Early Child Care Development Initiative Resources

The Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) is administered by the Division for Early Childhood Care and Development (DECCD) at the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) and is designed to assist low-income Mississippi families by offering a seamless system of high-quality child care through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) subsidy program.

Current as of 11.15.23

You can also search the provider on the MDHS provider search site. If a provider is a CCPP it will have the following “Accepts MDHS Subsidy Children” listed under provider information. Click here to go to MDHS provider serach.

Current as of 11.15.23

The program period is September 1, 2023 through August 31, 2024.

Current as of 11.15.23

A recipient will remain eligible after being awarded funds from direct incentives or scholarship programs, as long as they remain in the childcare industry. Additional information will be requested should such an employment change occur. If you have a change in employment, please contact the [email protected] to avoid a pause in payments.

Current as of 11.15.23

Payments will stop right away.

Current as of 11.15.23

After the programs cease in September 2024, it is requested that you remain in the child care industry for a one-year period following the completion of the program.

Current as of 11.15.23

MDHS issues letters of suitability to confirm that the staff member has completed the requisite criminal background checks and is deemed suitable to work or volunteer in a childcare facility. No individual may work or volunteer in a childcare center that cares for CCDF children until the facility receives notification from MDHS verifying the employee’s suitability for employment.

Current as of 11.15.23

It is a program dedicated to recognizing and rewarding the hard work and dedication of individual employees within Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) participating childcare programs. Employees may be eligible to receive monthly incentives disbursed for the duration of the program.

Current as of 11.15.23

• Any teacher at a  (CCPP) participating provider. 
• At this time, owners and directors of the CCPP participating provider are not eligible.
• Applicants must also be at least 18 years of age.

Current as of 12.10.23

The award amounts are based on part-time (15 – 29.5 hours per week) or full-time (30 or more hours per week) status. The award for part-time teachers is $400 per month, and the award for full-time teachers is $800 per month.

Current as of 4.8.24

Direct incentive payments are taxed as normal income. We encourage you to consult a tax professional to determine how the direct incentive payments may affect your individual tax situation. Additionally, we will be sending out your tax documentation for the 2024 calendar year in January 2025.

Current as of 7.16.24

You must work a minimum of 15 hours per week on average to be eligible for the part-time incentive amount. You must work a minimum of 30 hours per week on average to be eligible for the full-time incentive amount.

Current as of 4.19.24

You will not be eligible for the incentive payment unless you work at least 15 hours per week on average. If you currently work less than 15 hours per week on average, your application will be withdrawn. If you subsequently start to work at least 15 hours per week on average, you will be eligible for the direct incentive payment.

Current as of 4.19.24

If your employment status changes from part-time to full-time, you will be eligible for the larger incentive amount after your employer verifies your status change. If you change from full-time to part-time, you will begin to receive the smaller incentive amount.

• Photo ID
• Paystub or Letter of Suitability

This program is designed to be a bonus incentive, in addition to normal pay, for all eligible teachers. If an applicant’s normal pay is affected in any way after receiving the direct incentive payments, the applicant is encouraged to report the incident to the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS).

Current as of 11.29.23

For applications that are approved, we intend to initiate payments at the end of each month.

Current as of 1.31.24

No, this will not impact your ability to participate.

Current as of 7.16.24

We do not have an exact timeframe for the appeal process, but we assure you that all appeals will be reviewed as quickly as possible. If you are determined to be eligible when your appeal is approved, you may be eligible to receive the full amount that was originally available to you.

*Some will not receive all the funds. For example: if you weren’t 18 prior to your appeal approval.

Current as of 7.16.24

The program ends September 30, 2024. However,for direct incentive purposes, the last eligible month of employment is August 2024. We will make the final direct incentive payment in September 2024.

Current as of 7.16.24

All applicants are committed to working in the childcare sector for a minimum of 1 year following the end of the initative. We understand that each applicant’s situation may be unique, and some applicants may be in a situation where they need to leave the childcare sector prior to the full year commitment period ending. We will not deny any applicants based upon a hypothetical change in status of employment, however all program funds can be subject to recoupment.

Current as of 7.16.24

Yes, you are still eligible if you switch CCPP providers.

Current as of 7.16.24

You are eligible for any month you were employed and meet the necessary criteria dating back to September of 2023.

Current as of 7.16.24

The Director Direct Incentive is for directors who are employed by the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) participating providers and may be eligible to receive monthly incentive payments for the duration of the program.

Current as of 4.19.24

There is no exact date of payment each month, but generally, payments are made towards the end of each month.

