Maine Child Care Affordability Program

05/27/2026

If you are completing forms for the Child Care Affordability Program (CCAP), please make sure you are using the most current version of the document.

We are seeing older forms still being submitted, especially from providers, which can delay processing if required information or policies have changed.

All current CCAP forms, agreements, billing schedules, and provider resources are available on our website: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/provider-resources/child-care-subsidy-information-for-providers

Before submitting paperwork, we encourage you to download a new copy directly from the website to ensure you have the most up-to-date version available!

CCAP Rules Link to CCAP Rules (PDF)

05/26/2026

📌 Friendly reminder for families with an upcoming CCAP Redetermination — swipe through for a quick guide.

Your Redetermination Application becomes available in the Family Portal 45 days before your current award end date. Submitting early and uploading all requested documentation helps avoid delays.

CCAP has up to 15 days to review submitted information.

Family Portal: https://som04.my.site.com/family/s/

05/25/2026

Reminder: All Maine DHHS State Offices, including the Child Care Affordability Program (CCAP), will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026 in observance of Memorial Day.

We hope everyone has a safe holiday weekend as we remember and honor those who served.

05/22/2026

Reminder for families with a CCAP redetermination due 6/5/26 📌

If your CCAP redetermination is due 6/5/26, please complete and submit your Redetermination Application through your Family Portal account as soon as possible.

A few reminders:
✔️ Your Redetermination Application becomes available 45 days before your due date
✔️ Upload all required documentation that applies to your household
✔️ Submit early — CCAP has up to 15 days to review submitted information

Submitting early also allows time to provide any additional information that may be needed before your deadline.

👀 Be sure to check your Family Portal Message Center for updates.

Families can access the Family Portal here:
https://som04.my.site.com/family/s/

05/20/2026

Not sure which child care program you need? 🤔

We know families are often referred between programs and may not be sure which office or program they are trying to reach.

We created this quick guide to help explain some common programs in Maine, including:
• CCAP
• ASPIRE & TCC
• HOPE
• Foster Care Child Care

This guide also includes contact information and basic eligibility details to help point families in the right direction. 👇

05/20/2026

If you haven’t heard of Help Me Grow Maine they’re a great resource for parents and families. 💙

Today they’ll be in Milbridge at the Maternal Mobile Health Event! A great opportunity to connect with local supports, resources, and services for families with young children.

Come out to see us today in Milbridge!

05/19/2026

🎉 Happy 1st Birthday to Baxter! 🎉

One year ago today, Maine’s new online portal for the Child Care Affordability Program, better known as “Baxter”, officially launched!

Over the past year, Baxter has helped families and providers complete applications, upload documents, view authorizations, submit enrollment verifications, and manage important CCAP information all in one place.

Like any new system, there has been a lot of learning, growth, updates, and improvements along the way and we appreciate all of the families, providers, and staff who helped make this first year a success through their patience, feedback, and teamwork.

Here’s to another year of continued improvements and progress! 💙

05/18/2026

Since July 2024, the Child Care Employment Award has helped staff in licensed child care programs access more affordable child care for their own children. While this two-year pilot program will end in June 2026, many participating families also qualified for CCAP, and that support remains available after the pilot ends.

Beginning 6/27/26, families who had their CCAP parent fee covered through the Employment Award will be responsible for paying their assigned parent fee directly to their child care provider.

If you need child care assistance or additional resources, please review the image below. Families can apply for CCAP through the Family Portal: https://som04.my.site.com/family/s/

05/15/2026

Yesterday, OCFS released a memo regarding the CCAP waitlist and additional state funding approved for the program.

Beginning in July 2026, CCAP will receive additional state funding to help address the current waitlist and support more Maine families in accessing child care assistance. Families currently on the waitlist do not need to reapply. The program will continue reviewing and releasing families from the waitlist as funding becomes available, following current priority guidelines.

Families may continue to apply for CCAP if they believe they may be eligible through the Family Portal: https://som04.my.site.com/family/s/

If you would like a full copy of the memo, please email [email protected].

05/14/2026

Did you know?

Most updates about your CCAP application can be found right in your Family Portal 👇

✔ Requests for additional information
✔ Denials
✔ Award letters

These are all sent to your Message Center on your portal dashboard.

CCAP has up to 15 days to process documentation. Even if you submit your redetermination on the due date, that processing timeframe still applies.

Submitting your redetermination early can help avoid delays and ensure your information is reviewed as quickly as possible.