NEW LCI Policy
What is a Legally Certified Provider (LCP)?
A Legally Certified Provider (LCP) is a special certification for a friend or family member that cares for up to two children from different families or all the children in one sibling group. The family that is receiving care must be eligible for the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship.
How do I apply to become a Legally Certified Provider (LCP)?
First, you will only be eligible to become a LCP if the family you are caring for or will be caring is eligible for the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship. The family’s application paperwork (which is submitted to the local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency) is separate from your application paperwork. You must submit the LCP application packet to Family Connections, pass a criminal background and child and adult protective service checks , and attend an Orientation class (available at all Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies) within 60 days of your approval. Family Connections’ Orientation classes are available under News and Classes on our navigation bar.
Download LCP Application Packet
Anyone 18 years of age or older that lives in the house the child(ren) will be cared for and is not a parent of the child, must also complete a Statement of Health and Release of Information (a copy of both these forms is already in the LCP application packet for the LCP).
Where do I send the LCP application packet?
Send the LCP application to: Family Connections, 202 2nd Ave S Ste 201, Great Falls, MT 59405. You can also call us at 1-800-696-4503 or 406-761-6010 with any questions.
If approved, when will I start getting paid?
If you are approved, you will be paid starting the day that Family Connections received your LCP application or the day that the local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency received the family’s application, whichever date is the latest. The approval process can take some time due to the background checks. You will receive no payment if your application is denied.
Where do I submit the invoice that shows the hours I cared for the children?
You submit invoices to your Local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (CCRR). Family Connections processes all LCP application paperwork; the local CCRR processes all invoices for the scholarship families that reside in their region. If the scholarship family lives in Cascade, Chouteau, Glacier, Pondera, Teton or Toole counties, Family Connections is the local CCRR.
Can I apply the same time the family is?
Yes, your paperwork can be processing the same time the family’s paperwork is processing; however if the family is denied for the scholarship, you will not receive a payment.
