.
3.107
CONFIDENTIALITY
The use or disclosure of information by the counties or their designee(s) concerning current or prior
applicants and recipients shall be prohibited except for purposes directly connected with the activities
listed below:
A.
The administration of public assistance programs, Child Welfare, Head Start and Early Head Start
programs, and related activities.
B.
Any investigation, recovery, prosecution, or criminal or civil proceeding in connection with the
administration of the program.
C.
The adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) applying for CCCAP may authorize a licensed child care
provider or Head Start provider to assist them with the completion of a Low-Income Child Care
application, including collection and organization of supporting documentation and submission of
the application and supporting documents to a county. Authorization for application assistance
and release of information shall be obtained on a Department-approved form and included with
the Low-Income Child Care application.

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3.108
TIMELY WRITTEN NOTICE OF ADVERSE ACTION
A decision to take adverse action concerning an applicant or a child care provider for assistance
payments will result in a written notice mailed to the applicant or child care provider within one (1)
business day of the decision. The written notice is considered mailed when it is faxed, emailed, sent via
other electronic systems, hand-delivered, or deposited with the postal service. Fifteen (15) calendar days
will follow the date of mailing the notice before adverse action is taken with the following exceptions that
require no prior notice:
A.
Facts indicate an overpayment because of probable fraudulent behavior or an intentional program
violation and such facts have been verified to the extent possible.
B
ctronic systems, hand-delivered, or deposited with the postal service. Fifteen (15) calendar days
will follow the date of mailing the notice before adverse action is taken with the following exceptions that
require no prior notice:
A.
Facts indicate an overpayment because of probable fraudulent behavior or an intentional program
violation and such facts have been verified to the extent possible.
B.
The proposed adverse action is based on a written or verbal statement from the adult
caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) who state(s) that he/she no longer wishes to receive assistance or
services.
C.
The proposed adverse action is requested by another county or the Department.
D.
The counties or their designee(s) have confirmed the death of a recipient or of adult care taker or
teen parent.
E.
The county has exercised its right to terminate a fiscal agreement with any child care provider
because a child’s health or safety is endangered, or the child care provider is under a negative
licensing action.
3.109
ADULT CARETAKER OR TEEN PARENT AND CHILD CARE PROVIDER APPEAL RIGHTS
Counties’ or designee(s)’ staff shall advise the adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) in writing of their right
to a county dispute resolution conference or state-level hearing pursuant rule section 6.300 of the
Administrative Appeals for the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (8 CCR 1406-1).
Child care providers shall be given written notice of their right to an informal county conference when they
are given their copy of the fiscal agreement.
3.110
LOW-INCOME CHILD CARE
Eligible CCCAP participants must: be an adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) of a child; meet program
guidelines; be a low-income adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) participating in a low-income eligible
activity; and need child care assistance.
3.111 LOW-INCOME CHILD CARE ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for Low-Income Child Care assistance the following criteria shall be met:
A
OW-INCOME CHILD CARE
Eligible CCCAP participants must: be an adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) of a child; meet program
guidelines; be a low-income adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) participating in a low-income eligible
activity; and need child care assistance.
3.111 LOW-INCOME CHILD CARE ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for Low-Income Child Care assistance the following criteria shall be met:
A.
The adult caretaker(s) and teen parent(s) shall be verified residents of the county from which
assistance is sought and received at the time of application and re-determination. Adult
caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) shall remain eligible for the duration of the eligibility period if they
report that they are no longer residents of the county in which they are actively receiving
assistance per rule section 3.125(EE).
B.
The adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) shall:
1.
Be actively participating in an eligible activity;
2.
Meet the income eligibility guidelines set by the Department; and

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3.
Have custody of the child for the period they are requesting care.
C.
The applicant must complete the CCCAP application process and the primary adult caretaker or
teen parent must sign the required application forms. This includes:
1.
The State Low-Income Child Care Assistance Program application, which includes
appeal rights, signed and completed by the applicant.
a.
Counties may accept applications from another public assistance program in lieu
of the Low-Income Child Care application.
b.
Counties with Head Start programs may accept the Head Start application in lieu
of the Low-Income Child Care application for those children enrolled in the head
start program and counties are encouraged to work with local Head Start
programs to coordinate this effort.
c.
Families enrolled in a Head Start or Early Head Start program at the time they
apply for CCCAP shall have a re-determination date that aligns with the Head
Start or Early Head Start program year
ation in lieu
of the Low-Income Child Care application for those children enrolled in the head
start program and counties are encouraged to work with local Head Start
programs to coordinate this effort.
c.
Families enrolled in a Head Start or Early Head Start program at the time they
apply for CCCAP shall have a re-determination date that aligns with the Head
Start or Early Head Start program year.
2.
The required verification supporting the information declared on the application form,
including:
a.
Proof of current residence;
b.
Citizenship, age, and identity of the child(ren) for whom care is requested;
1)
A child’s citizenship status, age, and identity are considered to be
verified if the complete application includes the child’s age and
citizenship status and is signed attesting to the child’s identity unless the
county determines that the declaration of citizenship, age, and/or identity
is inconsistent.
2)
The county must request additional verification if the adult caretaker or
teen parent’s declaration is determined to be inconsistent based on the
following guidelines:
a)
If the claim of citizenship, age, and/or identity is inconsistent with
statements made by the adult caretaker or teen parent, with
other information on the application, or on previous applications;
b)
If the claim of citizenship, age, and/or identity is inconsistent with
the documentation provided by the adult caretaker or teen
parent; and/or
c)
If the claim of citizenship, age, and/or identity was previously
received from another source such as another public assistance
program including Colorado Works, the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP), or Medicaid, and the claim is
inconsistent with the information previously received from that
source.
c.
Up-to-date immunizations, if applicable;
d.
Verification of low-income eligible activity;

