Dear Parents,

As you all know, there has been quite a struggle in the childcare industry with retaining and fulfilling childcare jobs. Our jobs are not an easy task, and the required amount of skillset, experience, documentation, and decision-making it requires. To sustain our program operations, we will be raising our childcare center rates to the following:

Infant & Toddlers

$250.00 per week

Preschool

$225.00 per week

School Age

$185 full time or $160 part-time

I know these prices may come as a shock; however, we have been absorbing triple the operational cost since COVID began. We understand that families need assistance and time to fund their childcare needs and time to apply for the childcare assistance program. We will be doing a thorough review of all cases over the next two weeks. Some families may see a dramatic decrease in the cost or a significant increase but never fear we will get through this economic crisis together, as we always have. All families will be responsible for family copays and overage charges. Below are a few ways to assist with paying for childcare.

DCBS Childcare Assistance Program

The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), aka 3-C’s, provides support to help families pay for childcare. The Division of Child Care is responsible for all childcare provider support, and The Division of Family Support allows clients to apply for the program. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements in 922 KAR 2:160. An applicant can see if they are eligible by using the Prescreening Tool. To apply, please call toll-fee (855) 306-8959 or visit KYnext. Please see attached flyer.

Effective October 1, 2021

Employer-Sponsored Dependent FSA Plan

What is an FSA? A flexible spending account (FSA) is an employer-sponsored benefit that allows employees to set aside money pre-tax for qualified medical, dental, vision, and childcare expenses. By electing to contribute to an FSA, employees can save between 15%-40% on their taxes. Some employers will match a certain percentage. Keep in mind some plans are reimbursement only.

Louisville Metro Government Employee Childcare Assistance

Covers a portion of childcare expenses for Louisville Metro Government employees eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit and as designated by Metro ordinance. Please see attached flyer.

Child Tax Credit Advance Payments

Eligible families can receive advance payments of up to $300 per month for each child under age six and up to $250 per month for each child aged six and above. Prices begin July 15 and will be sent monthly through December 15 without any further action required. You can benefit from the credit even if you don’t have earned income or owe ant income taxes. The tax credit includes advance payments for 2021 only. Visit IRS.gov and see attached flyer for details.

Talk Childcare Scholarship Fund

To be eligible center sponsored scholarship, the family must apply and be denied- a denial letter stating that the family doesn’t meet the income guidelines. Eligibility will be decided on a sliding scale. Families have October 1 – December 31,2021, to obtain a denial notice.

Effective October 1, 2021