Last updated: May 19, 2026
Bottom line
North Dakota’s main child care help is the Child Care Assistance Program, often called CCAP. It can pay part of your child care bill while you work, attend school, or attend training. The most important 2026 change is that new CCAP applicants may be placed on a waitlist before help starts. Families receiving TANF and families in Crossroads are not placed on that waitlist.
Start with the official North Dakota CCAP page. You can apply online through the Self-Service Portal, ask for help through the Customer Support Center, or contact your local Human Service Zone. If you need general support beyond child care, the North Dakota state page for single mother help can help you look at food, housing, school, and emergency options together.
If you need care quickly
If you cannot work, attend class, keep a job, or leave a child in safe care, do not wait for one program to solve everything. Apply for CCAP, but also call Child Care Aware, check Head Start, ask your school or employer, and call 211 for local help.
- For CCAP questions, call the Customer Support Center at 1-866-614-6005 or 701-328-1000; TTY users can use 711.
- For help finding care, call Child Care Aware ND at 1-800-997-8515, Option 1.
- For local food, rent, utility, transportation, and family support referrals, contact FirstLink 211.
- If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. For suspected child abuse or neglect, North Dakota lists the statewide reporting line at 1-833-958-3500.
If child care is part of a bigger crisis, these ASMOM guides may help next: emergency help, housing assistance, and transportation help.
Where to start
If you need help paying now
Apply for CCAP. Even if you may land on the waitlist, applying is how the state checks if you are eligible, exempt, or priority.
If you need a provider
Use the child care search and look at licensing, inspection, and Bright & Early ND information before you choose.
If you are in school
Apply for CCAP and ask your school about campus child care, scholarships, and schedule help. Under age 21 parents should also check Crossroads.
If you work in child care
Ask your employer about the Child Care Workforce Benefit. It may waive your copay if you meet the worker rules.
For broader child care planning, the national ASMOM guide to child care help explains common terms such as subsidies, copays, provider rates, Head Start, and backup care.
Quick reference table
| Program or step | What it can help with | Reality check | Start here |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCAP | Part of child care costs for eligible families working, in school, or in training. | New applicants may be waitlisted. Payments are not backdated for waitlist months. | CCAP page |
| Child Care Aware | Free help finding child care and comparing providers. | It helps you search, but it does not guarantee an open seat. | Parent referrals |
| Crossroads | Child care and transportation support for eligible parents up to age 21 who are pursuing school. | You must complete both the Crossroads application and the assistance application. | Crossroads Program |
| Head Start | Free early childhood services for eligible children, babies, toddlers, and pregnant mothers. | Openings vary by local program and age group. | Head Start Locator |
| WPCCR | Employer child care match pilot for participating parents. | No new applications are accepted; final state match covers August 2026 benefits. | WPCCR page |
North Dakota CCAP
CCAP helps pay part of child care costs for families with modest income. North Dakota says the program is for working families, or families in training or education programs. Families who are homeless may have a temporary allowable activity while looking for work, school, training, or housing.
To qualify, you generally must live in North Dakota, need care because of work or an allowed activity, meet income rules, and use a provider that can receive CCAP payments. Approved provider types include licensed providers, self-declaration providers, tribal providers, approved relative providers, Air Force providers, and approved out-of-state providers. The CCAP FAQ gives the official provider list.
North Dakota also changed CCAP rules for 2026. Starting April 1, 2026, a child must attend child care for at least 40 hours in the service month for a CCAP payment. The state also clarified age rules. State-licensed providers can receive CCAP payments through the month a child turns 12. Tribal or out-of-state provider rules may differ.
Waitlist warning
New CCAP applications submitted on or after December 1, 2025 may go to a waitlist. North Dakota says families already receiving CCAP are not placed on the waitlist, but a family may be placed on it if their case closes and they reapply. Families receiving TANF and families in Crossroads are not placed on the waitlist.
