Information for Providers
Overview of how ERDC works
ERDC helps eligible low-income parents pay for child care so they can work. If the parent is eligible for assistance, DHS will pay a portion of their child care bill directly to the family's chosen provider through the Direct Pay Unit (DPU) in Salem. Providers apply to become listed with DHS, and must pass a background check process.
The amount DHS will pay is based on the family's income, type of child care and how many hours of care are needed.
Most parents are also required to pay a portion of the cost, called the copay, directly to the provider. The co-pay amount is determined according to a sliding fee scale, based on family income and household size. Parents must pay their copay in order to remain eligible for assistance. For more information, see the following resources.
- Child Care Provider guide
- Our handbook for providers who serve ERDC clients, with loads of information on how to get started, the payment process, and more. Also available in Spanish and Russian.
- Child Care Provider Listing - This form is for people who want to be paid by DHS to provide child care for DHS clients. Please note the effective date for DHS payment cannot be earlier than the date you complete the listing process and are approved by DHS. Also available in Spanish.
- Child care rates - The maximum amounts we can pay providers who help DHS clients with child care.
- Enhanced, special and high needs rates - About special provider rates are and how to qualify for and become an enhanced, special or high needs provider.
- Child Care Billing and Attendance Tracking (CCBAT) system
- Direct Pay Unit (DPU) - Contact and general information about the office that issues Child Care Billings and pays providers.
- Child Care Attendance log (form 7471) (.doc) - Attendance log that providers can fill out, print, and send to DPU.
- DHS background checks - Contact and general information about the background check process for providers.
- Training for providers - Information on orientations and training opportunities for child care providers.
- Reporting Child Abuse - About child abuse, mandatory reporters, and how to report.
- Food service for children in care - About food handling, nutrition education, and getting USDA reimbursements.
- Child Care Resource & referral agencies - Here is a link to a listing of local CCR&Rs by county. CCR&Rs help connect providers with the parents who need their services, provides technical assistance, and provider training.
- Partners and resources for providers - Information on other child care partner agencies and resources of interest to providers.