More Vermont Families Qualify for Child Care Financial Assistance

October 7, 2024

Waterbury, VT- Beginning October 6, more Vermont families qualify for financial assistance to help pay for regulated child care, preschool, and afterschool care. The Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) helps Vermont children access high quality care by covering some or all child care costs for eligible families. The program currently serves over 9,000 children across the state.

"Vermont families rely on child care programs to provide safe, enriching care and education to their young children while they work or attend school. The Child Care Financial Assistance Program can now help even more families afford the child care they need," said Janet McLaughlin, Deputy Commissioner of the Child Development Division (CDD).

Families in the program pay a weekly family share. Family shares range from $0 to $425 per week based on family size and income. The State then pays the program the CCFAP state rate minus the weekly family share amount.

Under new CCFAP eligibility guidelines more Vermont families qualify for the program. The highest income eligibility level has increased to 575% of the federal poverty level (FPL), up from 400%. The FPL is a measure of income that determines a family's eligibility for programs. This change is the second and final income eligibility increase implemented as a result of Act 76.

"Affordable access to quality child care benefits the children served, supports the workforce in Vermont, and allows families to better manage their work, family, and financial needs," said Chris Winters, Commissioner of the Department for Children and Families.

To apply for CCFAP, families must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Age of children: 6 weeks to 13 years (19 years for those with special needs),
• Reason for care: Must have an approved reason for needing child care, like work or training
• Income guidelines: Must meet Vermont's income guidelines
• Residency:Must be a Vermont resident
• Asset limit: Have less than $1 million in assets

To apply for CCFAP, families should contact their local Community Child Care Support Agency or apply online through the Child Development Division Information System (CDDIS) Family Portal.

Agency staff can also help families find care.