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e such as another public assistance
program including Colorado Works, the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP), or Medicaid, and the claim is
inconsistent with the information previously received from that
source.
c.
Up-to-date immunizations, if applicable;
d.
Verification of low-income eligible activity;

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17
e.
Work or low-income activity schedule (if non-traditional care hours are requested
at application or redetermination);
f.
Income;
g.
Incapacitation, if applicable;
h.
Custody arrangement and/or parenting schedule, if applicable;
i.
Child care provider, if one has been chosen at the time of application; and
j.
Other verifications as determined by the Department-approved county plan which
can be found on the Colorado Department of Early Childhood website at
https://cdec.colorado.gov/colorado-child-care-assistance-program-for-families.
3.
An orientation or interview for new applicants as a county option. Counties shall ensure
that the orientation or interview process is not burdensome to families by allowing a
family to complete the process via phone or electronic tools or by offering extended office
hours to hold the orientation or interview.
D.
Eligible Households
1.
The following household compositions qualify as eligible households:
a.
Households with one (1) adult caretaker or teen parent, where the adult
caretaker or teen parent is engaged in a low-income eligible activity, meets low-
income eligibility guidelines, has custody of the child, and needs child care
assistance. If the adult caretaker or teen parent is voluntarily out of the home
temporarily to participate in an eligible low-income activity, serve in the uniformed
services of the United States, or receive medical treatment, and has an
established intent to return, they are considered to be part of the household and
are considered an adult caretaker or teen parent while they are voluntarily out of
the home
If the adult caretaker or teen parent is voluntarily out of the home
temporarily to participate in an eligible low-income activity, serve in the uniformed
services of the United States, or receive medical treatment, and has an
established intent to return, they are considered to be part of the household and
are considered an adult caretaker or teen parent while they are voluntarily out of
the home. Any individual temporarily caring for the children shall not be
considered a household member.
b.
Households with two adult caretakers or teen parents, when one adult caretaker
or teen parent is involuntarily out of the home. Such a household shall be
considered a household with one adult caretaker or teen parent.
c.
Households with two (2) adult caretakers or teen parents that need child care,
where:
1)
Both adult caretakers or teen parents are engaged in a low-income
eligible activity;
2)
One adult caretaker or teen parent is voluntarily absent from the home,
but both adult caretakers or teen parents are in a low-income eligible
activity; or
3)
One adult caretaker or teen parent is engaged in a low-income eligible
activity and the other adult caretaker or teen parent is incapacitated such
that, according to a physician’s statement or other medical verification,
they are unable to care for the child(ren).

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2.
Households are considered households with two adult caretakers or teen parents when
two adults or teen parents contribute financially to the welfare of the child and/or assume
parent rights, duties, and obligations similar to those of a biological parent, even without
legal adoption.
3.
Two separate adult caretakers or teen parents who share custody but live in separate
households may apply for the same child through separate applications, during periods
that they have custody.
4
two adults or teen parents contribute financially to the welfare of the child and/or assume
parent rights, duties, and obligations similar to those of a biological parent, even without
legal adoption.
3.
Two separate adult caretakers or teen parents who share custody but live in separate
households may apply for the same child through separate applications, during periods
that they have custody.
4.
All adult caretakers or teen parents who are engaged in a low-income eligible activity
must have custody of the child and meet low-income eligibility guidelines.
5.
Any unrelated individual who is acting as a primary adult caretaker for an eligible child is
required to obtain verification from the child’s biological or adoptive parent, legal
guardian, or a court order which identifies the unrelated individual as the child’s adult
caretaker.
6.
Adult caretakers or teen parents that are not determined work eligible per Colorado
Works Program rule (9 CCR 2503-6), incorporated by reference in rule section 3.103(CC)
above, who are caring for children receiving Basic Cash Assistance through the Colorado
Works Program are not eligible for Colorado Works Child Care but may be eligible for
Low-Income Child Care if the adult caretaker or teen parent meets all other Low-Income
program criteria.
7.
Adoptive parents (including those receiving adoption assistance) are eligible if they meet
the Low-Income program requirements.
8.
Adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) who are participating in a low-income eligible activity
and go on temporary verified maternity/paternity leave.
9.
Adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) with an open and active Low-Income Child Care case
who are participating in a low-income eligible activity and go on temporary verified
medical leave and are unable to care for their children.
10
equirements.
8.
Adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) who are participating in a low-income eligible activity
and go on temporary verified maternity/paternity leave.
9.
Adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) with an open and active Low-Income Child Care case
who are participating in a low-income eligible activity and go on temporary verified
medical leave and are unable to care for their children.
10.
A separated primary adult caretaker or teen parent with a validly issued temporary order
for parental responsibilities or child custody shall not be determined ineligible based on
the other spouse’s or parent’s financial resources.
E.
Ineligible Household Compositions
Incapacitated single adult caretakers or teen parents who are not in a low-income eligible activity are not
eligible for the low-income program.
F.
Eligible Child
An “eligible child” is a child from birth to the age thirteen (13) years who needs child care services during
a portion of the day, but less than twenty four (24) hours, and the eligible adult caretaker(s) or teen
parent(s) has custody of the child; or a child with verified additional care needs under the age of nineteen
(19) who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for themselves or is under court supervision and
with the eligible adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) has custody of the child.
1.
All children who have had an application made on their behalf or are receiving child care
assistance shall verify that they are a citizen/legal resident and provide proof of identity if
inconsistent, in accordance with rule section 3.111(C)(2)(b).

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ible adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) has custody of the child.
1.
All children who have had an application made on their behalf or are receiving child care
assistance shall verify that they are a citizen/legal resident and provide proof of identity if
inconsistent, in accordance with rule section 3.111(C)(2)(b).