Priority on the waitlist goes to families experiencing homelessness and families with income at or below 30% of State Median Income. Keep your phone, email, and mailing address current because the state says families have 10 days to respond when funding becomes available.
How to apply
- Apply online through the Self-Service Portal, or print an application from the CCAP page.
- Gather proof of identity, child birth certificates, proof of income for last month and this month, and child support or spousal support papers if they apply.
- Choose a provider or ask Child Care Aware for referral help.
- Send documents to the Customer Support Center or your local Human Service Zone.
- Watch for mail, email, portal messages, and phone calls. Missing one can slow your case.
If food or cash help would also help your child care budget, see the North Dakota guides to SNAP help and TANF assistance.
Income limits and state payment rates
The income limits below are monthly gross income limits before taxes for the period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. These numbers can change each federal fiscal year, so confirm on the state CCAP page before making a budget decision.
| Family size | Maximum monthly income |
|---|---|
| 2 | $5,521 |
| 3 | $6,820 |
| 4 | $8,119 |
| 5 | $9,418 |
| 6 | $10,717 |
| 7 | $10,961 |
| 8 | $11,204 |
CCAP does not always pay the full provider bill. The program uses your income, household size, child’s age, provider type, hours of care, your copay, and the state payment cap. You may owe a copay and any amount your provider charges above the state cap. North Dakota’s copay worksheet can help you estimate your share.
| Provider type | Infant | Toddler | Preschool | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Center, full-time | $1,240 | $1,124 | $940 | $800 |
| Licensed family/group, full-time | $900 | $880 | $740 | $700 |
| Self-declared or tribal, full-time | $646 | $600 | $531 | $529 |
| Approved relative, full-time | $422 | $398 | $351 | $348 |
| Center, part-time | $546 | $529 | $489 | $416 |
| Licensed family/group, part-time | $416 | $393 | $385 | $364 |
| Self-declared or tribal, part-time | $284 | $283 | $276 | $275 |
| Approved relative, part-time | $186 | $187 | $182 | $181 |
These state maximums are effective January 1, 2026. Full-time means 25 or more hours per week. Part-time means less than 25 hours per week. The state also lists an allowable registration fee maximum of $150 per calendar year for center and licensed family/group provider types.
Other child care paths in North Dakota
Crossroads for young parents in school
The Crossroads Program supports parents up to age 21 with child care and transportation costs so they can continue education. The parent must be pregnant or parenting, under 21 unless a listed exception applies, a North Dakota resident, the primary caregiver, living with the child, and pursuing education. Crossroads families are not placed on the CCAP waitlist.
Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start and Early Head Start are free for eligible families. North Dakota’s Head Start page says these programs serve children from birth to age five, pregnant mothers, and families, with support for learning, health, nutrition, and family needs. The federal Head Start page says children from homeless families, foster children, and families receiving TANF or SSI may qualify through special eligibility paths.
Use the federal Head Start Locator to find nearby programs. Openings, hours, transportation, and waitlists are local, so call the program directly.
Working Parents Child Care Relief
North Dakota’s Working Parents Child Care Relief pilot matched employer child care benefits for participating families. As of May 6, 2026, the state says no new applications are accepted, pending applications will continue to be reviewed, and current participating parents’ eligibility will be extended until September. The final state match payment will be for employer benefits provided in August 2026.
Other help that can free up your budget
Child care costs often sit next to food, diapers, medical bills, and school costs. Check North Dakota help for WIC benefits, health coverage, baby items, and afterschool programs. If you are trying to improve work hours or training, the North Dakota guide to job training may help you plan the next step.
How to find and check a provider
Start with the state choosing care guide. It explains how to use North Dakota’s online search tool, compare program types, visit providers, and look at records. In the search tool, look for licensing status, inspection reports, complaint history, and Bright & Early ND quality rating.
Ask the provider these questions before you count on CCAP:
- Do you accept CCAP?
- What provider type are you under the state rules?
- What is your monthly price for my child’s age and schedule?
- Will I owe more than my CCAP copay?
