Finding affordable and quality child care is a significant challenge for many families, especially those with limited income in Allegheny County. Fortunately, there are dedicated child care programs designed to provide crucial support. These programs, often referred to as child care subsidies, help eligible families access safe, nurturing, and educational child care environments for their children, enabling parents to work or attend school. This guide will walk you through understanding and applying for Allegheny County child care programs for low-income families, ensuring you have the resources you need to provide the best care for your children.
Understanding Child Care Subsidies in Allegheny County
Child care subsidies are financial assistance programs designed to lower the cost of child care for eligible families. In Allegheny County, these subsidies are primarily managed through the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5. These programs are funded to ensure that low-income families have access to the same quality child care opportunities as higher-income families, promoting both child development and parental economic stability. Eligibility for these programs is typically based on factors such as household income, family size, and the need for child care due to work or education.
How to Apply for Child Care Subsidy in Allegheny County
Applying for a child care subsidy in Allegheny County involves a straightforward process. You can begin your application through two primary methods: online or by mail.
Online Application via COMPASS:
The most convenient method is to apply online through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Application for Social Services (COMPASS) website.
- Visit the COMPASS website to start your application. This online portal allows you to apply for various Pennsylvania social services, including the child care subsidy program.
- Follow the prompts to create an account or log in if you are an existing user.
- Navigate to the section for child care assistance and complete the online application form. Ensure you fill out all sections accurately and honestly.
Mail-in Application via PDF:
Alternatively, you can download, complete, and mail in a physical application form.
- Download the Pennsylvania child care subsidy application form in PDF format from the Trying Together website. Important: Download the PDF to your computer before filling it out electronically to ensure your information is saved correctly.
- Carefully complete all sections of the application form.
- Sign and date the “Affidavit” on page seven. This signature is crucial for your application to be processed.
Submitting Your Application:
Once you have completed the application, whether online or via PDF, you must submit it to ELRC Region 5. You have several options for submission:
-
Email: Send your completed application to [email protected].
-
Mail or Hand Delivery: Submit your application to the following address:
ELRC Region 5
304 Wood Street, STE 400
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1928 -
Fax: Fax your application to 412.350.3575.
For any questions or assistance with filling out the application, do not hesitate to contact ELRC Region 5 directly at 412.350.3577.
Maintaining Your Child Care Subsidy: Redetermination
If your family is approved for and currently receives child care subsidy benefits, it’s important to understand the annual redetermination process. This process ensures that you continue to meet the eligibility requirements and receive uninterrupted support.
- Annual Renewal: You will receive a redetermination form in the mail annually at the address ELRC Region 5 has on file.
- Complete and Update: It is crucial to complete all pages of the redetermination form. Provide current employment and income information and update any changes in your household, such as address, school, or household members.
- Submission Methods: You can submit the completed redetermination form either by mailing it back to ELRC Region 5 or by completing it online through the COMPASS website.
- Timely Submission is Key: Failure to submit a complete redetermination form on time can lead to the termination of your child care subsidy funding.
For access to the necessary redetermination forms, please visit the ELRC Region 5 website. If you are unsure about which forms you need or have questions about the process, contact your Family Navigator at ELRC Region 5 for guidance.
Child Care by Relatives: Becoming a Relative Provider
In Pennsylvania, relatives can become child care providers for children in their family and receive subsidy payments, provided they meet specific requirements. This option can be a comfortable and trusted child care solution for many families. To become an unregulated relative provider, you must meet the following criteria set by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services:
- Age Requirement: Be at least 18 years of age.
- Attestation Form: Sign an Attestation form with the parent to confirm your relationship to the child.
- Residency: You cannot reside in the same home as the child for whom you are providing care.
- Contact Information: Provide proof of a working phone and address.
- Legal Disclosure: Provide written notice within 72 hours if anyone in your home is arrested, convicted, or listed as a perpetrator of child abuse.
- FBI Fingerprinting: Undergo FBI fingerprinting. You can find more information and schedule fingerprinting at identogo.com or by calling 1.844.321.2101. Note that there is a fee for fingerprinting.
- Mandated Reporter Training: Complete Mandated Reporter Training to understand your responsibilities in reporting child abuse and neglect.
- Background Checks: Pass Criminal and Child Abuse background checks (Act 33 and 34 Clearances). A one-time fee of $35 will be deducted from your first subsidy payment to cover the cost of these clearances.
- National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Check: Complete the National Sex Offender Registry check. Applications can be printed and completed from keepkidssafe.pa.gov. This check is free but may take up to 14 business days to process.
- Orientation and Agreement: Complete an orientation session with ELRC and sign an ELRC Provider Agreement.
- Identification and Social Security Verification: Provide a valid Photo ID, Social Security Card, or proof of your Social Security Number.
For further inquiries about becoming a relative provider, please contact ELRC Region 5 at 412.350.3577 or via email at [email protected].
Conclusion
Accessing quality child care is vital for the well-being and development of children and the stability of families. Allegheny County child care programs for low-income families, facilitated by ELRC Region 5, offer crucial financial assistance to make child care affordable and accessible. By understanding the application process, redetermination requirements, and options like relative care, families can effectively utilize these resources. If you believe you may be eligible for child care subsidy programs, we encourage you to reach out to ELRC Region 5 to begin your application process and take the first step towards securing quality care for your children.
