Audit finds millions spent despite absences at child care centers

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Approximately 20% of childcare centers accounted for 90% of reported paid absences in Mississippi’s Child Care Payment Program (CCPP), according to a new report released by the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor.

The report also found taxpayers likely paid between $13.8 million and $30.9 million during Federal Fiscal Year 2024 for children who were reported absent from childcare centers.

“We all remember the massive Minnesota daycare fraud and the ‘Learing Center,’” said White. “While we’ve not yet found something as egregious, taxpayer money is clearly paying centers in Mississippi when kids are not showing up.”

The report found taxpayers likely paid up to $30.9 million during Federal Fiscal Year 2024 for children who were reported absent from childcare centers.

Five centers alone accounted for more than 40% of unattended-yet-paid days among sampled childcare centers.

Due to Biden-era rules, providers are paid with CCPP dollars based on enrollment rather than attendance, meaning centers receive taxpayer-funded payments whether children show up or not. Auditors found that more than 13% of sampled payments were made for days when recipient children were reported absent.

Current federal regulations allow childcare providers to continue receiving payments for up to 60 consecutive days of absences before a child’s certificate may be revoked. Only then is money cut off from the centers.

“As a father I know that if my kid missed school for even one day, I would get notified immediately,” said Auditor White. “The fact that these centers still receive tax dollars even if the kids are gone for up to two months is completely crazy and a total waste of your tax dollars.”

The full report can be found here.