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19
2.
Children who are not attending school as defined by the Colorado Department of
Education and who are receiving child care outside of the child’s home from a qualified
exempt child care provider who is unrelated to the child must provide a copy of their
immunization record to the county, indicating that the children are age-appropriately
immunized or have a religious or medical exemption (see sections 25-4-902 and 25-4-
908, C.R.S., for exemption requirements).
G.
Low-Income Eligible Activities
An adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) shall meet the criteria of at least one of the following low-income
eligible activities:
1.
Employment Criteria
a.
Adult caretakers or teen parents may be employed full or part time.
b.
Adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) must verify that his/her gross income divided
by the number of hours worked equals at least the current federal minimum
wage.
c.
Owners of Limited Liability Corporations (LLC) and S-Corporations are
considered employees of the corporation.
2.
Self-Employed Criteria
a.
The adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) shall submit documentation listing their
income and work-related expenses. The county shall obtain verification of all
expenses from the adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) or they will not be
considered.
b.
The adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) shall submit an expected weekly
employment schedule that includes approximate employment hours. This is
required upon beginning self-employment, at application, and at redetermination.
c
heir
income and work-related expenses. The county shall obtain verification of all
expenses from the adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) or they will not be
considered.
b.
The adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) shall submit an expected weekly
employment schedule that includes approximate employment hours. This is
required upon beginning self-employment, at application, and at redetermination.
c.
The adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) shall show that they have maintained an
average income that exceeds their business expenses from self-employment.
d.
The adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) shall show that their taxable gross
income divided by the number of hours worked equals at least the current federal
minimum wage.
e.
Adult caretakers or teen parent(s) whose self-employment endeavor is less than
twelve (12) months old, may be granted child care for six (6) months or until their
next re-determination, whichever is longer, to establish their business. At the end
of the launch period, adult caretakers shall provide documentation of income,
verification of expenses, and proof that they are making at least federal minimum
wage for the number of hours worked. Projected income for the launch period
shall be determined based upon the federal minimum wage times the number of
declared hours worked.
3.
Job Search Criteria

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20
a.
Job search child care is available to eligible adult caretakers or teen parents that
met the eligibility criteria on the most recent eligibility determination for no fewer
than thirteen (13) weeks of child care for each instance of non-temporary
cessation of activity (per rule section 3.112(C).
b.
If the job search activity is reported within the four (4) week reporting period, the
activity shall begin the day that the change in activity was reported. If the job
search activity is reported outside of the four (4) week reporting period, the
activity shall begin the date that activity cessation occurred.
c
for each instance of non-temporary
cessation of activity (per rule section 3.112(C).
b.
If the job search activity is reported within the four (4) week reporting period, the
activity shall begin the day that the change in activity was reported. If the job
search activity is reported outside of the four (4) week reporting period, the
activity shall begin the date that activity cessation occurred.
c.
Job search shall continue until the adult caretaker or teen parent gains
employment, enters into another low-income eligible activity, or when all of the
allotted job search time has been utilized. Any day utilized in a week is
considered one (1) week used toward the time limited activity.
d.
Regular consistent child care must be provided during the job search period.
e.
The amount of care authorized each day shall, at a minimum, be commensurate
with the amount needed to complete the job search tasks.
f.
Job search child care shall be approved in each instance of non-temporary job
loss or when adult caretakers or teen parents end their low-income eligible
activity while enrolled in the Low-Income program.
g.
An adult caretaker or teen parent shall be determined ineligible once they have
utilized their allotted job search time and have not reentered into a low-income
eligible activity.
h.
If at the time of re-determination, the adult caretaker or teen parent remains in a
job search activity, has not utilized the remainder of their allotted job search time,
and has provided the required re-determination documentation, the county shall
place the case into a post-eligibility stabilization period for the duration of the
remaining job search time.
1)
If during the post-eligibility stabilization period the adult caretaker or teen
parent reports that they have gained employment or reentered into
another low-income eligible activity, the county shall process this
change, continue care, and assess a parent fee
ntation, the county shall
place the case into a post-eligibility stabilization period for the duration of the
remaining job search time.
1)
If during the post-eligibility stabilization period the adult caretaker or teen
parent reports that they have gained employment or reentered into
another low-income eligible activity, the county shall process this
change, continue care, and assess a parent fee.
2)
The adult caretaker or teen parent shall be determined ineligible if they
have not reentered into a low-income eligible activity and the post
eligibility stabilization period has expired.
4.
Education and Training Activities
a.
Training Criteria and Post-Secondary Education
1)
An adult caretaker who is enrolled in a training or post-secondary
education program for a first bachelor’s degree or less, is eligible for
CCCAP for at least one-hundred-four (104) weeks and up to two-
hundred-eight (208) weeks per lifetime, provided all other eligibility
requirements are met during the adult caretaker's enrollment. These
weeks do not have to be used consecutively. This is limited to
coursework for the training or post-secondary education program.

