Child Care is one of the biggest expenses of working parents. It is estimated that low-income families often pay more than 30% of their take-home pay for child care. Subsidized child care makes it possible for parents to work or attend school, and thereby meet their goals of self-sufficiency. Each year, Family Guidance Center helps more than 6,000 families pay for child care in 18 counties: Autauga, Chilton, Elmore, Lowndes, Montgomery, Covington, Bullock, Butler, Dallas, Wilcox, Crenshaw, Pike, Barbour, Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston counties.
What is Subsidized Child Care?
Financial assistance is available to help parents pay for child care. The funds, which are a combination of federal and state funds, are locally administered through Family Guidance Center and other Child Care Management Programs. Each family chooses the type of child care arrangement they feel is best for their child.
Who is Eligible for services?
Low income families who are in need of affordable quality child care. You must meet the following criteria:
- The parent or guardian must live in Autauga, Chilton, Elmore, Lowndes, Montgomery, Covington, Bullock, Butler, Wilcox, Dallas, Barbour, Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Pike, Crenshaw or Houston counties.
- You must be employed or a student in an allowable educational program.
- You must be income eligible according to the number of persons in your family.
- You must be referred to us by Department of Human Resources JOBS or Foster Care Units.
What is the Allowable Income?
Regulations allow no deductions to gross income. Family income includes wages from employment, child support, SSI, SSA, some educational funds, etc. Weekly gross income is multiplied by 4.333 to compute monthly income.
Family of 2 - max monthly income - $1,483
Family of 3 - max monthly income - $1,860
Family of 4 - max monthly income - $2,237
Family of 5 - max monthly income - $2,614
Family of 6 - max monthly income - $2,991
Family of 7 - max monthly income - $3,368
Family of 8 or more - max monthly income - $3,745
Will I pay a Parent Fee?
Normally, you will pay parent fees depending upon your income and family size. The fee may range from $5.00 to $20.00 per child for each week. These fees are mandatory and must be paid by the parent.
How do I Apply?
You must complete a subsidy application form and return it to our Child Care Management Program office. Forms may be requested by calling our Montgomery office, 334.270.4100 or our Dothan office at 334.712.7777 or 800.290.0933. You may stop by your local Child Care Management office. For a printable copy click on the links below:
Child Care Application Form
Notice of Clientís Rights
Child Care Fact Sheet
Who is included in a Family?
Family is the basic family unit consisting of an adult and his or her spouse (including common law), children under 18 years of age, and minor parents under 18 years of age and their children, related by blood, marriage, or adoption, who are residing in the same household.
Why is there a Waiting List?
Funding is a combination of State and Federal monies. The State and Federal Government funds can only pay for a certain number of children and when that maximum is reached a waiting list is formed. The waiting list is updated every 6 months and at the time funds become available people will be notified in the order in which they applied.
For more information, please click below to send an email or call:
Jeanne Sellers
Director of Early Child Care Services
Assistant Executive Director
Early Child Care & Education Programs
2358 Fairlane Drive, Montgomery, AL 36116
334.270.4100 or 800.499.6597
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