This program is funded, in part, by savings achieved through WorkFirst caseload reductions, and is provided by the Economic Services Administration rather than the Children's Administration. For those leaving welfare, the Child Care Careers Program provides training to become child care center teachers or licensed family child care providers. After receiving training, participants are linked with a child care center that is participating in the Career and Wage Ladder Pilot Program. This training enables the TANF recipient to make a higher wage. Specialized child care Seasonal Child Care is available to protect children from the dangers of being taken to the agricultural work site or left home alone.
Services provided reflect the language and heritage of the families served.
Employed Foster Parent Child Care pays for child care so foster parents or relative caretakers can work or go to school. These services are available to parents under 22 years old who are income eligible and do not receive a Temporary Assistance to Needy Families grant. After 90 days, CPS must secure either a court order or a voluntary service agreement with families at risk. A variety of in-home services help strengthen families in order to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect, and to ensure that parents are able to provide for and nurture their children. Home Based Services are individualized to meet each family's needs, and may include parent aides and counseling, and supports for basic needs such as clothing, shelter, employment or transportation.