TOTS SCANNING
The Louisiana Department of Education Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provides financial assistance to low-income families who are working, looking for work, in training, or attending school. As of August 2021, LDE also began to offer CCAP to essential workers at Level I and II hospitals through an expedited process, regardless of income.
Louisiana Child Care Tracking of Time Services (TOTS) is the electronic time and attendance process required for children who are participating in CCAP. TOTS uses a “TOTS machine” to capture a parent/guardian fingerprint scan to verify child attendance. They are also used to verify a parent’s identity upon a family’s initial eligibility determination. When a family applies for and receives CCAP, they will be asked to complete a finger scan at a TOTS machine in their community.
TOTS FAQS
Where can I go for TOTS screening?
The Louisiana Department of Education maintains a list of available TOTS machines in all parishes statewide.
What do I need to bring to my TOTS scan?
Please bring a valid photo ID and any paperwork related to your CCAP application and eligibility determination when you make your visit to a TOTS machine.
Do I have to make an appointment? What are the hours of operation?
Different TOTS locations may have different appointment policies and different operating hours. Please contact your preferred location to confirm their hours and visiting procedures.
Why do I need to get a fingerprint scan?
TOTS machines capture a parent/guardian fingerprint scan in order to verify child attendance. They are also used to verify a parent’s identity upon a family’s initial eligibility determination. When a family applies for and receives CCAP, they will be asked to complete a finger scan at a TOTS machine in their community.
More on TOTS & CCAP
Co-founder, Agenda for Children
Linetta Gilbert is a co-founder of Agenda, our first employee, and steadfast champion. Linetta has made change everywhere she has been, from helping to design the CDA credential to grantmaking at the Greater New Orleans Foundation and the Ford Foundation.
In 2020, we passed zoning changes through the New Orleans municipal government which simplify and expedite zoning regulations for child care providers, making it easier for providers to expand their operations and increase capacity to serve families in need.