The system provides funds to families needing child care assistance, based on family size and income. The money is either paid directly to a day care center or to a family member taking care of a child at home. This is to help parents who are going to school or who are working but who need assistance for day care service for their young children. Champion said DCCD is part of the old welfare system, and it s designed to put people out of the social service role and into the workplace. Cameron County s DCCD had been managed by the South Texas Migrant Council, which also had Hidalgo County under its umbrella.
Families qualifying to receive child care assistance have to meet certain guidelines.
Ralph Cowen, board chairman for Cameron Works Inc., said awarding the contract to SKP marked a new beginning for Cameron County. We know that child care is an important factor for the work force, especially today when mom and pop are both working. If they don t have child care they can t work. Part of that was because many families did not know about the program. We are glad that Southwest Key is here to take care of that now.