18 Miss. Code. R. 17-8.5 - Parent Choice of Provider

Parent choice is a fundamental tenet of the CCDF program. Parents are free to choose any provider that has been previously approved to participate in the CCPP. The selected provider is listed on the certificate after the child has been approved for program participation.

A. Parents may change child care providers for any reason, but the parent must adhere to the following MDHS procedure for doing so:

1) Submit a Change in Provider request to MDHS via the online parent portal.

2) Ensure that all outstanding co-pay fees are paid to the current provider.

3) Provide a minimum two (2) week notice to the current provider prior to withdrawing the child, unless under emergency circumstances.

4) Emergency Circumstances - The minimum two (2) week notice period may be waived under certain circumstances. The parent may make a written request to the DECCD Division Director explaining the emergency circumstance for transfer or withdrawal. Examples of emergency circumstances include, but are not limited to:

a. Physical Altercation between the Parent and Staff Member (including Director). If an issue arises at the child care center between the parent and staff member (including director) of the child care center resulting in police involvement, a transfer may be requested. The DECCD Director may also contact the child care provider to obtain additional evidence and will weigh all evidence as a whole.

b. Injury of a Child: If an issue arises at the child care center resulting in an injury of any child enrolled in the center such as neglect, lack of supervision, or physical harm, a transfer may be requested.

c. If emergency circumstances are established, the DECCD Director will make a determination as to whether outstanding fees must be paid prior to authorizing the transfer or withdrawal.

Notes

18 Miss. Code. R. 17-8.5

45 CFR 98.30; Miss. Code Ann. § 43-1-2(4); Miss. Code Ann. § 43-1-4 Revised: October 2021

Adopted 3/6/2020 Amended 11/1/2021 Amended 5/15/2023