Child Care Assistance Program (Louisiana CCAP)
Last updated August 2026
The Child Care Assistance Program, CCAP, helps Louisiana families pay for child care while the parent works, attends school, or is in a training program. It is run by the Louisiana Department of Education, and the payments go directly to approved child care providers, not to the family.
Eligibility is based on the child's age, your household income, and your work or school status. CCAP covers care for a child under 13, or under 18 if the child has a documented special need or is under court supervision.
You have real choice in providers. CCAP works at approved licensed child care centers, family and in-home child care providers, and school-based early learning programs, so you can pick the setting that fits your family.
Families share in the cost, but on a sliding scale. A copay is set by the CCAP Sliding Fee Scale, which bases your payment on household size and income, so a lower-income family pays less.
Applying is online. Use the CAFE child care self-service portal, and the Department of Education's CCAP page links to the application, case management, and a directory to find child care in your community.
Child care is often the difference between working and not, so if you are employed or in school and struggling with the cost, this is a program worth checking. Pair it with 2-1-1 for other family supports.
Phone 1-877-453-2721
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Households with a child under 13, or under 18 with a disability, where the parents work, attend school, or train at least 20 hours a week
- Household income within CCAP limits (roughly 65 percent of the state median income), and the family lives in Louisiana
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online through the CAFE child care self-service portal.
- 2
Have proof of your work or school status and household income ready.
- 3
Choose an approved provider: a licensed center, family or in-home provider, or school-based program.
- 4
Review your sliding-scale copay based on household size and income.
What to have ready
- ID and Social Security numbers for the household
- Proof of your work, school, or training status
- Proof of household income and your child's information. LDOE confirms the full list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Who qualifies for child care assistance in Louisiana?
Families paying for care while a parent works, attends school, or trains, based on the child's age, household income, and work or school status.
What ages does it cover?
A child under 13, or under 18 if the child has a documented special need or is under court supervision.
Do I have to pay anything?
Families share in the cost through a copay set by the CCAP Sliding Fee Scale, based on household size and income.
How do I apply?
Online through the CAFE child care self-service portal, linked from the Department of Education's CCAP page.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
See all Louisiana programs →Free · Private · No account needed