How can parents receive child care assistance in Jackson?
Jackson, MS – There were local news reports about an apparent child care crisis in Mississippi [1].
Shortcomings in child care is costing opportunities
Mississippi is facing a critical child care shortage that is significantly affecting the state’s labor force and economy. According to a report by the Mississippi Early Learning Alliance (MELA), 7% of Mississippi’s workforce remains out of employment due to insufficient child care, leading to an $8 billion annual loss in the state’s gross domestic product. Although the state has attracted high-paying jobs, the lack of accessible and affordable child care prevents many parents, particularly mothers, from taking these opportunities.
The report highlights the financial strain on Mississippi’s child care industry, describing it as a “broken market” due to high demand, elevated costs, and limited supply. Child care costs range between $100 to $200 per week, depending on factors like location and the child’s age, yet many child care workers earn a median annual wage of just $22,620—below the federal poverty level for a family of three. This low pay, combined with challenging work conditions, is pushing many workers out of the field, further exacerbating the shortage of care options.
State and federal programs provide some support, such as income tax credits for employers offering child care and block grant programs for early education. Mississippi has also developed early learning collaboratives, but they primarily serve four-year-olds and lack sufficient resources for infants and toddlers.
Private initiatives, like Wonderschool, aim to address the crisis by helping individuals establish in-home child care centers. The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) partnered with Wonderschool to launch new child care programs, creating 95 new providers and 3,274 child care slots to date. Through this platform, providers receive grants and coaching to manage their businesses effectively.
Despite these efforts, child care remains underfunded in Mississippi compared to other Southern states. As the shortage continues, experts and providers emphasize that child care is essential for working parents, economic growth, and the future success of children across the state.
Who is eligible for assistance with child care costs in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, several groups are eligible for assistance with child care costs through various state and federal programs aimed at helping low-income families, working parents, and children in need of early education.
One of the primary sources of assistance is the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP), administered by the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS). This program helps low-income families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or participate in job training. To qualify, families must meet certain income requirements. For instance, a family’s income cannot exceed 85% of the state median income, which varies depending on family size. Additionally, parents or guardians must be working, in school, or enrolled in an approved training program.
Families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or who have recently transitioned off TANF may also qualify for child care assistance through the CCPP. Foster parents and families experiencing homelessness are eligible as well. Additionally, children with special needs may receive prioritized access to child care subsidies.
Mississippi also provides support through federal block grants, such as the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). These funds are aimed at increasing access to affordable child care, particularly for families with very young children. Early learning collaboratives, funded by the state Department of Education, offer some early childhood education services, though their reach is limited to specific areas and primarily serves four-year-olds.
In addition, Mississippi offers a 50% income tax credit to employers who provide child care during working hours, encouraging businesses to support employees with children.
Through these programs, the state strives to alleviate the financial burden of child care, helping parents maintain employment or pursue educational opportunities while ensuring their children receive quality care.
Divorce attorneys are available in Jackson
The Law Office of Andrew Sorrentino is a trusted family law practice that works with clients in the area of Jackson, MS.
USAttorneys.com is a lawyer referral service. Anyone who needs a local lawyer can call 800-672-3103
Firm contact info:
The Law Office of Andrew Sorrentino
300 Castlewoods Blvd, Suite 3, Brandon, MS 39047
601-695-7765
https://andrewsorrentinolegal.com/
Sources:
- https://mississippitoday.org/2024/09/30/child-care-crisis-is-costing-mississippi-and-moms/
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