Once you have selected a child care program, State and Federal funding may be available to assist you with your child care costs. In order to qualify for child care subsidy, the family must have one of the following needs for care: to maintain full time employment, to support child protective services, to attend school or job training activities that lead to employment, to meet the developmental needs of children, or to support child welfare services. The family must also meet established state income guidelines. If determined eligible, a family may be required to pay a portion of the cost of care based upon the family size and countable income. Below are the maximum income limits. If you feel your family may qualify or if you need additional information, please contact Harriet Erwin at Transylvania County Department of Social Services, 884-3174 ext. 309.

In addition to the above financial assistance, several Smart Start funding options may be available to assist you.

Emergency Respite funding may be available to assist families experiencing temporary crisis situations such as family emergencies, unexpected financial or medical needs, dramatic changes in family circumstances, or the urgent need for relief from parental stress.

A child identified as special needs by Trend Mental Health or the local education agency may be eligible for assistance with child care cost through Special Needs funding.

Preschool Scholarships may be provided to families with children enrolled in a participating part day preschool program who meet State guidelines. If eligible, fifty percent of the child care fee will be covered.

For additional information about Smart Start funding, please contact Carla Owens at 884-3116 ext. 3.