Agenda - 03-19-1996 - X-D - Laserfiche WebLink

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e • `' 1 r ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Action Agenda Item No. � ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: March 19, 1996 SUBJECT: Child Care Subsidy in Orange County DEPARTMENT: Social Services PUBLIC HEARINGXES NO x ATTACHMENTS INFORMATION CONTACT 1. Status Report: Child Care Subsidy in Orange Marti Pryor-Cook,Ext 2802 County TELEPHONE NUMBERS Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 967-9251 Mebane 227-2031 Durham 688-7331 PURPOSE: To inform the Commissioners about the current status of the various child care subsidy resources available to low-income families, and the unmet need for this program. BACKGROUND: Child care is the essential ingredient for families to be able to work, pursue an education, or get job training. Without affordable child care, many families find it necessary to quit their jobs and turn to public assistance. Other parents continue to work, but may leave their children alone or in unsafe conditions. Quality child care ensures that young children get the developmental support they need to thrive and grow. Studies have shown that high quality child care leads to improved intellectual, social, and emotional development. In Orange County, two agencies - the Department of Social Services and Day Care Services Association - administer the various child care subsidies and scholarships that are available for low-income families. The majority of child care subsidy resources are directed toward assisting working poor families. Despite recent investments by Smart Start, the total pool of available child care subsidies is inadequate to meet the needs of families. A waiting list of more than 300 eligible children exists now. The need for this program is expected to grow as federal and state resources shrink, and welfare reform requires more families to work. RECOMMENDATION: The Manager recommends that the Board receives the report as information.