Current as of 7.16.24

• Applicant must be employed as a director at a Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) Provider. Owners who are directors are not eligible for this program.
• Must work a minimum of 15 hours per week on average in the classroom.
• Applicants will self-attest to the number of hours he or she spends in the classroom. We will perform random on-site visits to validate classroom hours throughout the remainder of the time period of the program.
  

Current as of 4.19.24

• Valid Government Issued Photo ID
• Letter of Suitability or Paystub
• Income documentation: Examples – paystubs, W2, 1099, or other tax documentation.

Current as of 4.19.24

• The income threshold is $35,364 (which is the threshold for qualifying for CCPP/85% of the state median income) with a phaseout.
• The benefit for a director working at least 29.5 hours in the classroom would be $800 per month for a total maximum of $9,600, and the benefit for a director working between 15 and 29.5 hours in the classroom would be $400 per month for a total maximum of $4,800.
• If you make more than $35,364 annually, your incentive payment will be reduced by the amount you make above that threshold.
  

Current as of 4.19.24

The award amounts are based on part-time (15 – 29.5 hours per week in the classroom) or full-time (29.5 or more hours per week in the classroom) status. The award for part-time teachers is $400 per month, and the award for full-time teachers is $800 per month. Both amounts could be subject to reduction based upon the income threshold.

Current as of 4.19.24

We are optimistic that we can send out payments beginning at the end of May. All applicants will still receive payment for all months where the applicant was employed dating back to September of 2023. A delay in payment will NOT have any impact on the payment amount.

Current as of 4.19.24

Yes, all recipients will receive a 1099 Form. Businesses are required to issue a 1099 Form to a taxpayer (other than a corporation) who has received at least $600 or more in non-employment income during the tax year.

Current as of 4.19.24

The incentive will be based on gross income earned as a director at your facility.

Current as of 4.19.24

The required number of hours in the classroom are the same for all types of facilities.

Current as of 4.19.24

No. This program is not available to owners or owners-directors.

Current as of 4.19.24

Our Scholarship Payment Program is committed to supporting eligible employees in Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) facilities as they pursue higher education in the field of child development. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with obtaining/ renewing either a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and/or an Early Childhood Development Technology Associate degree from accredited community colleges in Mississippi.

Current as of 3.5.24

• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential – New – This application is now closed.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential – Renewal – This application is now closed.
• Associate Degree – This application is now closed.

Current as of 4.1.24

• Any employee at a Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) participating provider in the state of Mississippi.
• Applicants must work at least part-time hours (15 hours a week).
• If applying for the Associate degree option, the applicant will have to provide evidence that they have been accepted into the college.

Current as of 1.31.24

• Valid government photo ID.
• Recent paystub (within 30 days of submitted application) or Letter of Suitability
  • If working at an unlicensed or licensed exempt facility, both a recent paystub and Letter of Suitability will need to be uploaded to the application.
• If applying for the Associate degree option, the applicant will have to provide evidence that they have been accepted into the college such as an enrollment or acceptance letter.

Current as of 1.31.24

• Eligible months to be approved and receive aid is from now until August 1, 2024. (This includes utilizing your CDA and Teachstone® vouchers)

Current as of 1.31.24

• We will be providing funding directly to the educational institutions on behalf of approved applicants.

  *No education payments will be made directly to applicants.

Current as of 1.31.24

For approved applicants that have received MDHS ECCDI funding for both their CDA training and CDA online application (new credential):

• $1,000 will be sent to those that have completed their CDA On-Demand training through this initiative (we will be confirming completion of the CDA training directly with Teachstone and the use of program funding)
• An additional $1,000 will be provided to those that earn their CDA Credential (we will be confirming completion of the CDA Credential directly with the CDA Council and the use of program funding)

For approved applicants that have received MDHS ECCDI funding for their CDA online application (these individuals have completed prior CDA training and are working towards their new credential):

• $2,000 will be provided to those that earn their CDA Credential (we will be confirming completion of the CDA Credential directly with the CDA Council and the use of program funding)

For approved applicants that received MDHS ECCDI funding for their CDA Credential renewal online application (these individuals already have their CDA Credential, and it is expiring):

• $1,000 will be provided to those that earn their renewed CDA Credential (we will be confirming completion of the CDA Credential renewal directly with the CDA Council and use of program funding)

*Please be advised that we will also be reconfirming that you are still employed at a CCPP facility or that you are affiliated with Wonderschool Academy.

