CCAP (Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program)
A state-administered, federally-funded program in Minnesota designed to subsidize childcare for low-income families. It is the primary vehicle through which the daycare fraud was allegedly committed.
First Mentioned
1/1/2026, 5:25:15 AM
Last Updated
1/1/2026, 5:27:24 AM
Research Retrieved
1/1/2026, 5:27:24 AM
Summary
The Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is a state-administered initiative designed to provide financial support to low-income families, enabling parents to work, attend school, or seek employment by making child care more affordable. Recently, the program has been at the center of a major scandal involving allegations of a multi-billion dollar entitlement fraud scheme. Investigative reports, notably by journalist Nick Shirley, suggest that the program was exploited by elements within the Somali community in Minnesota. These allegations extend to claims of a systemic patronage system where state officials, including Governor Tim Walz, allegedly ignored the fraud in exchange for political support. Furthermore, concerns have been raised that misappropriated funds may have been funneled to the terrorist organization al-Shabaab, leading to a freeze in aid and significant public controversy regarding government oversight and waste.
Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Full Name
Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program
Abbreviation
CCAP
Contact Email
dcyf.ccap@state.mn.us
Contact Phone
651-431-3809
Primary Purpose
Helps low-income families pay for child care while parents work, look for a job, or attend school
Alleged Fraud Scale
Multi-billion dollar entitlement fraud
Administering Agency
Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
Timeline
- Federal law H.R.1 is signed, introducing major changes to SNAP work rules that impact state assistance program coordination. (Source: https://dcyf.mn.gov/programs-directory/child-care-assistance-program)
2025-07-04
- Minnesota child care aid is frozen following a fraud probe, leaving child care centers and parents in a state of confusion. (Source: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/12/31/minnesota-child-care-aid-freeze-amid-fraud-probe-leaves-centers-parents-confused)
2025-12-31
Wikipedia
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Web Search Results
- Child Care Assistance Program
The Child Care Assistance Program helps families pay for child care so parents can work, go to school or look for a job. It also helps ensure children are well cared for and prepared to enter school ready to learn. This page provides resources for: CCAP Agencies (counties, Tribes and sub-contracted agencies) that administer child care assistance Families that are interested in the program Child care providers who serve families using child care assistance ## CCAP Policies and Laws) [...] Child Care Assistance Program : CCAP Policies and Law : CCAP Program Resources : CCAP Updates: Memos and Bulletins : CCAP Agency Resources : CCAP Family Resources : CCAP Provider Resources Child Protection/Welfare Sup Child Support Children's Mental Health Liaison Directory Civil Rights Disabilities DWP and MFIP Housing Support (formerly known as Group Residential Housing) SNAP Health care resources Housing resources Licensing Managed health care programs [...] Resources for CCAP Agencies, providers, families and others. Includes information on rates, copayments, and how child care assistance interacts with other early childhood programs. ## CCAP Agency Resources) Resources for CCAP Agencies (counties, Tribes and sub-contracted agencies) that administer child care assistance. ## CCAP Provider Resources)
- Child Care Assistance Program
Skip to main navigation Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families close A new federal law (H.R.1, signed July 4, 2025) makes major changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work rules. Title View all programs # Child Care Assistance Program Intro Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can help make quality child care affordable for families with low incomes. Services/Topics Search for Child Care and Early Learning programs Have questions? [...] ## Have questions? dcyf.ccap@state.mn.us 651-431-3809 Eligibility ## Eligibility Parents, stepparents, legal guardians and other eligible caregivers can receive child care assistance if they meet income limits and all other requirements. Benefits ## Benefits The program helps pay for quality child care while you work, look for a job, go to school or participate in activities within an employment plan. Resources Apply Now Contact your county or Tribal agency with questions [...] The Child Care Grant program provides financial assistance to students who have children 12 and under, are not receiving assistance under the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), and who demonstrate financial need for grants, to help pay for child care while pursuing a postsecondary education. Learn more on the Office of Higher Education website. Families experiencing homelessness
- Child care assistance
After the family is authorized to receive assistance and the provider is registered, the CCAP agency will send the provider a service authorization listing the number of hours of care approved for each child, the maximum rates for each child and the family's co-payment amount. Providers must submit bills within 60 days of the last date of care or the date the billing form was sent, whichever is later. [...] For information on which option you should use to submit registration information, visit the DCYF CCAP provider engagement site or contact the DCYF CCAP provider support team directly: 651-431-4848 CCAP.Providers.DCYF@state.mn.us ## Resources Child Care Assistance Program Think Small Family child care licensing in Hennepin County Child Care Aware Parent Aware Child care complaints or suspected fraud ## Complaints [...] See the state CCAP Information for Child Care Providers and CCAP provider engagement site for more details. ## Provider support team The Department of Children, Youth, and Families CCAP provider support team can assist providers during the registration process. Contact the team directly: 651-431-4848 CCAP.Providers.DCYF@state.mn.us ## Billing and receiving payments
- Minnesota child care aid freeze amid fraud probe leaves ...
Sign in to your profile New to MPR News? Sign up Welcome back to news for you Reset Password Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is? Contact us Welcome back to news for you Email Verification A verification code has been emailed to Still awaiting the code? Morning Edition Cathy Wurzer and Gracie Stockton # Minnesota child care aid freeze amid fraud probe leaves centers, parents confused ### Go Deeper. Create an account or log in to save stories. [...] By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View ourPrivacy Policy. Welcome back to news for you [...] Skip to Main Content Skip to audio player to listen live Stay Curious. Stay Connected. Newsletters♡Donate Now Create a Free MPR news profile for you Sign up Already have an account? Sign in
- 3 Applications
The application must be signed and dated by at least one parent, step-parent, legal guardian, eligible relative caregiver, relative custodian