Finding reliable and enriching after school care programs is a top priority for working parents in Martin County. Balancing work and family life requires accessible and supportive resources that ensure children are safe, engaged, and continue to learn even after the school day ends. Martin County Department of Social Services plays a crucial role in the community, offering a range of services that, while not explicitly named “after school care programs,” can significantly assist families in accessing and affording quality childcare, which includes after school options.
This guide explores how the Martin County Department of Social Services supports families in need and how their programs can be a valuable resource for parents seeking after school care solutions. Understanding the department’s mission and the services they provide is the first step in navigating the options available in Martin County.
The core mission of the Martin County Department of Social Services is to work collaboratively to improve the quality of life for county residents in need. They achieve this by providing a safety net of services focused on protection, support, and self-sufficiency. While they don’t directly list “after school care programs”, their commitment to supporting families and children means they offer programs that are directly relevant to childcare needs, including those that arise after school hours.
Let’s delve into some key programs offered by the Martin County DSS that can indirectly or directly support after school care arrangements:
Child Care Assistance through Work First Family Assistance:
One of the most pertinent programs is the Work First Family Assistance Employment Services. This program recognizes that access to childcare is essential for parents entering or remaining in the workforce. It provides supportive services, including Child Care, to families receiving Work First Family Assistance. This means that if you are eligible for Work First Family Assistance and are working or participating in job training or education, the DSS can help purchase childcare from licensed daycare centers. While not exclusively “after school care,” this service is vital for parents who need childcare that extends beyond school hours to accommodate their work schedules. This assistance ensures children are in safe and nurturing environments while their parents are working towards self-sufficiency.
Image alt text: Entrance to the Social Services office for Food and Nutrition Services in Martin County, North Carolina, aiding families seeking after school care information.
Understanding the Scope of “Child Care” Services:
The “Child Care” service provided by DSS is designed to support parents who are working or attending educational/job training classes. It’s crucial to understand that this service is not limited to preschool childcare. It can extend to cover childcare needs for school-aged children, potentially including after school hours, depending on the parent’s work or training schedule and the availability of licensed daycare providers offering after school programs. To explore if your family qualifies for childcare assistance that can be used for after school care, contacting the Martin County DSS directly is the most effective step.
Additional Support Programs and Resources:
Beyond direct childcare assistance, other programs offered by the Martin County DSS can indirectly support families seeking after school care solutions:
- Work First Family Assistance Economic Support Services: This program provides financial and medical assistance to families with children who lack support from one or both parents. While primarily for basic needs, this financial assistance can free up family resources that can then be allocated to paying for after school care programs, giving families more flexibility and choice.
- Medicaid and NC Health Choice: Ensuring your children have access to healthcare is paramount. Medicaid and NC Health Choice, administered by DSS, provide medical coverage for eligible children and families. Healthy children are more likely to thrive in after school care settings, and access to healthcare provides peace of mind for working parents.
- Food and Nutrition Services Program: Adequate nutrition is crucial for children’s development and well-being, especially during their growing years. The Food and Nutrition Services Program (Food Stamps) helps low-income families supplement their food budgets. By reducing food insecurity, this program can indirectly support families in affording other essential services like after school care.
Contacting Martin County Department of Social Services for After School Care Information:
To find out how the Martin County Department of Social Services can assist you in accessing after school care programs, direct contact is recommended. Their main office is equipped to provide detailed information and guidance based on your specific family situation.
Image alt text: Main entrance of the Department of Social Services building in Martin County, North Carolina, a key resource for after school care program information.
Social Services – Main Office
305 East Main Street (PO Box 809), Williamston, N C 27892
Phone: 252-789-4400
Fax: 252-789-4409
Office Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM (Monday – Friday)
Social Services Annex/Services-County Bldg
222 East Main Street, Williamston, NC 27892
Phone: 252-789-4460
Fax: 252-789-4489
Office Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM (Monday – Friday)
Conclusion:
While the Martin County Department of Social Services may not explicitly advertise “after school care programs,” they are a vital resource for families seeking affordable childcare solutions. Their Child Care assistance program, under Work First Family Assistance, can be instrumental in helping working parents access after school care. Furthermore, their broader range of support services, from economic assistance to healthcare access, creates a stronger foundation for families to manage childcare costs and ensure their children are well-cared for after school. If you are a parent in Martin County seeking after school care options and require financial assistance, contacting the Martin County Department of Social Services should be your first step. They are dedicated to “working together, hand in hand, to serve those citizens of our county that are in need, to improve their quality of life,” and that includes supporting working families with their childcare needs.
