Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Need child care but earn only minimum wage?
Missing work because of trouble finding dependable day care for a child?
Combined Community Services' Child Care Voucher Program may be able to help by providing the necessary funds.
According to Pam Houser, CCS Child Care Development Fund coordinator, "the government gave (CCS) more than $1 million to subsidize child care for parents who are at 143 percent of poverty level in Kosciusko County."
That means a family with two children whose parents earn $5.76 to $8.23 an hour (or $11,980.80 to $17,118.40 a year) qualifies. A family of six whose parents earn $11.63 to $16.63 an hour (or $24,190.40 to $34,590.40 a year) qualifies.
"We have this funding that is not being utilized by the county," Houser said. "I think it's extremely important for the parents because they no longer have to look for child care they can afford."
Effective Feb. 1, to qualify for the subsidy, a family must be 143 percent or below the poverty line to qualify. However, as their wages increase, they can continue to be on the program up to 181 percent.
At one time, Houser said, there was a two-year limit to remain on the subsidy program. As long as the money is available, she said, that rule is not being enforced.
Anyone interested in participating in the voucher program should call CCS at 269-6194 or 888-741-9335. An appointment will be scheduled. CCS will verify the applicant's income. CCS looks at the gross monthly income to determine if the applicant is eligible, and does not consider housing, utility or medical expenses.
"The beauty of the program," Houser said, "is that parents can choose who takes care of their children."
For a caretaker to receive voucher funds, they submit a bill to CCS twice a month and are paid directly.
Houser said, "Along with that, any caretaker who receives voucher money must meet the guidelines."
Those guidelines include having a staff member who is CPR and Universal Care certified; tuberculosis tests for the family; caregivers over age 18 must apply for criminal history records and copies must be on file at CCS; a smoke detector statement must be signed; emergency evacuation plans must be filed; and the caretaker must provide access to a working phone.
"All of these are for the benefit of the children," Houser said.
CCS also has a resource and referral packet for parents looking for child care. Listed child Care providers do meet the guidelines.
"The money is here, and at this point, it's not being used. If we don't use it, it won't be handed out at the next grant cycle," Houser said.
During the first half of February, Houser said, 272 Kosciusko County children were served through the voucher program. She estimates that twice that number can be served with the funds available.
