The childcare subsidy system uses a lot of jargon. Here's what the most common terms actually mean.
The Basics
Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) The overall program that helps families pay for childcare in Massachusetts. Also called "childcare subsidies" or just "the voucher program."
Voucher A payment authorization that lets you use childcare at any approved provider. EEC pays the provider; you may pay a small copay (parent fee). See Vouchers vs. Contracts (0.3).
Contract Slot A reserved spot at a specific childcare program that has a contract with EEC. The program gets paid directly for that slot.
Authorization (Initial) When your eligibility is confirmed for the first time and your voucher or contract slot is officially issued. Your authorization period is typically 12 months, but may be shorter if you are issued a provisional voucher, or if your voucher is undergoing some sort of qualification status change (such as maternity leave). Sometimes called an "application," but that word is used loosely — an authorization is the official act of issuing the voucher.
Application The word "application" is used in different ways in this system. It can refer to: (1) the initial paperwork you fill out when entering the system for the first time, (2) the process of being placed on the waitlist when no funding is available, or (3) loosely, any interaction where you're submitting documentation. To avoid confusion: getting your first voucher is an initial authorization, renewing is a reauthorization, and being placed on the waiting list is a waitlist placement. These all typically require an "application" process.
Reauthorization (Reassessment / Renewal) The process of proving you still qualify, which happens every 12 months (or shorter in some cases). You'll need to resubmit documentation of your income and service need. See Reassessment (1.11).
Provisional Authorization A temporary 12-week authorization given when you don't yet have a verified approved activity (like a job or school enrollment) but are actively working on getting one.
Who's Who
EEC — Department of Early Education and Care The state agency that runs the childcare financial assistance program. They set the rules and handle appeals.
CCR&R — Child Care Resource and Referral Agency Also called Family Access Administrator. Your local office that processes your application, issues your voucher, and handles your renewals. This is who you call with most questions.
DTA — Department of Transitional Assistance Runs TAFDC (cash assistance) and SNAP (food assistance). Can issue referrals for childcare assistance.
DCF — Department of Children and Families Handles child welfare cases. Can issue referrals for childcare assistance.
DHCD — Department of Housing and Community Development Runs homeless stabilization programs. Can certify homelessness status for childcare eligibility.
See Who Does What? (0.2) for how these agencies connect.
Money and Eligibility
SMI — State Median Income The dollar amount that represents the middle income for families of the same size in Massachusetts. Your eligibility is measured as a percentage of SMI. For example, "85% SMI for a family of three" means 85% of the median income for a three-person household in Massachusetts.
- 50% SMI — The income threshold for priority waitlist access (as of January 2026)
- 85% SMI — The income threshold for initial eligibility and continued eligibility
See the FY26 SMI Chart for current dollar amounts by family size.
Parent Fee (Copay) The amount you pay your childcare provider out of pocket. It's based on a sliding scale — the more you earn, the more you pay. Some families pay nothing (TAFDC, DCF, homeless families).
Service Need The reason you need childcare. You must be doing an approved activity — like working, going to school, or participating in a training program — for at least 20 hours per week. See Service Need (1.3).
Approved Activity An activity that qualifies as a service need: paid employment, self-employment, education (high school, GED, college, vocational training, ESOL), military deployment, or receiving protective services.
Attendance and Absences
Explained Absence A day your child is authorized to attend but doesn't, for a valid reason — like illness, a death in the family, a religious holiday, or vacation. You can have up to 45 explained absences in a 12-month period before it becomes a problem.
Unexplained Absence An absence without a valid reason. These can lead to termination.
Non-Approved Break in Care When your child doesn't attend for 30 or more consecutive days without an approved reason. This can result in termination of your childcare assistance.
Approved Break in Care A planned pause in attendance — up to 90 days — that you request in writing and get approved by your CCR&R. This protects you from being terminated for non-attendance.
Problems and Protections
IPV — Intentional Program Violation When EEC determines that you intentionally broke a program rule — like not reporting a required change or providing false information. IPVs have escalating consequences: first offense is a warning, then 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months of disqualification.
Important: "IPV" in the childcare system means Intentional Program Violation. In other contexts, IPV can mean Intimate Partner Violence (domestic violence). They are completely different things.
Request for Review The first step in appealing a denial or termination. You submit a written request to EEC within 30 days. See How to Appeal (1.20).
Informal Hearing The second step in an appeal, after the Request for Review. A more formal process with an EEC Hearing Officer.
Continuation of Services If your voucher is being terminated (not an initial denial), and you file your Request for Review before the termination date, your childcare services continue while the appeal is processed. This is one of the most important rights in the system.
PIPV — Provider Intentional Program Violation Same concept as an IPV, but for providers — like billing for a child who isn't attending.
Types of Families in the System
Income-Eligible Family A family that qualifies based on their income and service need — the most common pathway.
DTA/TAFDC Family A family receiving TAFDC or SNAP benefits with a DTA referral for childcare.
DCF Family A family with an active DCF (child welfare) case and a DCF referral for childcare.
Transitional Family A family whose DTA or DCF case has recently closed but who still has priority access to childcare for a limited time.
Young Parent A parent under 24 years old. Eligible for a special young parent program with priority access.
Provider Terms
Voucher Provider A childcare program that accepts vouchers through an agreement with EEC/CCR&R.
Contracted Provider A childcare program that holds a direct contract with EEC for a set number of subsidized slots.
Informal Provider A relative or in-home caregiver approved to provide subsidized care, even though they don't hold a childcare license.
Family Child Care (FCC) A licensed childcare program run out of someone's home, typically smaller than a center.
Reimbursement The payment providers receive from EEC for caring for subsidized children. Paid on an enrollment basis (based on the child being enrolled, not daily attendance).
See Also
Content last verified against EEC policy: April 2026