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47 <br /> During the pandemic, there was a decrease in demand for child care while there was an increase <br /> in funds available. Some of these funds were allowed to cover parent fees, helping low-income <br /> families return to employment. Orange County has continued paying parent fees to support low- <br /> income working families at a cost of approximately $67,000 per month after Covid relief for fees <br /> ended. This combination has resulted in insufficient funding to continue the current level of child <br /> care subsidy service in Orange County. <br /> Orange County has a long history of supporting low-income families through childcare subsidies. <br /> The Board appointed a task force to study the issues in 2005 and has continued to recognize the <br /> importance of child care for employment, child safety, school readiness and child development. <br /> At times, the wait list for child care has grown to over 300 children with working families waiting <br /> for years to receive support. In Fiscal Year 2015-16, the BOCC increased County support for <br /> subsidy, and the waiting list was eliminated. Additional funds were added in subsequent years to <br /> address the increased demand. There has not been a wait list since 2017. <br /> The Social Services Board discussed the child care issue at its September 16, 2024 meeting, and <br /> voted to ask the Board of Commissioners to consider Option 2 in the Manager's <br /> Recommendations. <br /> Nancy Coston, DSS Director, reviewed the background information for the item. She <br /> shared that the following options are presented for the Board's consideration: <br /> Option 1 — End parent fees effective November 30, 2024, and begin a waiting list for any <br /> families working or seeking employment or training. There would be no <br /> additional costs. <br /> Option 2 — End parent fees effective November 30, 2024, and add up to twelve (12) <br /> children per month to try to avoid a waiting list. The cost of this would be an <br /> additional $726,000. <br /> Option 3 — Continue parent fees and add up to twelve (12) children per month to try to <br /> avoid a waiting list. The cost of this would be an additional $1,188,841. <br /> Nancy Coston said 80% of children are in 5-star programs. <br /> Commissioner Fowler asked how much parent fees are. <br /> Tina Clark, Human Services Supervisor, said the parent fee is 10% of gross monthly <br /> income for youngest child in household. <br /> Nancy Coston said it costs the department about $67,000 a month to pay parent fees. <br /> She said they are at a point if they keep paying the parent fees they will have to make a waiting <br /> list. She said that currently they are the only county that is still paying the parent fee. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how many children will stop coming if parent fees are <br /> not paid. <br /> Nancy Coston said they do not know. She said that parent fees are only covered for <br /> working parents. She said they have thought about other programs that could help them, but do <br /> not have a way to estimate how many families would not be able to afford it. <br /> Tina Clark said that the average fee per month is between $200-250. She said that$200- <br /> $250 a month can be a lot for a family struggling financially. <br /> Commissioner Hamilton said it would be helpful to see a profile of the families currently <br /> getting the subsidy. <br />