Kinship Day Care is for children in the custody of DCFS who are placed in the care of a relative or an interested individual.  Kinship Day Care payments end when DCFS custody is terminated.  Kinship Day Care assistance is based upon funding availability and is subject to change.

•  A minor mother who is currently in the custody of DCFS is eligible for daycare through Kinship   Daycare
• Kinship day care can be used for children placed with relatives where a filing is to be completed but the case has yet to go to court.  If the filing is complete or the court denies the custody, the     daycare services will be terminated immediately.
• If the relative has Temporary Custody or a filing is in motion, they are not eligible for kinship   daycare.
• Caregivers who work full-time outside of the home or are full-time students can request daycare for five (5) days a week in accordance with their work/school schedule.
• Caregivers who work part-time or are enrolled in school part-time (25 hours a week or less) can   request daycare services for three (3) days a week.
• Authorization period for Kinship Daycare is six (6) months.

Choosing a Daycare

Daycare must be licensed and willing to take payments from DCFS

Daycares should be Step-Up-To-Quality centers.  Caregivers should contact Starting Point at (216) 575-0061 for assistance locating a Step-Up-To-Quality (SUTQ) daycare provider.

If there is an application/registration fee for daycare enrollment, the fee can be paid by completing a purchase order in FACTWIS.

Approved HOME daycares can be used for INFANTS ONLY (aged 0-36 mos.).  Children between the ages of 4 and 6 must be in pre-kindergarten or a head start program.  Children over the age of 6 may be enrolled in a before/after school care at an approved daycare facility.

 Kinship Daycare Rates

Kinship Daycare Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What exactly will the County pay for with Kinship Daycare?

A:  The agency will only pay the amount that is billed. The county will not pay more than the allowed amount for the age of the child.  The county can pay lower than the suggested amount.  If the amount exceeds the allowable amount, the caregiver is responsible for paying the difference. The county will pay the daycare provider up to five (5) days for a child’s absence during any given month for illness, vacation, and/or holiday.  The caregiver will be responsible to pay for any days in excess of the 5 days.  Daycare fees are not included and is the caregiver’s responsibility.

Q: Will the county cover transportation costs to and from the daycare?

A:  Transportation cost is allowable but it will need to be included in the provider’s daily rate.

Q: How are the daycare expenses paid?

A:  The expenses are billed monthly and will be paid via check mailed out to the provider within 7-10  business days after receipt of the invoice.

Q: Will the county pay for daycare if the relative has temporary custody?

A:   No.  The county will only pay for daycare if the child is in the custody of DCFS.  Relatives who have temporary custody can apply for daycare through JFS.

Q: Up to what age can a child attend daycare.

A:   Children between the ages of 0—12 years of age are eligible to attend daycare.

Q: What is considered full-time and part-time?

A:  Full-time is 5 days a week, more than 25 hours a week in school or at work.  Part time is 3 days a week, less than 25 hours a week at school/work.