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Working families who need help paying for child care and who meet the qualifications can find it at the Mental Health Association of Kosciusko County.
MHA took over the child care voucher program in October from Combined Community Services. The state did have a freeze on new clientele for the program since February 2002, but that freeze was lifted in January, according to Sandra Frush, MHA executive director.
This year, she said, they have $1.5 million to help Kosciusko County residents with funding for child care.
Because of the freeze on new clients, there were more than 450 children on the waiting list for the past two years. When the state lifted the freeze, Frush said, they began calling parents on the waiting list, but not all of them needed child care vouchers anymore. Now, Frush said, more clients will be accepted.
Anyone interested in the program should make an appointment to see if they qualify for the vouchers, Frush said they should call 269-1939 or toll free at 866-269-0930. She said anyone is welcomed to call to see if they qualify for the vouchers. Approval will be based on poverty level and the size of the family.
For example, a family of three can make up to $1,548 per month gross to qualify, while a family of six can earn up to $2,500 per month gross and still qualify for the vouchers.
The vouchers are available for those who work full- or part-time or if the parent(s) is in school, including many teenage mothers who want to finish their high school degrees, or a parent involved in trade school or certified educational training.
Anyone who applies for the vouchers must be a Kosciusko County resident.
Any child care provider who wants to accept the vouchers, Frush said, must be child care provider certified. For more information on how a child care provider qualifies for the vouchers, they should call the Early Childhood Association at 800-423-1498. The ECA also can answer any questions about the voucher program or make referrals for parents as to where child care is available in their area that accepts the vouchers and includes quality child care providers.
"We're pushing quality child care," said Frush. She said parents should feel confident that their child is going to the best child care provider who offers, healthy, nutritious child care with active programs where children aren't left alone.
Last year, according to Frush, Indiana estimated a total of 99 children died from abuse or neglect, and some of those occurred in unsupervised child care situations. So, she said, it's important that they all make sure children go to child care providers of quality.
At this time, MHA has 206 children in its child care voucher program. If the county does not continue to use the funding provided by the state, she said, it may get pulled back. Before that happens, Frush said, she wants to make sure everyone who needs the assistance has the opportunity to take advantage of it.