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21
2)
An adult caretaker enrolled in a workforce training activities such as
vocational, technical or job skills training that will result in a diploma,
license, or certificate, is eligible for at least one-hundred-four (104)
weeks and up to two-hundred-eight (208) weeks per lifetime, provided all
other eligibility requirements are met during the adult caretaker’s
enrollment. These weeks do not have to be used consecutively. This is
limited to coursework for the workforce training program.
3)
Effective July 1, 2026, an adult caretaker enrolled in a licensed,
nationally recognized, evidence-based substance use disorder treatment
program that is at an intensive outpatient service level of care or higher
is eligible for CCCAP for up to one (1) year per instance
nrollment. These weeks do not have to be used consecutively. This is
limited to coursework for the workforce training program.
3)
Effective July 1, 2026, an adult caretaker enrolled in a licensed,
nationally recognized, evidence-based substance use disorder treatment
program that is at an intensive outpatient service level of care or higher
is eligible for CCCAP for up to one (1) year per instance. The substance
use disorder treatment program must be licensed and appropriately
endorsed by the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).
b.
Basic Education
1)
An adult caretaker who is enrolled in a basic education program is
eligible for CCCAP for up to fifty-two (52) weeks.
2)
Teen parents participating in basic education are not subject to time
limits for this activity.
c.
Any week in which at least one (1) day is utilized for child care is considered one
(1) week used toward the time limit.
d.
The adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) shall submit verification of active
enrollment in their education or training activity at the time of application; or,
when beginning an education or training during the eligibility period or at
redetermination according to Department policy. Adult Caretakers shall verify
enrollment in a substance use disorder workforce training activity through self-
attestation according to Department policy which can be found on the Colorado
Department of Early Childhood website at
https://cdec.colorado.gov/resources/cdec-memo-series.
e.
County child care staff may refer the adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) to
community employment and training resources for assistance in making a
training and education activity decision.
H.
Low-Income Eligibility Guidelines
1.
Adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) gross income must not exceed eighty-five percent
(85%) of the state median income.
a.
Entry eligibility shall be set by the Department at a level based on the self-
sufficiency standard, not to be set below one hundred eighty-five percent (185%)
of the federal poverty level.
b
g a
training and education activity decision.
H.
Low-Income Eligibility Guidelines
1.
Adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) gross income must not exceed eighty-five percent
(85%) of the state median income.
a.
Entry eligibility shall be set by the Department at a level based on the self-
sufficiency standard, not to be set below one hundred eighty-five percent (185%)
of the federal poverty level.
b.
Exit income eligibility must be eighty-five percent (85%) of the state median
income.
2.
Effective October 1, 2025, monthly gross income levels, for one-hundred percent (100%)
of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG), as well as eighty-five percent (85%) of State
Median Income (SMI) for the corresponding household size are as follows:

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22

Family Size
100% Federal Poverty
Guideline (FPG)
85% State Median Income (SMI) (State and Federal
Maximum Income Limit)
1
$1,304.17
$5,100.99
2
$1,762.50
$6,683.61
3
$2,220.83
$8,256.22
4
$2,679.17
$9,828.83
5
$3,137.50
$11,401.45
6
$3,595.83
$12,974.06
7
$4,054.17
$13,268.93
8
$4,512.50
$13,563.79
Each
Additional
person

$458.33

$294.87
3.
Generally, the expected monthly income amount is based on the income received in the
prior thirty (30) day period; except that, when the prior thirty (30) day period does not
provide an accurate indication of anticipated income as referenced in the definition of
“Income Eligibility” in rule section 3.103(KKK) or under circumstances as specified below,
a different period of time may be applicable:
a.
For new or changed income, a period shorter than a month may be used to arrive
at a projected monthly amount.
b.
For contract employment in cases, such as in some school systems, where the
employees derive their annual income in a period shorter than a year, the income
shall be prorated over the term of the contract, provided that the income from the
contract is not earned on an hourly or piecework basis.
c
changed income, a period shorter than a month may be used to arrive
at a projected monthly amount.
b.
For contract employment in cases, such as in some school systems, where the
employees derive their annual income in a period shorter than a year, the income
shall be prorated over the term of the contract, provided that the income from the
contract is not earned on an hourly or piecework basis.
c.
For regularly received self-employment income, net earnings will usually be
prorated and counted as received in a prior thirty (30) day period, except for farm
income. For further information, see rule section 3.111(I)(3) on self-employment
under countable earned income.
d.
For all other cases where receipt of income is reasonably certain, but the monthly
amount is expected to fluctuate, a period of up to twelve (12) months may be
used to arrive at an average monthly amount.
e.
For income from rental property to be considered as self-employment income,
the adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) shall actively manage the property at
least an average of twenty (20) hours per week. Income from rental property will
be considered as unearned income if the adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) are
not actively managing the property an average of at least twenty (20) hours per
week. Rental income, as self-employment or as unearned income, may be
averaged over a twelve (12) month period to determine monthly income. Income
from jointly owned property shall be considered as a percentage at least equal to
the percentage of ownership or, if receiving more than percentage of ownership,
the actual amount received.
f.
For cases where a change in the monthly income amount can be anticipated with
reasonable certainty, such as with Social Security cost-of-living increases or
other similar benefit increases, the expected amount shall be considered in
arriving at countable monthly income for the month received.

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Colorado Child Care Assistance Program
tual amount received.
f.
For cases where a change in the monthly income amount can be anticipated with
reasonable certainty, such as with Social Security cost-of-living increases or
other similar benefit increases, the expected amount shall be considered in
arriving at countable monthly income for the month received.

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23
g.
Income inclusions and exclusions (rule sections 3.111(I) and (J)) shall be used in
income calculations.
h.
Irregular child support income, not including lump sum payments, may be
averaged over a period of time up to twelve (12) months in order to calculate
household income.
i.
Non-recurring lump sum payments, including lump sum child support payments,
may be included as income in the month received or averaged over a twelve (12)
month period, whichever is most beneficial for the recipient.
4.
Income Verification at Application and Re-determination
a.
Earned Income
1)
For ongoing employment, income received during the prior thirty (30) day
period shall be used in determining eligibility unless, on a case-by-case
basis, the prior thirty (30) day period does not provide an accurate
indication of anticipated income, in which case, a county can require
verification of up to twelve (12) of the most recent months of income to
determine a monthly average. The adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s)
may also provide verification of up to twelve (12) of the most recent
months of income if they choose to do so if such verification more
accurately reflects a household’s current income level.
2)
For employment that has begun or changed within the last sixty (60)
days, a new employment verification letter may be used.
3)
For self-employment income the adult caretaker or teen parent shall
submit documentation listing his/her income and work-related expenses
for the prior thirty (30) day period
oose to do so if such verification more
accurately reflects a household’s current income level.
2)
For employment that has begun or changed within the last sixty (60)
days, a new employment verification letter may be used.
3)
For self-employment income the adult caretaker or teen parent shall
submit documentation listing his/her income and work-related expenses
for the prior thirty (30) day period. On a case-by-case basis, if the prior
thirty (30) day period does not provide an accurate indication of
anticipated income, a county can require verification of up to twelve (12)
of the most recent months of income and expenses to determine a
monthly average. The adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) may also
provide verification of up to twelve (12) of the most recent months of
income and expenses if they choose to do so if such verification more
accurately reflects a household’s current income level. The county shall
obtain verification of all expenses from the adult caretaker(s) or teen
parent(s) or they will not be considered. The adult caretaker(s) or teen
parent(s) shall submit documentation listing his/her income and work-
related expenses to the county.
b.
Unearned Income
Unearned income received during the prior thirty (30) day period shall be used in
determining eligibility unless, on a case-by-case basis, the prior thirty (30) day
period does not provide an accurate indication of anticipated income, in which
case, a county can require verification of up to twelve (12) of the most recent
months of income to determine a monthly average. The adult caretaker(s) or teen
parent(s) may choose to also provide verification of up to twelve (12) of the most
recent months of income if such verification more accurately reflects a
household’s current income level.