Current as of 6.26.24

• The cutoff to complete the Teachstone training and/or earn your CDA Credential for this incentive(s) is July 31^st, 2024. (Friendly reminder that all vouchers for these educational opportunities expire August 1^st, 2024.)
• Please be advised that we will reach out at a later date regarding payment information and timeline.
• This incentive is estimated to be distributed around the August/September time frame.

Current as of 3.5.24

• Yes, these funds are taxable income.

Current as of 3.5.24

The Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential is based on a core set of competency standards, which guide early learning professionals as they work toward becoming highly qualified teachers of young children. The process for earning a Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential is outlined on the CDA Council website.

Current as of 1.31.24

• Customer Service Phone Number: 1-800-424-4310  (Open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 7:00pm EST)
• Customer Service Email:[email protected]

Current as of 1.31.24

• Teachstone® is a company which helps educators around the world leverage the power of interactions to help students thrive. For this program, we are offering Teachstone’s® On-Demand CDA with CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System®) training for those that need CDA training. The On-Demand CDA with CLASS training allows participants to access coursework anytime, anywhere and work at their own pace.

Current as of 1.31.24

• We would recommend contacting Teachstone® directly for assistance.

Current as of 1.31.24

• Customer Service Phone Number: 866.998.8352 (Open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 8:00pm EST)
• Customer Service Email:[email protected]
• On the Teachstone® website, there is also a live chat option with customer support: https://teachstone.com/support/

Current as of 1.31.24

• Approved applicants can earn their specialty from one of the following CDA options:

  Center-Based Infant-Toddler: Working with children birth to 36 months. The Infant-Toddler center-based setting is a state-approved child development center where a candidate can be observed working with a group of at least 3 children ages birth through 36 months, with at least one of the sub-groups. The program must have at least 10 children enrolled, not necessarily in the candidate’s group, and at least two early educators working with the children on a regular basis. https://www.cdacouncil.org/educator-pathways/infant-toddler/

  Center-Based Preschool: Working with children ages 3 to 5 years old. The Preschool center-based setting is a state-approved child development center where a candidate can be observed working with at least 8 children, all of whom are ages 3 to 5 years. The program must have at least 10 children enrolled, not necessarily in the candidate’s group, and at least two early educators working with the children on a regular basis. https://www.cdacouncil.org/educator-pathways/preschool/

  Family Child Care: Work with children ages birth to 5 years. A Family Child Care setting is a family child care home where a candidate can be observed working with at least two children 5 years old or younger who are not related to the candidate by blood or marriage. The setting must meet at least the minimum level of applicable state and/or local regulations. Family Child Care settings are also eligible in localities where there is no regulation of family child care. https://www.cdacouncil.org/educator-pathways/family-care/

Current as of 1.31.24

• Required CDA Competency Standards Book (specific to the applicant’s specialty)
• Training required by the CDA via Teachstone (if the applicant does not have prior CDA specific training)
• CDA online application fee

* Eligible months to be approved and receive aid is from now until August 1, 2024.

Current as of 1.31.24

• If you have already received CDA training, you will still be able to receive funding for the required CDA Competency Standards Book and the CDA online application fee.

  *Be advised, the MDHS ECCDI Team is not able to determine if an applicant’s prior education meets the required CDA training specifications. Candidates will need to contact the CDA Council directly regarding their situation.

Current as of 1.31.24

• This opportunity is taxed. We encourage you to consult a tax professional to determine how the education opportunity may impact your individual tax situation. We will be sending out your tax documentation for the 2024 calendar year in early 2025.

Current as of 7.16.24

• The timeline depends on the individual. For the Teachstone training, it covers the 120-clock hours of necessary CDA professional education training for the CDA Credential. This is in addition to the other requirements that are necessary prior to earning a CDA Credential.

Current as of 7.16.24

• The voucher will expire August 1, 2024. However, if you register prior to this date, from the date that you register, you will have one year to complete the CDA On-Demand Course (you will not be eligible for the incentive beyond the July 31st deadline).
  

