Getting Started with CCES
Welcome, new provider! This is a general overview of the steps to get started with the CCES system. However, providers must attend a live training session. View the available training sessions in the calendar below. If you are unable to attend, contact your surveyor for further assistance.
Step 1: Register for KinderConnect
KinderConnect is a web-based platform providers use to record, correct, and submit attendance. To begin using KinderConnect you must register for an account. If you signed the DES participation agreement, you should have received an email with your login credentials, including:
- ✅ Email Address
- ✅ First Name / Last Name
- ✅ DES Provider ID
- ✅ Verification Code (i.e. PIN)
Step 2: Provide QR Codes for Sponsors
Sponsors (parents/guardians) use the KinderSmart mobile app to record attendance. Providers must generate two QR codes for sponsors to register:
- ✅KinderSmart Registration Form
- ✅Provider Mobile Sign-In Sheet
How to Generate QR Codes:
Step 3: Assist Sponsor Registration for KinderSmart
Sponsors must download and register the KinderSmart mobile app. To complete registration, sponsors must:
- Download KinderSmart from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
- Register the Application
- Scan the KinderSmart Registration Form
- Scan the Provider Mobile Sign In Sheet
Once registered, sponsors can sign children in and out of care directly from their phones. Attendance transactions automatically include a sponsor signature. Watch the quick video below for detailed steps on how to download and register KinderSmart.
Step 4: Differentiate the Roles of Sponsors and Providers in Attendance
Attendance is a role that both parties take place sponsors enter the attendance and then provider review as needed to further submit. The diagram below shows an overview of the attendance process and who does each thing:
Provider Role in Attendance
Providers should review attendance entries throughout the month. Providers will need to correct, add absences or missed attendance, before submitting the attendance for payment. Attendance can be submitted once the monthly service period is completed.
Reviewing and Correcting Attendance
Before submitting attendance for payment, it is important to review all records to ensure accuracy. You must review the Attendance > Detail and Attendance > Approval page in KinderConnect where you can verify the attendance entries for each child.
Providers are responsible for correcting attendance in KinderConnect to ensure accuracy before submitting for payment. If there is an issue with attendance, KinderConnect uses color-coded cells to highlight potential errors, making it easy to identify and correct discrepancies. The color meanings are as follows:
- 🟨 Yellow Cells: Indicate a missing "In" or "Out" time pair.
- 🟥 Red Cells: Indicate an error with the timing or order of the attendance entries.
After identifying the type of error, you can accurately correct the attendance.
Submitting Attendance
Once you have reviewed and corrected attendance as needed, you are ready to submit for payment. Watch the quick video below for the steps.
Sponsors Role in Attendance
Once registered, sponsors can record, backdate, and approve attendance in KinderSmart. According to DES policy, only sponsors are allowed to record, backdate, and approve attendance for a child. For detailed instructions, watch the quick videos in the panels below.
Entering Attendance
Sponsors can record/enter attendance, which involves signing a child in or out at the childcare provider. To view an example of how sponsors can record attendance, watch the video below or refer to the step-by-step written instructions.
Backdating Attendance
Sponsors can backdate attendance, which involves entering attendance that you may have missed. To view an example of how sponsors can backdate attendance, watch the quick video below or refer to the step-by-step written instructions.
Note: Per DES policy, only sponsors should backdate attendance for a child.
Approving Attendance
Sponsors must approve attendance entries made by the provider, as these entries do not include a sponsor signature. Once the sponsor reviews and approves the entries, their signature will be added. To view an example of how sponsors can approve attendance, watch the quick video below or refer to the step-by-step written instructions.
Note: Per DES policy, sponsors must approve every attendance entry made by the provider.