Neighborhood House Inc. is expanding a program aimed at improving the economic viability of child care businesses.
Initially limited to Multnomah County, the program is opening its doors to providers and families living in Clackamas and Washington counties.
The Child Care Community Fund project was launched by Neighborhood House in July 2005 with support from the state of Oregon Child Care Division. The project aims to increase wages and professional development opportunities for child care providers, and to provide child care subsidies to low-income parents.
The initiative is funded by the Child Care Contribution Tax Credit, which allows taxpayers to receive a tax credit of 75 cents for each dollar contributed to the Oregon Child Care Division.
Child care providers who qualify will receive wage enhancement stipends, quality improvement grants, professional development stipends, regular home visits and monthly training. They will also participate in a research study to measure quality of care provided and the educational value of the environment.
Portland-based Neighborhood House is a nonprofit serving low-income children, families and seniors. The agency reported revenue of $3.5 million for fiscal year 2005-2006.
There are about 14,420 child care workers In Oregon with an estimated $639 million in annual revenue, according to a 2006 economic impact study conducted by Oregon State University. Annual wages for mostly female providers are paltry, estimated at $15,705 in 2003, and most lack health coverage.