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North Dakota Health and Human Services will be making updates to the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) in response to the rapid growth in program participants. To ensure the longevity of the program’s ability to effectively help working parents and child care providers, adjustments have been made to the benefits for families and bonuses for providers.

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State maximum rates

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, CCAP State Max Rates for care will change. Providers and families will see a decrease in the maximum amount that CCAP will cover for child care.

  • The infant and toddler rate will continue at the 75th percentile of the market rate.
  • Preschool, school-age and part-time care will be set at the 50th percentile of the market rate.
  • All rates reflect data from the most current Cost Analysis and Market Rate Survey.

Some families may have to pay a remaining balance if their cost of care is more than the max rate.

Families with income under 30% of the state median income (SMI) and CCAP Workforce Benefit families will continue to have their copay waived.

Click here to see the 2026 maximum rates


Waitlist

The increase in participation has also resulted in the need for a waitlist to receive child care assistance. Beginning Dec. 1, 2025, new applicants will be added to a waitlist before they can start receiving child care assistance. Families with income at or below 30% of the state median income (SMI) and households experiencing homelessness will receive priority consideration for child care assistance.

Families will not be placed on the waitlist if they are currently enrolled in CCAP. They will be added to the waitlist if they stop receiving CCAP benefits and re-apply.


CCAP Workforce Benefit

Copays will continue to be waived for families receiving the CCAP Workforce Benefit. People who apply for the CCAP Workforce Benefit will need to go on the waitlist to receive benefits if they are currently not enrolled in CCAP.


Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) bonus

Bonuses that are paid to providers based on their Bright and Early ND quality rating will also be changing. Starting Jan. 1, there will no longer be a bonus for a provider with a Step 2 quality rating and the amount of bonuses will decrease. Bonuses will only be provided to providers that are Step 3 and 4. This will be an incentive to encourage providers to provide higher quality care.

New bonuses are:

  • Step 3 – 5%
  • Step 4 – 10%

Infant and Toddler Bonus

The Infant and Toddler Bonus will now be available only to providers rated Step 2 or higher. Instead of receiving a percentage-based bonus, eligible providers will receive a flat rate of $200 per infant and $115 per toddler. Under the new approach, the bonus will be available for all infants and toddlers in the provider’s care, not just those participating in CCAP.

How to become a QRIS-rated provider

Visit Bright and Early ND to learn more about the process, benefits and resources available to support participation.


More information

Join us for a webinar to learn more about changes to CCAP on Dec. 11 at 1 p.m. CT.

Click here to join the meeting on Microsoft Teams. 


Questions

For questions about CCAP, visit hhs.nd.gov/ccap-providers or contact the Customer Support Center by email at applyforhelp@nd.gov, phone Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. CT at 866-614-6005 or 701-328-1000, 711 (TTY) or mail to Customer Support Center, P.O. Box 5562, Bismarck, ND 58506. You can also contact a local human service zone office.


Additional resources for child care providers

A variety of programs, grants, awards and incentives are available to support child care providers. Click here to learn more.

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CCAP Provider News

Stay ahead, stay connected.     
Have you subscribed to the Child Care Connections newsletter? It will keep you informed and empower you to find resources as you serve children, families and communities. Information is shared four times each year.

Sign up for our newsletter

Latest Updates:

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Provider SSP

Provider SSP

Access the CCAP Provider Self-Service Portal (SSP) to certify enrollment, check payment status and more. Find training resources here.

Go to the SSP

Provider Guidebook

CCAP Provider Guidebook

Find information about how to participate in the Child Care Assistance Program as a provider. 

Read the Provider Guidebook

Provider Guidebook

Interested in becoming a state licensed provider?

Visit our Become a Child Care Provider page to learn how.

Learn more

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Resources and Publications

If you would like to find a version of these publications that can be translated, visit the Apply for Help Publications page.

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Thank you for your interest in the Cost Analysis and Market Rate Survey for child care providers! Our 2025 survey has closed as of May. 31, 2025.

If you have questions, contact any of the agencies listed below for support.

