A parent may have a job they want to take, a class they want to attend or a career change they are ready to make. But before any of those plans can happen, they may need to figure out one thing: who will care for their children?
For eligible families, Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast’s Child Care Scholarships can help cover the cost of child care while parents work, look for employment, attend school or participate in workforce training.
That support can give parents more flexibility to make decisions about their careers instead of having child care costs determine what they can take on.
Making Career Plans Possible
Jennifer Starling, manager of Child Care Scholarships at Workforce Solutions, sees the connection between dependable care and the choices parents can make about work and education.
“When a family has stable child care, it allows them to be able to advance their careers, allows them to take additional shifts, go to school,” Starling said.
Those possibilities can look different for every family. For one parent, it could mean accepting a job with a schedule that fits their goals. For another, it could mean taking a training class or returning to school.
Tashara Wiser, an eligibility specialist with Workforce Solutions and a working parent, experienced that challenge herself before helping other families navigate child care assistance.
“Before having access to child care, the biggest challenge that I had to face was trying to find someone to watch my children and being able to know I can go to work and be comfortable there and that they’re going to be in a safe place,” Wiser said.
Her experience is also reflected in the work she does now. As an eligibility specialist, Wiser helps families understand the assistance available to them.
Help With the Cost of Care
Child Care Scholarships provide financial assistance to eligible families who need help paying for child care while they work, search for employment, attend school or participate in workforce education and training.
Eligibility is based on factors such as household income and family size. Families who qualify may receive assistance for up to 12 months, with annual recertification required. When funding is limited, families may be placed on a waitlist.
The program also provides assistance for children up to age 19 with a documented disability.
For eligible parents, Child Care Scholarships are one resource that can support the practical side of pursuing a job, education or training. If child care costs are keeping you from taking the next step, see if your family qualifies for assistance through Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast.
Apply for Child Care Assistance through KinderConnect
Learn more about how childcare assistance can improve the workforce:
Child care does not solve every challenge a working parent faces, but having reliable care can remove one important barrier. With that support in place, parents can focus on their jobs, education and the next step in their careers.
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