What Is Income-eligible Child Care?
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What is income-eligible child care?
Income-eligible child care is subsidized child care for low-income non-TAFDC families. Families who are working or looking for work, in an education or job training program, or taking part in other approved activities can get help paying for child care. Families with a disabled parent or child also qualify. Child care is provided for children under 13 (or older with special needs). The program is funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and administered by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).
Income-eligible families may choose the type of child care that is best for their child. A child care resource and referral agency will help them find a child care provider. Families may choose a contracted slot with a specific child care provider, or a voucher that allows them to select from a variety of child care providers.
There is usually a waiting list for income-eligible child care. The wait for vouchers may be a year or two. Some families have priority and move ahead of non-priority families on the waiting list.
What are child care vouchers?
Child care vouchers are certificates that allow families to get subsidized child care for their child. Parents with a voucher can select any child care provider who has space available and accepts vouchers (for example, daycare centers, family care, or in-home care). Parents may switch child care providers if they want, as long as they give two weeks notice and there is space available.
With a voucher, the family pays a part of the cost of child care and the government pays the rest. The amount the family pays depends on family income. Very low income families get free child care.
What are contracted slots?
Contracted slots are spaces set aside for children from low-income families at specific child care programs. The state and the child care provider agree on a rate and the state guarantees payment for the reserved slots. Families that choose a contracted slot with one child care provider cannot easily switch to another child care provider.
The wait for contracted slots is sometimes shorter than for vouchers, because some families prefer the flexibility of vouchers. Many child care centers have a combination of contracted slots and vouchers.
With contracted slots, the family pays a part of the cost of child care and the government pays the rest. The amount the family pays depends on family income. Very low income families get free child care.
What are child care resource and referral agencies (CCR&Rs)?
Child care resource and referral agencies (CCR&Rs) are organizations that work with the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) to help families find safe affordable child care. They help families apply for financial assistance, maintain a centralized waiting list, provide information about the different types of child care, and help families find a child care provider in their area.
CCR&Rs also offer training and technical assistance to child care providers.
For the name and address of your local CCR&R, see CCR&R Search on the Massachusetts EEC web site, or call the EEC at 617-988-6600.
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