The NDSU Center for Social ResearchChild Care AwareChild Care Assistance Program
701.231.8621701.997.8515 (option 1)701.328.2332; 711(TTY)
nancy.hodur@ndsu.edureferral@ndchildcare.orgccap@nd.gov


 

Thank you to everyone who attended the November 2024 CCAP Policy Update & Provider Insight sessions!

If you missed the session or would like to review the information, you can view the presentation here.

Check back for information about future events.

The Child Care Workforce Benefit is designed to support the dedicated employees of licensed child care programs in North Dakota. This benefit aims to alleviate the cost of child care and enhance the well-being of our valuable workforce. This effort was made possible by the ND Child Care Initiative.


What is the Child Care Workforce Benefit?

  • This benefit is tailored to help licensed child care providers in North Dakota recruit and retain employees by providing help with child care costs.
  • Eligible employees may receive the benefit even if their children are enrolled in a program other than where the parent works.
  • Eligible employees, regardless of their household income will receive CCAP payments for their child care costs up to the full-time state max rate and also have their co-payment waived.

Who is Eligible?

  • Employees who live in North Dakota.
  • Employees of a licensed child care program in North Dakota, who work a minimum of 25 hours per week.

How Do Employees Apply?


Why Participate?

  • The Child Care Workforce Benefit is an alternative to offering employees a discounted rate for their own children attending the child care program where they work.
  • You can use this as a recruiting tool when posting open employment opportunities.

How Do I Participate as an Employer?

  • If you are already accepting CCAP children, there is nothing new that you need to do.
  • If you are not, you will need to create an account in the Provider Self-Service Portal (SSP) and provide a W-9 to the CCAP state office.
    • See the CCAP Provider Self-Service Portal section of this page to get started in the SSP.

Where Can My Staff Learn About Eligibility and How to Participate?

Full details for employees can be found on the CCAP webpage.


Questions?

For questions about the Child Care Workforce Benefit email ccap@nd.gov

Elevate your business: Billing, payment, tax, & SSP information for CCAP Providers

Billing, Payment, Tax & SSP Information for CCAP Providers

Check out our latest training covering all things related to billing for CCAP. 
All providers receiving payments from the Child Care Assistance Program should complete this brief, 15-minute session.

Take the training

North Dakota licensed, tribally licensed, and military licensed providers who care for CCAP infants and toddlers are now eligible for an additional bonus payment. This bonus is separate from the monthly service payments for child care costs and is not intended to cover the child's billed amount.

What will the bonus payment amount be?
Eligible providers will receive a bonus of 30% of the state maximum rate.

How long will the bonus payments continue?
The bonus payments will continue until the child being cared for turns three.

When will the payments be processed?
The first bonus payments will be processed on July 5th, 2024, covering eligible services provided in June and July. Providers will continue to receive these payments monthly, until the child turns three.

What if I already receive the Tiered Quality Based Bonus?
You can receive both bonuses at the same time.

We hope this new initiative will provide valuable support to our dedicated child care providers and enhance the quality of care for our youngest children.

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CCAP Provider Self-Service Portal (SSP)

The SSP is where you can certify enrollment, check payment status and more. Get started by watching a video with tips for registering as a child care provider. You can find help and training topics below.

Note: You will be asked to enter your EIN/SSN each time you log in.

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Watch a video with tips for registering as a Child Care Assistance Provider.

  1. Before getting started:
    • Be prepared to fully finish the registration process as the system will not save your place. This should take about 10 minutes.
    • If a W9 and current provider license are not already on file, you will be prompted to upload them.
  2. On the Child Care Provider Registration screen, you will see a message that says you are "already known to SPACES." You will need to enter your SPACES ID. This can be found on the bottom of any notice from HHS, shown as "Prov #."
  3. Once you've entered this ID, be sure to click "LINK ACCOUNT." 
  4. Whe you reach the Upload Documents screen, if your documents are already on file with our office you can skip this step by clicking "Next."

Click here to view a training guide for this process.

  1. Go to https://dhsprovider.dhs.nd.gov/
  2. Under CCAP Providers, click “Sign In.”
  3. If you do not already have a North Dakota login, click on “Create an account.”
  4. Fill out the requested information to create your North Dakota login.
    Note: Items with the asterisk (*) sign are required.
  5. An activation code will be sent to the email you provided. Enter the activation code and click confirm.
  6. You will see a confirmation that your account has been activated.
  7. Click “Return to online service” to log into the SSP.

