Child care rates virginia: Infant care costs in Virginia weighing on wallets

Virginia families battling high child care costs

Local News

Alyssa Rae, Noon Anchor / Special Projects & Investigative Reporter

Published: February 4, 2022, 6:54 PM

Tags: Virginia

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There are resources for those who can’t afford child care

Alyssa Rae, Noon Anchor / Special Projects & Investigative Reporter

Published: February 4, 2022, 6:54 PM

Tags: Virginia

Child care costs in Virginia is some of the most expensive in the nation.

Infant care for one child would take up to 18.2% of a median family’s income in Virginia, according to the Economic Policy Institute. Affording child care, in general, is hard on many parents.

“My youngest two did go to daycare for a little while, and the price when they went—which was 4-5 years ago to now—is outrageous,” said April Siler who is working part-time so she can watch two of her kids.

With current prices, some parents are having to make the tough decision whether or not to put their kids in child care.

“I only get to work 25 hours a week because I can only work when they’re in school and less than that when they have early dismissal and days when they’re out,” she added.

There are resources for those who can’t afford child care, including the Child Care Subsidy Program.

“It helps people with low income that would really not be able to afford child care to afford child care,” said Mike Elmore, the family services child care supervisor of the Department of Social Services.

Until last year, some families who needed assistance couldn’t qualify. But as of March 2021, the Child Care Subsidy Program has expanded to include higher incomes than before.

“I think some of those people who were not eligible previously have reapplied. With this expanded eligibility we’re meeting the needs of middle-class families too,” added Elmore.

Cost is one factor when deciding where to send your child, but parents are also looking for more options, particularly when school is out.

“Maybe the state would take more of an initiative to come out with summer programs or when the schools are closed, a program where the kids can still be in a safe place,” said Siler.

Copyright 2022 by WSLS 10 – All rights reserved.

About the Author:

Alyssa Rae

Alyssa Rae grew up in Roanoke and graduated from Virginia Tech. An avid sports fan, she spent her first 8 years in TV as a sports anchor and reporter.

Voices Supports Proposed Changes to Child Care Payment Rates and Parent Co-Pays

Posted: July 18th, 2022  –  By: Emily Griffey

Voices supports the proposed improvements to child care payment rates and the parent copayment requirements. These proposed changes will greatly impact the under resourced child care sector as well as help parents who are looking for care, so that they can continue to work. While it has been long recognized that child care programs need more resources to provide quality care, educators need higher wages and parents need lower costs to afford the care. Solutions have often been piecemeal and insignificant with regards to impact in all three areas of need. This proposal has the potential to transform how staff are paid, how parents choose quality, affordable care, and how quality improvement resources are provided.

Virginia is ranked 10th highest in the nation for child care costs. The average annual rate for an infant is $14,063 and $10,867 for a preschooler.

In 2021, Voices supported Senator Jennifer McClellan’s proposal to improve child care by funding the true cost of quality care (SB1316 Bill Explainer). The adoption of this legislation prompted the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to examine its payment practices and to seek approval from the federal government to use an alternative payment methodology to set rates based on program inputs. During the pandemic, VDOE has had the ability to waive parent co-payments which has provided relief when many families experienced economic hardship. New copayment rates will help to reduce the burden on parents participating in the subsidy program. Recent policy changes have also improved the ability for parents to participate by raising maximum income requirements, removing child support requirements, and ending a lifetime limit of 72 months for receiving assistance.

Impact of Proposed Changes on Program Funding

The new payment rates have been set to reflect the costs of program inputs by including wages, program standards, curriculum, and quality improvement activities. Payment rates have been posted online and can be compared to previous rates. Under the previous reimbursement rate process, the market, or what parents could pay in a specific community, drove the costs. The new model considers rates at a regional level and takes into account different types of licensures. In doing this, it recognizes the educators in the classroom as the critical inputs, not the physical location.

As payment rates are currently set by the age of the child, type of setting, and locality, the impact of the new payment rates in comparison to the old rates varies significantly across these three areas. Voices took a look at the new rates across jurisdictions to better understand impact. While there are a few localities who will not see rates increase for the preschool or school-aged age groups, every locality will see rate increases for providers. Each locality is now grouped into a region where the regional rate is equal across jurisdictions (unless the original market was higher).

Some providers and jurisdictions will see minimal increases of $5 per day, or slightly less. However, a $5/day increase for child served for 260 days throughout the year would equal a $1,300 increase for the program. Some localities and providers will see much larger increases in the magnitude of $20-35 per day. A $20/day increase (for example, in a center serving infants in James City County) would equal $5,200 additional resources per year and a $35/day increase (for example, in a center serving infants in Wythe County) would equal $9,100 per year.

