Low-income parents who have recently lost their jobs can now take advantage of a new state program that pays for day care while they search for work. Federal stimulus dollars will fuel the "Kids in Care" program, which will cover up to 100 hours of child care per household.
The goal is to keep kids safe while giving parents the freedom and flexibility to look for jobs.
"You don't expect someone to come on an interview with a 3- year-old," said Laura Stewart, director at West Valley ABC Great Beginnings, a child care facility.
She counted seven parents who had lost their jobs and were no longer bringing their children to day care.
The program, which is expected to cost about $500,000 annually, began this month and will last until September 2011.
Participating parents will have to show proof of their job search efforts through a log and contact information for potential employers. Participants will have to provide proof of their unemployment status within the past 90 days.
The program is primarily for children 12 years old and younger. Only state-regulated child care providers will be included in the "Kids in Care" program.
Advocates praised the new program Friday, saying they had hoped for such a system for years.
"If we truly want to support work, then we need to be able to help people as they're looking for work as well," said Karen Crompton, executive director of Voices for Utah Children, an advocacy group. "For some people I think there's the perception that if they're not working, why would they need child care?"
Not having a child care option could lead parents to potentially make unsafe choices, such as leaving a child at home, advocates say.