EXCERPT FROM: WCF Courier
By Emily Christensen
WATERLOO - Northeast Iowa families now have access to nearly $200,000 in child care scholarships, but few are taking advantage of the new program.
Brenda Loop, a regional data specialist for Child Care Resource and Referral of Northeast Iowa, said only two families are currently participating in the program and their children will soon age out. The funds came to the state as part of the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
"Each state could decide how to use the money ... The Iowa Legislature made scholarships available to families who made more than the state guidelines for the Child Care Assistance program but who are still struggling," Loop said.
The scholarships are available to families with a child who is not yet 2, who meet the financial criteria and utilize a center or in-home provider that is either nationally accredited or ranked a level three through five on the state's quality rating system. Scholarships are awarded on a sliding scale based on income.
Loop said there are several openings in the Cedar Valley. Funds are not available in Floyd or Chickasaw counties.
Cassie Schaer didn't think she would qualify for the program when her child care provider first sent home the flier. Her husband works full-time while she is working toward a degree in business administration at Hawkeye Community College, but the family receives federal Supplemental Security Income assistance because both her daughters were born about three months early. She also receives child care assistance for her daughter Hailey because of a disability. But Schaer felt it was worthwhile to apply for help for Hailey's twin sister Hannah.
"Day care is not cheap," she said. "It has helped us tremendously. Now instead of paying about $140 a week for care we are paying $30. There are so many jobs that only cover your child care costs. When you have kids and are working a low paying job it's hard to make an income."
Schaer's application will lapse this summer when she is no longer in school - the scholarship is only available to those working 28 hours or more per week, attending school full time or a combination of both. By the time she returns to school this fall, the girls will be just a few days shy of their second birthday.