CODE OF COLORADO REGULATIONS
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Colorado Child Care Assistance Program
ification of up to twelve (12) of the most recent
months of income to determine a monthly average. The adult caretaker(s) or teen
parent(s) may choose to also provide verification of up to twelve (12) of the most
recent months of income if such verification more accurately reflects a
household’s current income level.

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24
c.
Adult caretakers or teen parents shall self-declare that their liquid and non-liquid
assets do not exceed one million dollars. If assets exceed one million dollars the
household is ineligible for CCCAP.
d.
If written documentation is not available at time of eligibility determination, verbal
verification from the employer or other person issuing the payment may be
obtained. Counties shall document the verbal verification in the case file to
include the date that the information was received, who provided the information,
and a contact phone number.
e.
If income is not verified
1)
At application
a)
If verifications are not returned within the fifteen (15) day noticing
period the application will be denied.
b)
If all verification has not been submitted within sixty (60)
calendar-days of the application date then the county shall
require a new application.
2)
At re-determination, if all verifications are not received within the fifteen
(15) day noticing period, the CCCAP case will be closed.
I.
Income Inclusions
Each of the following are considered countable income and are taken into consideration for eligibility for
child care.
1.
Gross earnings, salary, armed forces pay (including but not limited to basic pay, basic
assistance for housing (BAH) and basic assistance for subsistence (BAS), hazard duty
pay, and separation pay), commissions, tips, and cash bonuses are counted before
deductions are made for taxes, bonds, pensions, union dues and similar deductions
are taken into consideration for eligibility for
child care.
1.
Gross earnings, salary, armed forces pay (including but not limited to basic pay, basic
assistance for housing (BAH) and basic assistance for subsistence (BAS), hazard duty
pay, and separation pay), commissions, tips, and cash bonuses are counted before
deductions are made for taxes, bonds, pensions, union dues and similar deductions. If
child care is provided for an employment activity, then gross wages divided by the
number of hours worked shall equal at least the current federal minimum wage.
2.
Taxable gross income (declared gross income minus verified business expenses from
one’s own business, professional enterprise, or partnership) from non-farm self-
employment.
a.
These verified business expenses include, but are not limited to:
1)
The rent of business premises;
2)
Wholesale cost of merchandise;
3)
Utilities;
4)
Taxes;
5)
Mileage expense for business purposes only;
6)
Labor; and
7)
Upkeep of necessary equipment.

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25
b.
The following are not allowed as business expenses from self-employment:
1)
Depreciation of equipment;
2)
The cost of and payment on the principal of loans for capital asset or
durable goods; and
3)
Personal expenses such as personal income tax payments, lunches, and
transportation to and from work.
c.
If child care is provided for a self-employment activity, then taxable gross wages
divided by the number of hours worked shall equal at least the current federal
minimum wage. To determine a valid monthly income taxable gross income may
be averaged for a period of up to twelve (12) months.
3.
Taxable gross income (gross receipts minus operating expenses from the operation of a
farm by a person on their own account, as an owner, renter, or tenant farming) from farm
self-employment.
a
ded by the number of hours worked shall equal at least the current federal
minimum wage. To determine a valid monthly income taxable gross income may
be averaged for a period of up to twelve (12) months.
3.
Taxable gross income (gross receipts minus operating expenses from the operation of a
farm by a person on their own account, as an owner, renter, or tenant farming) from farm
self-employment.
a.
Gross receipts include, but are not limited to:
1)
The value of all products sold;
2)
Government crop loans;
3)
Money received from the rental of farm equipment and/or farm land to
others; and
4)
Incidental receipts from the sale of wood, sand, gravel, and similar items.
b.
Operating expenses include, but are not limited to:
1)
Cost of feed, fertilizer, seed, and other farming supplies;
2)
Cash wages paid to farmhands;
3)
Cash rent;
4)
Interest on farm mortgages;
5)
Farm building repairs; and
6)
Farm taxes (not state and federal income taxes).
c.
The value of fuel, food, or other farm products used for family living is not
included as part of net income. If child care is provided for an employment
activity, then taxable gross wages divided by the number of hours worked shall
equal at least the current federal minimum wage. To determine a valid monthly
income, taxable gross income may be averaged for a period of up to twelve (12)
months. For all other cases where receipt of income is reasonably certain but the
monthly amount is expected to fluctuate, a period of up to twelve (12) months
shall be used to arrive at an average monthly amount.

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Colorado Child Care Assistance Program
determine a valid monthly
income, taxable gross income may be averaged for a period of up to twelve (12)
months. For all other cases where receipt of income is reasonably certain but the
monthly amount is expected to fluctuate, a period of up to twelve (12) months
shall be used to arrive at an average monthly amount.