Click here for a visual training guide for this process.

Before getting started:

  • Be prepared to fully finish the registration process as the system will not save your place. This should take about 10 minutes.
  • If a W9 is not already on file, you will be prompted to upload one.

  1. Go to https://dhsprovider.dhs.nd.gov/. Under CCAP Providers, click “Sign In.”
  2. Enter the login credentials for your North Dakota login account and click “Sign In.”
  3. Click the drop-down box and select the license category that applies to you. Once you’ve selected your license type, enter your Provider Tax Identification Number and License Expiration Date. Click “Verify.”
    If you receive a message that your provider license number is not known, contact your licensing specialist for assistance.
    If you are known to the system, the name of your daycare will be shown. Click “Next” to confirm.
  4. A W9 is required for In State Providers. If one is not already on file, you will be prompted to upload one. Click “Provider Registration & Verification” to continue.
  5. On the Provider Details screen verify the information shown. If anything is incorrect, reach out to your licensor to update. Click “Next” to continue.
  6. On the License Address Details screen verify the information shown is correct, then click “Next.” If anything is incorrect, reach out to your licensor to update.
  7. Enter your banking information or confirm the details if it is already on file. If you would like to apply for a direct deposit exemption, click the box for a dropdown menu.
  8. On the W9 Details screen enter the information on listed on your W9. If details are already on file they will be automatically filled in. Verify or edit if needed, then click “Next.”
  9. If a W9 is needed you will be prompted to upload one. If one is already on file you will not be prompted.
  10. Read the provider agreement, then click the "I have read and agree" box. Click next to finish the registration process.
  11. If you were prompted to upload a W9, you will see a message that your registration request has been submitted. Please allow two business days for registration approval.
    If were not prompted to upload a W9 and you see this screen, log out and back in from the “My Account” menu.

Click here for a visual training guide for this process.

Before getting started:

  • Be prepared to fully finish the registration process as the system will not save your place. This should take about 10 minutes.
  • If a W9 and current provider license are not already on file, you will be prompted to upload them.

  1. Go to https://dhsprovider.dhs.nd.gov/. Under CCAP Providers, click “Sign In.”
  2. Enter the login credentials for your North Dakota login account and click “Sign In.”
  3. Click the drop-down box and select the license category that applies to you. Once you’ve selected your license type, enter your Provider Tax Identification Number and License Expiration Date. Click “Verify.”
    If you are known to SPACES you will be prompted to link your account.
  4. A W9 and copy of your provider license are required. If these are not already on file, you will be prompted to upload them. Click “Provider Registration & Verification” to continue.
  5. On the Provider Details screen verify the information shown. If anything is incorrect, you may edit as needed. Click “Next” to continue.
  6. On the License Address Details screen verify the information shown is correct, then click “Next.” If anything is incorrect, you may edit as needed.
  7. Enter your banking information or confirm the details if it is already on file. If you would like to apply for a direct deposit exemption, click the box for a dropdown menu.
  8. On the W9 Details screen enter the information on listed on your W9. If details are already on file they will be automatically filled in. Verify or edit if needed, then click “Next.”
  9. If documentation is needed you will be prompted to upload it.
  10. Read the provider agreement, then click the "I have read and agree" box. Click next to finish the registration process.
  11. If you were prompted to upload a W9, you will see a message that your registration request has been submitted. Please allow two business days for registration approval.
    If were not prompted to upload a W9 and you see this screen, log out and back in from the “My Account” menu.

Click here for a visual training guide for this process.

Before getting started have the following documents ready:

Note: Be prepared to fully finish the registration process as the system will not save your place. This should take about 10 minutes.


