The Department will determine whether a family is eligible for child care services and determines the appropriate funding source. Programs are available to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, political beliefs, or disability. Because funding for child care is limited, the Department of Social Services may have a waiting list for some day care programs. Participants names are added to the list according to the date services are requested. Many different forms of child care can be paid for, including child care centers, family day care homes, and in-home care.
Parents have a choice and can select their child care providers.
The Department of Social Services will pay the actual cost of the child care up to the market rate of the jurisdiction in which the provider is located. Parents who choose to place a child in a facility whose rate is above the local market rate must pay the additional amount themselves. Some programs require parents to pay a portion of the child care costs. To learn about specific child care options in your community or for help in thinking through your child care needs, call the Department of Social Services Resource and Referral Service at 792-7500.