Program offers assistance for child care

The Child Care Subsidy Program assists families in paying child care costs for children under the age of 13 who are not eligible to attend public schools during the part of the day when public education is available. Assistance is also offered for children with special needs under age 18 who reside with the applicant.

For those parents who are eligible and approved, this program can pay a portion of your child care costs directly to the child care provider.

Recently, there have been changes to the basic eligibility requirements, along with other changes. To be eligible for the program, you must be a Virginia resident who is either actively employed or engaged in a job search. You may also be eligible if you are participating in an education or training program, are receiving child protective services (CPS), participating in an assigned activity for the Virginia Initiative for Education and Work (VIEW), or are participating in a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SPAPET) plan of participation.

Parents must be able to provide documentation of the child’s citizenship or legal residence in the United States. They must also provide documentation of the child’s immunization requirements as outlined by the State Board of Health. Finally, you must provide documentation of household income that does not exceed the limits of the locality in which you reside.

Benefits under the Child Care Subsidy Program have now been expanded until May 31, 2022. Funding is available for families whose income is below 85% of the state median income. One example would be a family of four that earns less than $7,412 per month.

For more information or to see if you may qualify for assistance under the Child Care Subsidy Program, visit https://www.doe.virginia.gov/cc/parents/index.html?pageID=4.

For help finding child care, parents can contact the Child Care Aware of Virginia referral specialist at https://vachildcare.com/find-quality-childcare/request-child-care-form/.

By DAVID GRAVELY, Pulaski County Public Schools