WATERBURY-More Vermont families are now eligible to access reduced child care costs through Act 76, the state's new child care law.
The Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) helps Vermont children access high quality care by covering some or all child care costs for eligible families. The program currently serves more than 9,000 children across the state.
Through Act 76, income eligibility for CCFAP will increase to include thousands more Vermont children and their families. It also provides a 35% reimbursement rate increase for child care programs for each family participating in the tuition assistance program. This rate increase has helped child care programs across the state stabilize and expand capacity.
"Vermont families rely on child care programs to provide safe, enriching care and education to their young children while they work or attend school. The Child Care Financial Assistance Program can now help even more families afford the child care they need," said Janet McLaughlin, deputy commissioner of the Child Development Division, in a news release.
Families in the program pay a weekly family share ranging from $0 to $425 per week based on family size and income. The state then pays the program the CCFAP state rate, minus the weekly family share amount.
Under new CCFAP eligibility guidelines more Vermont families qualify for the program. The highest income eligibility level has increased to 575% of the federal poverty level (FPL), up from 400%. The FPL is a measure of income that determines a family's eligibility for programs. This change is the second and final income eligibility increase implemented as a result of Act 76.
"Affordable access to quality child care benefits the children served, supports the workforce in Vermont, and allows families to better manage their work, family, and financial needs," said Chris Winters, commissioner of the Department for Children and Families.
Families with children ages 6 weeks to 13 years old (19 years for those with special needs) can apply for CCFAP, and must meet the following eligibility requirements:
• Need child care for an approved reason, like work or training.
• Meet Vermont's income guidelines.
• Be a Vermont resident.
• Have less than $1 million in assets.
Families can check their eligibility and find out more information about child care tuition assistance at dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/ccfap.
To apply for CCFAP, area families should contact the Winston Prouty Center in Brattleboro at winstonprouty.org or 802-257-7852; or the Springfield Area Parent Child Center at sapcc-vt.org, 802-886-5242, or 800-808-4442.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.