New rules expand program for child care financial aid
April 12, 2024 | By Waterbury Roundabout New state rules will allow more Vermont families to qualify for financial assistance to help pay for regulated child care, preschool, and afterschool care, according to the state Department for Children and Families.
Under regulations that went into effect on April 7, a family of four with an income of $124,800 per year qualifies for financial aid, the announcement notes.
The Child Care Financial Assistance Program helps provide quality child care to for Vermont children by covering some or all of the cost for eligible families. The program currently serves 7,229 children across the state, according to the department.
“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.
Families in the program pay a weekly share of their child care expenses ranging from $0 to $250 based on family size and income. The state then pays for some or all of the remaining child care costs. In some instances, families pay the difference between their child care program’s tuition and the state’s share.
New guidelines increased the number of families that qualify for the program. The highest income eligibility level has increased to 400% of the federal poverty level, up from 350%. That is a measure of income that determines a family’s eligibility for programs. In October, eligibility will expand to include families with income up to 575% of the federal poverty level, according to state officials.
Eligibility for the program also reflects 2024 income numbers under the federal regulations. That new measure will mean that some families enrolled in the program may see their share drop, while other families may qualify for the first time, they explained.
“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 Department for Children and Families Commissioner Chris Winters.
To participate in the program, families must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Have child(ren) age 6 weeks to 13 years (19 years for those with special needs),
Have an approved reason for needing child care, such as work or training,
Meet Vermont’s income guidelines
Be a Vermont resident
Have less than $1 million in assets
Have child(ren) with an eligible citizenship status. This requirement ends June 30.
To apply and for more information about the program and child care programs it involves, contact the state Community Child Care Support Agency.