The office will pay for Child Care Assistance for a child under 13 or a disabled child under 18 years if the parent works full time (25 or more hours per week), attends school full time or works part time and also attends school. Eligibility is determined for a 12 month period. Eligible applicants may choose child care in a child care center, in a family day care home, in a home of a relative or in their own home and payment will be made for the care of the child. A day care center must have a Class A license. A family day care home must be registered, or must apply to become registered if the care is in the home of a relative. An in-home provider must be certified by the Department of Social Services (DSS). The office pays a portion of the child care providers actual charges, up to a standard maximum rate established by DSS. The check for the states share of child care costs is sent directly to the child care provider. The hours of child care authorized for payment must reasonably correspond with the hours the childs parents or guardians are working or in school. The program will pay higher rates for a child who, because of physical or mental disability, requires specialized care to meet his or her developmental needs. The difference between the amount the provider charges and the amount the state pays is considered your co-payment.The Lafayette office provides services for Lafayette Parish.