1. (1) "CC subsidy" means a Child Care assistance subsidy payment.
2. (2) "Certified quality rating" means the CCQS rating determined by applying the CCQS framework and assigned by OCC.
3. (3) "Certified Quality Rating Review Committee" or "Review Committee" means a committee consisting of one representative from OCC, one representative from a licensed private program; and one expert in the field of early childhood education or school-age children, which reviews disputed quality ratings and makes recommendations to the Director of Adjudication concerning final certified quality rating decisions.
4. (4) "CCQS status" means the status assigned by OCC to a program without a default rating or certified quality rating.

5. (5) "Eligible program" or "eligible provider" means a provider who:

   1. (a) is classified as a CCQS-eligible license type from OL, in accordance with OCC policy;
   2. (b) meets CCDF eligibility requirements;
   3. (c) is compliant with OL licensing requirements;
   4. (d) has followed the OL process to indicate the program will accept funding from OCC, including funding for children covered by CC subsidy; and
   5. (e) can potentially receive CC subsidy and OCC grants, including ESG, if approved.
6. (6) "License in good standing" means a program is currently licensed by OL, but not with a conditional license.

7. (7) "Not participating" is a CCQS status referring to a program that:

   1. (a) has opted out of participation in the CCQS;
   2. (b) is not classified as a CCQS-eligible license type from OL, in accordance with OCC policy;
   3. (c) is ineligible due to being disqualified by OCC; or
   4. (d) has not applied for a certified quality rating and has not elected to become CCQS-eligible.
8. (8) "Denied participation" is a CCQS status referring to an eligible program that is operating on a conditional license from OL.
9. (9) "Program" refers to an individual location of a child care business.

In addition to the definitions and acronyms found in Title 35A, Chapter 3, Employment Support Act, Sections R986-100-103, R986-100-104, and R986-700-701.1, the following definitions apply to CCQS:

KEY: child care, grant programs

Date of Last Change: December 8, 2025

Notice of Continuation: August 14, 2025

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 35A-3-203; 35A-3-209; 35A-3-310; 45 C.F.R. 98.21