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26
4.
An in-kind benefit is any gain or benefit received by the adult caretaker(s) or teen
parent(s) as compensation for employment, which is not in the form of money such as
meals, clothing, public housing, or produce from a garden. A dollar amount must be
established for this benefit, and it must be counted as other income. The dollar amount is
based on the cost or fair market value.
5.
Vendor payments are money payments that are not payable directly to an adult caretaker
or teen parent but are paid to a third party for a household expense and are countable
when the person or organization making the payment on behalf of a household is using
funds that otherwise would need to be paid to the adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) and
are part of the compensation for employment.
6.
Railroad retirement insurance
7.
Veterans Payments
a.
Retirement or pension payments paid by defense finance and accounting
services (DFAS) to retired members of the Armed Forces;
b.
Pension payments paid by the Veteran’s Administration to disabled members of
the Armed Forces or to survivors of deceased veterans;
c.
Subsistence allowances paid to veterans through the GI bill for education and on-
the-job training; and
d.
“Refunds” paid to veterans as GI insurance premiums.
8.
Pensions and annuities (minus the amount deducted for penalties, if early payouts are
received from these accounts)
a.
Retirement benefit payments;
b.
401(k) payments;
c.
IRA payments;
d.
Pension payments; or
e.
Any other payment from an account meant to provide for a retired person or their
survivors.
9.
Dividends
10.
Interest on savings or bonds
11
” paid to veterans as GI insurance premiums.
8.
Pensions and annuities (minus the amount deducted for penalties, if early payouts are
received from these accounts)
a.
Retirement benefit payments;
b.
401(k) payments;
c.
IRA payments;
d.
Pension payments; or
e.
Any other payment from an account meant to provide for a retired person or their
survivors.
9.
Dividends
10.
Interest on savings or bonds
11.
Income from estates or trusts
12.
Net rental income
13.
Royalties
14.
Dividends from stockholders
15.
Memberships in association

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27
16.
Periodic receipts from estates or trust funds
17.
Net income from rental of a house, store, or other property to others
18.
Receipts from boarders or lodgers
19.
Net royalties
20.
Inheritance, gifts, and prizes
21.
Proceeds of a life insurance policy, minus the amount expended by the beneficiary for the
purpose of the insured individual's last illness and burial, which are not covered by other
benefits
22.
Proceeds of a health insurance policy or personal injury lawsuit to the extent that they
exceed the amount to be expended or shall be expended for medical care
23.
Strike benefits
24.
Lease bonuses and royalties (e.g., oil and mineral)
25.
Social Security pensions, survivor's benefits and permanent disability insurance
payments made prior to deductions for medical insurance
26.
Unemployment insurance benefits
27.
Worker's compensation received for injuries incurred at work
28.
Maintenance payments made by an ex-spouse as a result of dissolution of a marriage
29.
Child support payments
30.
Military allotments
31.
Workforce innovation opportunity act (WIOA) wages earned in work experience or on the-
job training
32.
Earned AmeriCorps income includes government payments from agricultural stabilization
and conservation service and wages of AmeriCorps volunteers in service to America
(vista) workers. Vista payments are excluded if the client was receiving CCCAP when
they joined vista
0.
Military allotments
31.
Workforce innovation opportunity act (WIOA) wages earned in work experience or on the-
job training
32.
Earned AmeriCorps income includes government payments from agricultural stabilization
and conservation service and wages of AmeriCorps volunteers in service to America
(vista) workers. Vista payments are excluded if the client was receiving CCCAP when
they joined vista. If the client was not receiving CCCAP when they joined vista, the vista
payments shall count as earned income.
33.
CARES payments – refugee payments from Refugee Services
J.
Income Exclusions
Each of the following are not considered countable income and are not taken into consideration for
eligibility for child care.
1.
Earnings of a child in the household when not a teen parent
2.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) under Title XVI

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28
3.
Any payment made from the Agent Orange Settlement Fund, pursuant to P.L. No.
101201
4.
Nutrition related public assistance
a.
The value of Food Assistance benefits (SNAP)
b.
Benefits received under title VII, Nutrition Program for the Elderly, of The Older
Americans Act (42 U.S.C. 3030A)
c.
The value of supplemental food assistance received under the Special Food
Services Program for Children provided for in the National School Lunch Act and
under the Child Nutrition Act
d.
Benefits received from the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women,
Infants and Children (WIC)
5.
Payments received under Title Il of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property
Acquisition Policies Act
6.
Experimental Housing Allowance Program (EHAP) payments made by HUD under
Section 23 of the U.S. Housing Act
7.
Payments made from Indian judgment funds and tribal funds held in trust by the
Secretary of the Interior and/or distributed per capita
8.
Distributions from a native corporation formed pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims
Settlement Act (ANCSA)
9
Real Property
Acquisition Policies Act
6.
Experimental Housing Allowance Program (EHAP) payments made by HUD under
Section 23 of the U.S. Housing Act
7.
Payments made from Indian judgment funds and tribal funds held in trust by the
Secretary of the Interior and/or distributed per capita
8.
Distributions from a native corporation formed pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims
Settlement Act (ANCSA)
9.
Major disaster and emergency assistance provided to individuals and families, and
comparable disaster assistance provided by states, local governments, and disaster
assistance organizations
10.
Payments received from the county or state for providing foster care, kinship care, or for
an adoption subsidy
11.
Payments to volunteers serving as foster grandparents, senior health aides, or senior
companions, and to persons serving in the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
and Active Corps of Executives (ACE) and any other program under Title I (VISTA) when
the value of all such payments adjusted to reflect the number of hours such volunteers
are serving is not equivalent to or greater than the minimum wage, and Title II and III of
the Domestic Volunteer Services Act
12.
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) benefits
13.
Social security benefit payments and the accrued amount thereof to a recipient when an
individual plan for self-care and/or self-support has been developed
14.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC) payments
15.
Monies received pursuant to the “Civil Liberties Act of 1988,” P.L. No. 100-383 (by
eligible persons of Japanese ancestry or certain specified survivors, and certain eligible
Aleuts)