  1. Go to https://dhsprovider.dhs.nd.gov/.
  2. Under CCAP Providers, click “Sign In.”
  3. Enter the login credentials for your North Dakota login account.
  4. Click the drop-down box and select the license category that applies to you. Once you’ve selected your license type, enter your Provider Tax Identification Number. Click verify.
  5. If you are known to SPACES you will be asked to enter your SPACES ID, then click link account.
    Note: Your SPACES ID can be found on notices you receive from CCAP.
  6. As an Approved Relative Provider you will need to upload the documents listed in the “Approved Relatives” column.
    Click “Provider Registration & Verification” to continue.
  7. Verify the business details in the system. Click "Next."
  8. Verify the License Address Details are correct, then click "Next."
  9. Enter your banking details to enroll for direct deposit. If your info is already on file, it will be populated. If you would like to verify the details, click the boxes with *** to display the information. If you would like to apply for a direct deposit exemption, click the box for a dropdown menu.
  10. Verify the details of your W9.
  11. Upload the required documentation. Use the dropdown box to select the type of document you are uploading. Click "Next" when you are finished.
  12. Read through the provider agreement.
    Click the “I have read and agree” box, then click next to finish the registration process.
    If you would like a copy of the provider agreement, click here.
  13. You will see a confirmation that you have successfully completed the registration request process.
    If you are applying to become an Approved Relative Provider, please allow up to 30 days for approval. If already an Approved Relative Provider and are registering for the SSP, please allow up to 2 business days for approval.

Click here for a visual training guide for this process.

Dashboard

The Dashboard is the first page you will see when logging into the SSP. This is where you can find messages, certify enrollment, view payment history and submit attendance. You can return to this page by clicking “Dashboard” in the top menu.

My Associations

My Associations will show children that are linked to you. If children are missing from your associations, contact the human service zone office. Click here for a directory.

View Statements and Documents

This is where you can view all your documents or upload new ones.

My Registration Fee

This is where you can submit a registration fee.
Note: This is only available for center or group licensed providers. A registration fee can only be submitted once per child in a year.

FAQ

Find frequently asked questions about the CCAP Provider SSP.

My Account

Use the "My Account" dropdown to access additional features such as communication settings and profile access settings.

Payments from CCAP must be paid to the provider, and cannot be paid to the family.

Click here for a visual training guide for this process.

Certify enrollment:

The Child Care Assistance Program provides payments based on enrollment. Each month providers must “certify” enrollment.

  1. In the Certification for Current/Past Months section of your SSP Dashboard, click “Not Certified” for the month you are certifying for.
  2. For each child in your care, click the circle under status and enter the amount you are billing for. When you are finished, click “Certify.”

    • Note: If you did not certify each child in your care, you will see “Partially Certified” as the status. Children that have an amount entered will still be processed even though the month shows partially certified. 

Change a previously submitted certification:

For a certification that has not been paid:

  1. Click "Certified" from the Certification for Current/Past Months.
  2. Make the changes needed, then click "Certify" to save.

For a certification that has been paid:

  1. Click "Certified" from the Certification for Current/Past Months.
  2. Make the changes needed, enter a reason for the update, then click "Update."
  3. Click "Certify" to save.

View payment history:

  1. Click "View Certifications & Payment Activity."
  2. Click "View Payment" for the service month you are looking for. A dropdown will appear with payment details.

Click here for a visual training guide for this process.

  1. Click “Upload” in the Attendance Submission for Current/Past Months Note: If you do not already have an attendance form that you use, you can download one.
  2. Add your attendance form. Select attendance as the document type. Click “Upload.”
  3. Once you have submitted your attendance form you will be returned to the Dashboard. The attendance status for the month you uploaded will show “Submitted.”

Click here for a visual training guide for this process.

Note: This is only available for center or group licensed providers. A registration fee can only be submitted once per child in a year.

  1. Click “My Registration Fee” in the top menu.
  2. Click “Submit.”
  3. Enter the registration fee charged for each child then click “Submit.”
  4. You will be returned to the My Registration Fee screen, where you will see the total amount submitted for each year. Repeat the same steps to submit a registration fee for additional children who join your care.

Watch a video to learn how to upload a document, or follow along with the steps below.

  1. In the top menu of the dashboard click "View Statements & Documents," then "Upload Documents." 
  2. Drag the document into the upload space, or click the "Click Here to Browse" option to select from a location on your computer.
  3. Under Document Type click "Select." Choose the type of document you are uploading from the list.
  4. If applicable select the year, then the month for the document.
    Note: This would be needed for attendance records.
  5. Review the information you have entered.
  6. Click "Upload."