Current as of 7.16.24

• Approved applicants can renew their specialty from one of the following CDA options:

Center-Based Infant-Toddler: Working with children birth to 36 months. The Infant-Toddler center-based setting is a state-approved child development center where a candidate can be observed working with a group of at least 3 children ages birth through 36 months, with at least one of the sub-groups. The program must have at least 10 children enrolled, not necessarily in the candidate’s group, and at least two early educators working with the children on a regular basis. https://www.cdacouncil.org/educator-pathways/infant-toddler/

Center-Based Preschool: Working with children ages 3 to 5 years old. The Preschool center-based setting is a state-approved child development center where a candidate can be observed working with at least 8 children, all of whom are ages 3 to 5 years. The program must have at least 10 children enrolled, not necessarily in the candidate’s group, and at least two early educators working with the children on a regular basis. https://www.cdacouncil.org/educator-pathways/preschool/

Family Child Care: Work with children ages birth to 5 years. A Family Child Care setting is a family child care home where a candidate can be observed working with at least two children 5 years old or younger who are not related to the candidate by blood or marriage. The setting must meet at least the minimum level of applicable state and/or local regulations. Family Child Care settings are also eligible in localities where there is no regulation of family child care. https://www.cdacouncil.org/educator-pathways/family-care/

Current as of 3.5.24

• CDA renewal online application fee

*Eligible months to be approved and receive aid is until August 1, 2024.

Current as of 3.7.24

• This opportunity is taxed. We encourage you to consult a tax professional to determine how the education opportunity may impact your individual tax situation. We will be sending out your tax documentation for the 2024 calendar year in early 2025.

Current as of 7.16.24

• The maximum funds that can be awarded toward tuition is $1,500, which can be used across two semesters.

*All other costs will need to be covered by the student or other financial support opportunities.

Current as of 1.31.24

Coahoma Community College – Early Childhood Education Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree

Copiah-Lincoln Community College – Early Childhood Education (WS) Associate of Applied Science Degree

East Central Community College – Early Childhood Education Associate of Applied Science Degree

Hinds Community College – Early Childhood Education Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree

Holmes Community College – Child Development / Child Care & Family Education Associate of Arts Degree

Itawamba Community College – Early Childhood Education Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree

Jones County Junior College – Early Childhood Development Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree

Meridian Community College – Early Childhood Development Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College – Early Childhood Development Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree

Northeast Mississippi Community College – Early Childhood Development Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree

Northwest Mississippi Community College – Early Childhood Development Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree

Pearl River Community College – Early Childhood Education Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree

Southwest Mississippi Community College – Early Childhood Education Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree

*This is pending the ongoing relationship of the colleges with the Scholarship Payment Program. If this changes, we will inform the applicants as quickly as possible.

*This is pending the ongoing relationship of the colleges with the Scholarship Payment Program.

Current as of 6.26.24

• No, this funding is only for applicants presently enrolled at an approved program and college.

Current as of 1.31.24

• Yes. For the CDA incentive opportunities, you must have used the funding offered through this program.

Current as of 7.16.24

• We will be confirming the completion of these items and the use of program funding directly through Teachstone and the CDA Council. No action is needed on the applicant side.

Current as of 7.16.24

Our School Age Reimbursement Program supports childcare providers who extended full-time care to school-aged children during pandemic-related closures and similar periods when the providers were only paid part-time rates.

Current as of 2.19.24

If your facility used to have a different provider ID, please fill out the form at School Age Reimbursement Program: Closed Provider to help us connect your active provider ID to the one that you used to have.

Current as of 3.15.24

Eligibility is currently based on a pre-determined list using information collected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Current as of 2.23.24

Payment is unique to a provider ID and the attendance sheets previously submitted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The amount you will receive will be listed in the payment section of your application.

Current as of 2.19.24

Payments are not currently going out on a pre-determined schedule. A notification will be sent when your payment has been initiated. Delays may occur due to employment verification being completed, accuracy of W9 & Payment Information.

Current as of 2.19.24

If you do not have employees eligible for the Direct Incentive at this time, it does not apply. However, this statement is here in case you have the chance to grow your business or to let you remind your employees to apply.

Current as of 2.19.24

The lockdown period dates were from March 2020 through May 2021.

Current as of 2.22.24

There will be up to two one-time payments depending on active and closed locations. There is no guarantee for payments on both location types.

Current as of 2.22.24

Please reach out to our call center, the team member who assisted you, or our support ticket system. Only certain levels of our team can reopen previously submitted applications and it may not be the person who had asked you to revise your application, but our team members will reach out to the correct individual on your behalf.

Current as of 7.16.24

The Start-Up Cost Reimbursement Program is designed to aid new Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) participating providers in Mississippi who have partnered with Wonderschool Academy. The application will be opening in early May and eligible providers will be emailed an invitation to apply based on Wonderschool Academy’s records.

• New Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) participating providers who have opened their doors in Mississippi between October 1, 2023 and August 2024.
• Providers who have partnered with Wonderschool Academy. If you are not, we will be happy to connect you!