CODE OF COLORADO REGULATIONS
8 CCR 1403-1
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program
recipient when an
individual plan for self-care and/or self-support has been developed
14.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC) payments
15.
Monies received pursuant to the “Civil Liberties Act of 1988,” P.L. No. 100-383 (by
eligible persons of Japanese ancestry or certain specified survivors, and certain eligible
Aleuts)

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29
16.
Any grant or loan to any undergraduate student for educational purposes made or
insured under any programs administered by the Commissioner of Education (Basic
Educational Opportunity Grants, Supplementary Educational Opportunity Grants,
National Direct Student Loans, and Guaranteed Student Loans); Pell Grant Program, the
PLUS Program, the Byrd Honor Scholarship programs, and the College Work Study
Program
17.
Training allowances granted by Workforce Investment Act (WIA) to enable any individual,
whether dependent child or caretaker relative, to participate in a training program are
exempt
18.
Payments received from the youth incentive entitlement pilot projects, the youth
community conservation and improvement projects, and the youth employment and
training programs under the Youth Employment and Demonstration Project Act
19.
Any portion of educational loans, scholarships, and grants obtained and used under
conditions that preclude their use for current living costs and that are earmarked for
education
20.
Financial assistance received under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied
Technology Education Act that is made available for attendance costs. Attendance costs
include: tuition, fees, rental or purchase of equipment, materials, supplies, transportation,
dependent care and miscellaneous personal expenses
21.
Any money received from the Radiation Exposure Compensation Trust Fund, pursuant to
Public Law No. 101-426 as amended by Public Law No. 101-510
22.
Resettlement and Placement (R & P) vendor payments for refugees
23.
Supportive service payments under the Colorado Works Program
24
al or purchase of equipment, materials, supplies, transportation,
dependent care and miscellaneous personal expenses
21.
Any money received from the Radiation Exposure Compensation Trust Fund, pursuant to
Public Law No. 101-426 as amended by Public Law No. 101-510
22.
Resettlement and Placement (R & P) vendor payments for refugees
23.
Supportive service payments under the Colorado Works Program
24.
Home Care Allowance under adult categories of assistance
25.
Loans from private individuals as well as commercial institutions
26.
Public cash assistance grants including Old Age Pension (OAP), Aid to the Needy
Disabled (AND), and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)/Colorado Works
27.
Reimbursements for expenses paid related to a settlement or lawsuit
28.
Irregular income in the certification period that totals less than ninety dollars ($90) in any
calendar quarter, such as slight fluctuations in regular monthly income and/or that which
is received too infrequently or irregularly to be reasonably anticipated
29.
Income received for participation in grant funded research studies on early childhood
development
K.
Income Adjustments
1.
Verified court-ordered child support payments for children not living in the household
shall be deducted prior to applying the monthly gross income to the maximum gross
monthly income guidelines and when calculating parent fees. To qualify for the
adjustment, the child support shall be:
a.
Court ordered and paid; and

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8 CCR 1403-1
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program
Verified court-ordered child support payments for children not living in the household
shall be deducted prior to applying the monthly gross income to the maximum gross
monthly income guidelines and when calculating parent fees. To qualify for the
adjustment, the child support shall be:
a.
Court ordered and paid; and

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8 CCR 1403-1
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program

30
b.
For a current monthly support order (not including arrears).
2.
In order to be considered verified:
a.
There shall be verification that payments are court ordered and actually paid;
b.
Court ordered payments deducted shall be for current child support payments;
and
c.
Such verification shall be made at the time of initial approval of eligibility for
services and at the time of each re-determination of eligibility.
3.112
ADULT CARETAKER OR TEEN PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
A.
Primary adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) must sign the application/re-determination form along
with providing verification of income to determine eligibility.
B.
Adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) agree to pay the parent fee listed on the child care
authorization notice and understand that it is due to the child care provider in the month that care
is received.
C.
Adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) must report and verify changes to income in writing within ten
(10) calendar days of the change, only if the household's income exceeds eighty-five percent
(85%) of the State median income. Also, if the adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) are no longer
in their qualifying low-income eligible activity, this is considered to be a temporary cessation of
activity and must be reported in writing within four (4) calendar weeks. This does not include a
temporary break in low-income eligible activity such as a temporary job loss from the qualifying
eligible activity or temporary change in participation in a training or education activity where the
individual remains employed, self-employed, or enrolled in training or education
a temporary cessation of
activity and must be reported in writing within four (4) calendar weeks. This does not include a
temporary break in low-income eligible activity such as a temporary job loss from the qualifying
eligible activity or temporary change in participation in a training or education activity where the
individual remains employed, self-employed, or enrolled in training or education. A temporary
break includes but is not limited to:
1.
Any interruption in work for a seasonal worker who is not working between regular
industry work seasons;
2.
Any temporary absence from low-income eligible activities including employment, self-
employment, education, and/or training activity due to extended verified medical leave;
3.
Any temporary absence from low-income eligible activities including employment, self-
employment, education, and/or training activity due to verified maternity/paternity leave;
or
4.
Any temporary absence from an education or training activity due to holidays or
scheduled breaks.
D.
Adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) must provide the county department a copy of their child’s
immunization record indicating that the child is age-appropriately immunized or have a religious
or medical exemption for all children who receive child care from qualified exempt child care
providers not related to the children, where care is provided outside of the child’s home, and the
children are not school age. (see sections 25-4-902 and 25-4-908, C.R.S., for exemption
requirements
E.
Adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) must report changes in child care providers prior to the
change.

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8 CCR 1403-1
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program
pt child care
providers not related to the children, where care is provided outside of the child’s home, and the
children are not school age. (see sections 25-4-902 and 25-4-908, C.R.S., for exemption
requirements
E.
Adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) must report changes in child care providers prior to the
change.

