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

Browse Search

5 Why is there a waiting list for services? Simply,a waiting list for child care subsidies exists because family need for this program far outstrips the available supply of resources. This program has never been fully funded, although at times it appears that the community has met the need because the waiting list has disappeared. The waiting list is not static,but changes in response to new eligibility criteria or economic conditions. Despite new investment in the last two years by Smart Start, the need continues to grow and change. Profile of families on the waiting list As of March 8, 1996, there are 273 eligible children waiting for child care subsidy assistance who remain unserved by any resource. Child's age: 101 (37%)children are age two or younger; 103 children (38%) are preschoolers between the ages of three and five; and 66 children (24%) are school-age. Residence: The majority of families live in Chapel Hill or Carrboro (60%); 38% live in Hillsborough or other parts of Orange County. Family Income: Nearly two-thirds (65%) are families with an annual income below $15,000 per year. Another 14% are current AFDC recipients. The majority of these families are single parents (74%) The following table profiles the reasons why these families need child care assistance: : :: ±€ c €: ::.:::.::..:::::.:::::.::::::::::::.:.:::::::::::::::::::.........::.:.:: [[: d� . Working, unemployed, seeking work 176 65% Complete High School or Technical College 27 10% Four Year College 17 6% Child welfare (protective services, foster care, other) 6 3% Special Needs 1 0% Unknown 44 16% The Waiting List Consequences: Lost Opportunities When children of low-income families cannot be enrolled in child care programs the child's opportunities for healthy development and socialization, and the family's opportunity for economic self-sufficiency are severely restricted. For the parents of these children,economic hardships prevail and family options are reduced. Many families will remain unemployed or leave they current positions because they can't afford the high cost of care. Other parents will make patchwork child care arrangements that fall apart, or leave children in unsafe or unsupervised situations. The community loses as well. Child care is part of the economic health of the county, and an important economic development strategy. Day Care Services Association estimates that child care subsidies offer a 9 to 1 return on investment. When parents work, they advance the well-being of the total community by their ability to be economic contributors. Children also benefit from high quality child care programs. Quality child care research documents that every dollar spent saves$7.00 in future costs for welfare dependency,school failure,crime, and unemployment.