CREDENTIAL PROGRAM INCENTIVES Because the tiered reimbursement program is voluntary there are incentives available to child care facilities that choose to participate. The incentives are available to facilities participating at Level Two and higher and consist of: Purchase of Care Voucher - Paid Differential An additional amount of reimbursement made for every Purchase of Care voucher receipted by the local Department of Social Services from a family child care provider or child care center. The additional payments will be based on the level of tiered reimbursement and the child’s subsidy level for the OCC Child Care Subsidy (Purchase of Care) program. While not a requirement of the program, the additional amount of money received for each Purchase of Care voucher should be used to improve and enhance the program through staff compensation and benefits. To apply for the paid differential through the Purchase of Care Program submit a complete Application for Tiered Reimbursement with all required documentation to the OCC Credentialing Branch. Accreditation Support Child care programs participating in the tiered reimbursement program must actively pursue program accreditation. A fund has been established to help eligible family child care providers and child care centers pay for the cost of the accreditation application fee. A family child care provider or child care center must submit a completed Application for Accreditation Support with required documentation in order to receive funding to pay for the cost of the accreditation application fee. The funding may be applied for the initial or renewal application fee. Funds may not be used for reimbursement for fees already paid, program improvements or to pay for training costs. MARYLAND CHILD CARE CREDENTIAL INCENTIVES There are incentives available to child care providers who choose to participate in the Maryland Child Care Credential program. They are available to providers participating in the credential program at Level Two and higher and include achievement bonuses and training vouchers. Achievement Bonuses To be eligible for an achievement bonus a provider must: Apply, be accepted, and participating in the credential program for a least one year. Complete continued training, professional activities and one year of continued employment in a child care facility. A one-time bonus, at each level, will be paid directly to the participating provider only upon the completion of all requirements, in the following amounts: Level Two - $200 Level Three - $300 Level Four - $500 Level Four Plus - $600 Level Five - $750 Level Six - $1,000 Accreditation Support Child care programs participating in the tiered reimbursement program must actively pursue program accreditation. A fund has been established to help eligible family child care providers and child care centers pay for the cost of the accreditation application fee. A family child care provider or child care center must submit a completed Application for Accreditation Support with required documentation in order to receive funding to pay for the cost of the accreditation application fee. The funding may be applied for the initial or renewal application fee. Funds may not be used for reimbursement for fees already paid, program improvements or to pay for training costs. To apply to participate in the Maryland Child Care Credential program submit an Application for Maryland Child Care Credential and all required documentation to the OCC Credentialing Branch. Training Vouchers and Reimbursement  Child care providers participating in the Credential Program at Level Two and higher are eligible to receive training vouchers and/or reimbursement for approved training within the Core of Knowledge.  A participant may receive up to $400, during each year of participation in the Credential Program.  Each voucher is issued for one specific course, workshop or conference.  Training voucher applications and all required documentation must be submitted 60 days before the date of the training for which the voucher will be used. To receive reimbursement for an approved course, workshop or conference, an application must be submitted within 120 days after completion date. To apply for a training voucher or reimbursement submit an Application for Training Voucher/Reimbursement and all required documentation to the OCC Credentialing Branch. Have questions or need more information about Credentialing Branch programs? Contact us.