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31
F.
All adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) must provide verification of their schedule related to their
low-income eligible activity only at application and/or re-determination when non-traditional care
hours are requested.
G.
The primary adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) must verify citizenship status, age, and identity of
the child(ren) for whom care is requested, in accordance with rule section 3.111I(2)(b). If the
county determines that the adult caretaker or teen parent’s declaration on the application or
redetermination form is inconsistent, the adult caretaker or teen parent will be required to provide
verification of what has been determined to be inconsistent.
H.
When a child care case has closed and not more than thirty (30) days have passed from date of
closure; the adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) may provide the verification needed to correct the
reason for closure. If the household is determined to be eligible, services may resume as of the
date the verification was received by the county, despite a gap in services. The adult caretaker(s)
or teen parent(s) would be responsible for payment during the gap in service.
I.
Adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) shall not share their individual attendance credentials with the
child care provider at any time or they may be subject to disqualification per rule section 3.133(B).
J.
Adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) must use the Attendance Tracking System (ATS) to check
children in and out for the days of care authorized and attended unless the child care provider
has been granted an exemption by the Department
not share their individual attendance credentials with the
child care provider at any time or they may be subject to disqualification per rule section 3.133(B).
J.
Adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) must use the Attendance Tracking System (ATS) to check
children in and out for the days of care authorized and attended unless the child care provider
has been granted an exemption by the Department. Non-cooperation with the use of the ATS
may result in case closure and/or non-payment of the child care benefits as defined by county
policy.
3.113
LOW-INCOME CHILD CARE RE-DETERMINATION
A.
The re-determination process shall be conducted no earlier than every twelve (12) months. The
Department-prescribed re-determination form must be mailed to households at least forty-five
(45) calendar-days prior to the re-determination due date. Adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s)
must complete and return to Child Care staff by the re-determination due date. Adult caretaker(s)
or teen parent(s) who do not return eligibility re-determination forms and all required verification
may not be eligible for child care benefits.
1.
Employed and self-employed adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) shall submit
documentation of the following:
a.
Earned income
1)
For ongoing employment, income received during the prior thirty (30) day
period shall be used in determining eligibility unless, on a case-by-case
basis, the prior thirty (30) day period does not provide an accurate
indication of anticipated income, in which case, a county can require
verification of up to twelve (12) of the most recent months of income to
determine a monthly average. The adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s)
may also provide verification of up to twelve (12) of the most recent
months of income if he/she chooses to do so if such verification more
accurately reflects a household’s current income level.
2)
For employment that has begun or changed within the last sixty (60)
days, a new employment verification letter may be used.
come to
determine a monthly average. The adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s)
may also provide verification of up to twelve (12) of the most recent
months of income if he/she chooses to do so if such verification more
accurately reflects a household’s current income level.
2)
For employment that has begun or changed within the last sixty (60)
days, a new employment verification letter may be used.

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32
3)
For self-employment income the adult caretaker or teen parent must
submit documentation listing his/her income and verification of work-
related expenses for the prior thirty (30) day period. On a case-by-case
basis, if the prior thirty (30) day period does not provide an accurate
indication of anticipated income, a county can require verification of up to
twelve (12) of the most recent months of income and expenses to
determine a monthly average. An adult caretaker or teen parent may
also provide verification of up to twelve (12) of the most recent months of
income and expenses if he/she chooses to do so if such verification
more accurately reflects a household’s current income level. All
expenses shall be verified or they will not be allowed.
b.
Unearned income received during the prior thirty (30) day period must be used in
determining eligibility unless, on a case-by-case basis, the prior thirty (30) day
period does not provide an accurate indication of anticipated income, in which
case, a county can require verification of up to twelve (12) of the most recent
months of income to determine a monthly average. The adult caretaker(s) or teen
parent(s) may also provide verification of up to twelve (12) of the most recent
months of income if he/she chooses to do so if such verification more accurately
reflects a household’s current income level.
c
of anticipated income, in which
case, a county can require verification of up to twelve (12) of the most recent
months of income to determine a monthly average. The adult caretaker(s) or teen
parent(s) may also provide verification of up to twelve (12) of the most recent
months of income if he/she chooses to do so if such verification more accurately
reflects a household’s current income level.
c.
All adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) must provide verification of their schedule
related to their low-income eligible activity only at application and/or
redetermination and only when non-traditional care hours are requested.
d.
At application and re-determination, adult caretakers or teen parents must self-
declare that their liquid and non-liquid assets do not exceed one million dollars. If
assets exceed one million dollars the household is ineligible for CCCAP.
2.
Adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) in training must submit documentation from the
training institution which verifies school schedule (only if reported at application or
redetermination and non-traditional care hours are requested), and verifies current
student status.
3.
Adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) must provide the county department with up-to-date
immunization records indicating age-appropriate immunizations or a religious or medical
exemption age (see sections 25-4-902 and 25-4-908, C.R.S., for exemption
requirements) for child(ren) who receive child care from qualified exempt child care
providers not related to the child(ren), where care is provided outside of the child’s home
and the child(ren) are not school.
4.
If written documentation is not available at time of eligibility determination, verbal
verification from collateral contacts such as the employer or other person issuing the
payment may be obtained. Counties shall document the collateral contact verification in
the case file to include the date that the information was received, who provided the
information, and a contact phone number
t school.
4.
If written documentation is not available at time of eligibility determination, verbal
verification from collateral contacts such as the employer or other person issuing the
payment may be obtained. Counties shall document the collateral contact verification in
the case file to include the date that the information was received, who provided the
i

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## Nearby sections

- [8 CCR 1403-1 COLORADO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM RULES AND REGULATIONS](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_CO_CCR_8_CCR_1403_1.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_CO_CCR_8_CCR_1403_1. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.