Working Connections Child Care Eligibility.  The Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) Program is a federally- and state-funded program that provides child care subsidies to families, and is administered by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).  Families may be eligible for child care subsidies if they have a household income at or below 60 percent of the state median income (SMI).  Employees of licensed child care providers may be eligible if they have household income at or below 85 percent SMI.
 
To be eligible for WCCC, the parent or guardian must meet certain eligibility requirements including being employed, self-employed, or in approved work or education activities.  Eligible families must make a copayment to the child care provider based on the family's countable income, which are established in state law.  Copayments range from $0 to $215 per month.

Working Connections Child Care Subsidy Rates.  Child care subsidy base rates must achieve the 85th percentile of market for licensed or certified child care providers. 

Working Connections Child Care Subsidy Rates.  Beginning July 1, 2025, DCYF must pay the lesser of the following to a licensed or certified child care center, family home provider, and outdoor nature-based child care provider receiving state subsidy payments:

• the child care provider's rate for a child from a family not eligible for state subsidy payments; or
• the child care subsidy base rate that achieves the 75th percentile of market for licensed or certified child care providers.