We paid a provider for our child in 2018. What's included in the amount paid? Moneys paid directly to provider (gross pay), medicare, SS, fed unemploy, state unemploy?

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If you paid your household employee with a W-2, you can take more than just what you paid them directly. See the list below.

SE taxes 

If you had a nanny, the program is trying to calculate the actual amount on which you can base your credit, not just the amount you paid the nanny.

If your household employee cares for your dependent who is under age 13 or for your spouse or dependent who isn't capable of self-care, you may be able to take an income tax credit against some of your expenses. To qualify, you must pay these expenses so you can work or look for work. If you can take the credit, you can include in your qualifying expenses your share of the federal and state employment taxes you pay, as well as the employee's wages. For information about the credit, see Pub. 503.