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Delaware can expect to see more investment in child care.
The state Department of Health and Human Services and Gov. John Carney this week announced funding changes for the sector based on the governor’s final recommended budget. In his draft spending plan, Mr. Carney would expand eligibility for “Care Purchase,” a subsidy for child care, to 200% of the federal poverty level and add more than 200 state-funded pre-K seats. He proposed creating a seat.
On Tuesday, he added to these actions:
- Limiting family copayments to 7% of household income instead of 9%, eliminating all copayments for families below 150% of the federal poverty level, and reducing out-of-pocket costs for families, according to a press release. It is said that they are aiming for・Pocket for childcare.
- Increase the number of compensated absence days from 5 to 10 days to provide more stability and predictability to child care and family budgets.
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“We know how important the first five years of a child’s life are to their future academic and career success,” Carney said in a statement. “Investing in our youngest learners has been a priority for us from the beginning, and these investments further advance that commitment. I would like to thank everyone.”
As previously reported, the administration is more than doubling investment in care purchasing and early childhood support programs. Next year’s budget proposes to invest his $83 million in purchasing care, alongside $15.7 million for ECAP.
As Delaware Online/The News Journal previously reported, advocates and health care providers alike are asking the state to consider increasing eligibility to 250%. This week’s announcement focused on other common concerns, but did not significantly change eligibility criteria. DHSS leaders had also already discussed the possibility of lowering copayments during budget hearings late last month.
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State Sen. Kyle Evans Gay and Sen. Sarah McBride, who are sponsoring several bills at the crossroads of child care in Delaware, praised the move.
“Too many families in Delaware can’t afford child care, or live in places where child care is scarce or not available at all. This cost crisis facing families, especially in Kent This is compounded by the fact that child care costs are high in the County and Sussex County, and providers are not receiving the support and funding they need to keep these vital small businesses running,” the councilors said in a joint statement. Stated.
“The question is whether we can make significant investments in child care infrastructure, reduce costs for thousands of families just trying to make ends meet, and at the same time support the early educators and child care providers who serve Delaware families and children. , it’s up to us.”
Do you have a story? Kelly Powers covers race, culture and equity with a focus on education for Delaware Online/News Journal and USA TODAY Network Northeast. Contact him at kepowers@gannett.com or (231) 622-2191 and follow him on Twitter @kpowers01.
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