A new child care provider who is an In-home residential provider can be reimbursed up to $10,000. A center-based provider can be reimbursed up to $25,000.

• Mortgage note agreement or lease agreement, with clear monthly cost payment and deposit information
• Utility bill or confirmation from account on deposit paid
• Internet or telephone bill
• Detailed invoices and receipts showing purchases made for technology, supplies, or food costs
• Proof of payment in the form of a check image, credit card statement, or bank statement

• Mortgage payments for two months or initial lease and deposit payments
• Initial two months of utilities and related deposits for water, electricity, gas, sewer, and garbage
• Initial two months of internet and telephone along with their installation fees
• Licensing fees not already reimbursed by Wonderschool Academy
• Technology needs, such as computers, printers, and televisions
• Initial office and educational supplies
• Initial food costs
• Insurance, security systems, and staff training
• Playground equipment

Payments are not currently going out on a pre-determined schedule. A notification will be sent when your payment has been initiated. Delays may occur due to the accuracy of W9 & Payment Information.

Yes, all recipients will receive a 1099 Form. Businesses are required to issue a 1099 Form to a taxpayer (other than a corporation) who has received at least $600 or more in non-employment income during the tax year.

Eligibility is currently based on a pre-determined list using information provided by Wonderschool Academy. The facility must also be a Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) participating provider.

You will receive one payment upon approval.

You may be eligible to receive reimbursements for each facility that has been opened by the end of August 2024.

Applicants who would like to be a part of Wonderschool Academy can sign up at Mississippi – Get Help to Start Or Grow Your Child Care Business | Wonderschool

A new child care provider who is an In-home residential provider can be reimbursed up to $10,000. A center-based provider can be reimbursed up to $25,000. Payments are not currently going out on a pre-determined schedule. A notification will be sent when your payment has been initiated. Delays may occur due to the accuracy of W9 & Payment Information.

The Start-Up Cost Reimbursement Program is designed to aid new Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) participating providers in Mississippi who have partnered with Wonderschool Academy. The application was opened in early May and eligible providers will be emailed an invitation to apply based on Wonderschool Academy’s records. New Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) participating providers who have opened their doors in Mississippi between October 1, 2023 and August 2024 are eligible. If you are not partnered with Wonderschool Academy, we will be happy to connect you!

When Wonderschool Academy notifies us that you have completed their program, we will invite you after checking your status as a CCPP provider.

The Room Refresh Program is designed to aid existing Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) participating providers in Mississippi to upgrade their teaching environments.

Current as of 5.13.24

Existing Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) participating providers in Mississippi.

Current as of 5.13.24

Each CCPP participating provider will receive a predetermined award amount to upgrade classroom equipment, furniture, and/or supplies. The predetermined award amount will be based upon the licensed capacity size for each provider and is non-negotiable. The predetermined award amount will be sent directly to Lakeshore Learning.

Current as of 5.13.24

Lakeshore Learning is the ECCDI preferred vendor providing top-quality classroom furniture and materials.

Yes, Providers will order the materials directly from Lakeshore Learning. Providers will receive additional communications from Lakeshore Learning throughout this process.

Current as of 5.13.24

Yes, all recipients will receive a 1099 Form. Businesses are required to issue a 1099 Form to a taxpayer (other than a corporation) who has received at least $600 or more in non-employment income during the tax year.

Current as of 5.13.24

Eligibility was based on the list of active Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) participating providers at the date of program launch. If your facility has since become a CCPP participating provider and you believe your facility is now eligible, please contact us.

Current as of 5.13.24

If you have questions about logging into the EProcurement Services portal, products, shipping or damaged items, contact Lakeshore Customer Service at (855) 827-5830, Mon.-Fri., 8am-8pm, CST. You can also email Lakeshore Learning at [email protected]. Please reference ECCDI Room Refresh Program in Mississippi, and they will be happy to assist.

Current as of 5.17.24

Providers can login by visisting https://eproservices.lakeshorelearning.com and using the credential emailed to you from Lakeshore.

Current as of 7.16.24

These materials are taxible. We encourage you to consult a tax professional to determine how the Room Refresh Program may affect your tax situation. Additionally, we will be sending out your tax documentation for the 2024 calendar year in January 2025.

Current as of 7.16.24

Arrival times depends on the status of the application. Once the application/order is approved and ready for shipment, arrival times will vary based on the availibity of the items (determined by Lakeshore).

Current as of 7.16.24

Providers can apply once for each center location.

Current as of 7.16.24