- Do you charge a registration fee, late fee, supply fee, or holding fee?
Tip
If a center has no opening, ask to be placed on its waitlist and ask Child Care Aware for nearby options. In rural areas, approved relative care or self-declared care may be a bridge, but the state payment caps are lower than licensed center rates.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using old numbers. The 2026 rates are lower than the 2025 rates in several categories.
- Letting a current CCAP case close. If your case closes and you reapply, you may have to go on the waitlist.
- Assuming approval is instant. The state must review eligibility, documents, provider details, and waitlist status.
- Forgetting the 40-hour rule. Starting April 1, 2026, the child must attend at least 40 hours in the service month for a CCAP payment.
- Picking care before checking the rate. If the provider charges more than the state maximum, you may owe the difference.
- Missing the 10-day response window. If the state contacts you about funding from the waitlist, respond fast.
What to do if you are denied, delayed, or waitlisted
First, ask what is missing. Sometimes a case is delayed because proof of income, proof of provider, or contact information is incomplete. Ask the Customer Support Center for a clear list of what they need and how to send it.
If you receive a denial or decision you do not understand, ask for the appeal or review instructions in writing. Keep copies of letters, portal messages, fax receipts, and emails. For legal questions about benefits, appeals, custody, or unsafe provider issues, contact a qualified advocate or the North Dakota guide to legal help.
While waiting, call Head Start, ask your school about child care options, ask employers about schedule changes, and call 211 for local support. You can also use the state Apply for Help page to check SNAP, Medicaid, heating help, and TANF in the same benefits system.
Phone scripts
Calling CCAP
“Hi, I’m applying for child care assistance. Can you tell me if my application is complete, if I am on the waitlist, and exactly what documents you still need from me?”
Calling a provider
“Hi, I’m looking for child care for my child. Do you accept CCAP? What is your monthly rate for my child’s age and schedule, and would I owe anything above my copay?”
Calling Child Care Aware
“Hi, I need help finding child care that may work with CCAP. I need care near [city or ZIP], during [hours], for a child age [age]. Can you help me find licensed or eligible options?”
Calling Head Start
“Hi, I’m a parent in North Dakota. I want to apply for Head Start or Early Head Start. Do you serve my area, and what documents should I bring for eligibility?”
Resumen en español
En North Dakota, CCAP puede ayudar a pagar una parte del cuidado infantil mientras usted trabaja, estudia o participa en capacitación. Desde el 1 de diciembre de 2025, muchas solicitudes nuevas pueden entrar en una lista de espera. Las familias en TANF y las familias en Crossroads no entran en esa lista. Aplique por el portal estatal, llame al 1-866-614-6005 si necesita ayuda, y mantenga su teléfono, correo y dirección actualizados.
También revise Head Start, Early Head Start, Crossroads si es menor de 21 años y está estudiando, y Child Care Aware de North Dakota para encontrar proveedores. Si necesita comida, renta, transporte o ayuda de emergencia, llame al 211.
Frequently asked questions
Is North Dakota CCAP open in 2026?
You can still apply, but new applications may be placed on a waitlist. Families receiving TANF and families participating in Crossroads are not placed on the waitlist.
What income limit should I use?
Use the current CCAP table for October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. For example, the monthly gross income limit is $6,820 for a family of three and $8,119 for a family of four.
Does CCAP pay my whole child care bill?
Not always. CCAP uses a copay and state maximum rates. You may owe your copay plus any amount your provider charges above the state rate.
Can I use a relative for CCAP?
Possibly. North Dakota allows approved relative providers, but the relative must meet program rules before CCAP can pay.
What changed on April 1, 2026?
A child must attend child care at least 40 hours in the service month for a CCAP payment. North Dakota also clarified provider payment age rules for state-licensed providers.
Where can I get help finding care?
Use the state child care search tool or contact Child Care Aware of North Dakota at 1-800-997-8515, Option 1, for one-on-one referral help.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified May 19, 2026, next review August 19, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.