As with any cost calculation, there will be some “winners” and “losers”. Providers in Northern Virginia will not see the same scale of increase as providers in more rural areas of the state. However, families looking for infant and toddler care will see significant rate increases as will home care providers serving school-age children. As we look to additional changes for payment practices and participation in the coming years, the state should consider the localities that do not receive significant increases in this proposal as a priority population. In particular, providers in Northern Virginia are not provided significant rate increases despite recent policy changes for Washington DC that increased rates and educator compensation. Failing to compete at the regional level could incentivize Virginia-based early educators to transition to nearby jurisdictions paying more.

The proposed changes will roll out in three phases:

• Phase I: Regional payment rates determined by cost to be implemented Oct 1, 2022.
• Phase II: Create a voluntary wage scale to encourage programs to increase wages over time.
• Phase III: Provide additional supports for continuous quality improvement based on VQB5 assessments.

Impact on Early Educator Wages

While the rate increases could impact programs to a varying degree depending on subsidy enrollment, ages of children, and jurisdiction, those who are receiving the increase will be asked to participate in a voluntary wage scale allowing VDOE to collect information on the current wages and to offer a benchmark to ensure educators are paid higher wages as a result of the rate increase. This wage scale is a very exciting component to help increase the compensation for early childhood professionals and family home care providers. Compensation was modeled to factor in the wages that teachers in public preschool programs were paid to put their private counterparts on equal footing. The voluntary scale will allow Virginia an opportunity to measure progress towards increasing compensation, particularly when other neighboring localities to Virginia have made this a focus.

Impact on Parent Copayments

The child care subsidy program can be an extremely valuable benefit to working families, but only if it provides the continuous affordable coverage they need to work. Proposals to reduce the parent co-pays and collapse income levels will help reduce benefit cliffs where families receive diminishing returns for higher wages by reducing their access to public benefits. The impact of the proposed changes would save some families $600 per year while others could save thousands of dollars. Families earning less than the poverty level (who currently make up 43% of children enrolled) would pay no copays under the proposed changes. These families would go from paying about $50 per month to no monthly contribution. Families just over poverty (100-200% FPL) would pay $60 per month in comparison to $135-185/month under the current structure, and parents above that rate would pay $120-180/month. Providers are allowed to charge parents for any difference between tuition rates and what is covered by subsidy reimbursement and parent co-pays.

Public Comment Opportunity

The reimbursement rate changes are program manual changes that do not require legislative approval, but will go through the public comment process and will be presented to the Board of Education.

Public comments on the proposed changes can be emailed to  [email protected] by July 25, 2022. The current timeline has reimbursement rates taking effect October 2022 and copayment changes would take effect January 1, 2023.

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Premium League: The coolest (and weirdest) bonuses for employees

Understand 06/02/2018

• Sarah Jackson
  by Inc.com

Rated American Inc. The best employers of 2018 are companies with high salaries, good insurance and retirement plans, and often a cool atmosphere. Unusual bonuses and non-standard methods of motivating employees can be responsible for the latter. Here are 15 of the most extraordinary. Employees who choose the right company receive air tickets to anywhere in the world, a free overnight babysitter and ax throwing lessons.

Testament and disposition of real estate.

McLean, Virginia-based consulting firm M2 Strategy has access to probate services, legal aid, childcare, and a 24-hour gym.

Ax throwing lessons.

Employees at the Podium Business Connectivity platform in Lehi, Utah, enjoy ax throwing, freestyle skiing, bobsleighing, and trips to exciting virtual reality theme parks.

Gorgeous views and beer.

HireVue headquarters in South Dakota, Utah overlooking the mountains. The interview platform gives employees office pub parties and TED Talk-style lunches.

Sports betting and reality shows.

Legacy Marketing employees in Chicago break into teams and place bets on who will leave on a new series of reality shows (such as The Bachelor). Well, they also bet on the results of sports games.

Discount on hybrid cars.

Employees of the consulting company Enterprise Knowledge receive fitness club memberships, corporate mobiles and up to $3,000 when buying hybrid cars.

Glory in the Slack channel.

Charity: Water, a New York-based company, set up a “High Five” channel in the Slack messenger to praise employees who have achieved success. At the end of each quarter, the best one receives a gift.

Beauty and skiing.

Retailer Jane.com (fashion and home decor) has a beauty salon for employees. They also receive tickets to ski resorts, and young parents can take their babies with them to work.

Free iPhone.

Dallas-based financial consulting firm Embank adds 1-year employees to its mobile plan and buys them a new iPhone a year later.

Bonuses for parents.

At software company Outreach, moms and dads with young children can work from home half the time. The company pays for a night nurse for a child on weekdays, and twice a week for lunch delivery.

Full access.

Infinte Energy has acquired the naming rights to the arena, theater and forum in Atlanta, where it serves, and employees can now attend concerts of Justin Timberlake, U2 and Carrie Underwood at these venues for free.

Flight courses.

Would you like to learn how to fly? San Francisco-based health technology company pMD is offering free flight courses to its employees.

Stress relief.

Pro Athlete employees have the opportunity to get rid of the accumulated stress. An employee sporting goods retailer has a spa with a massage therapist and sauna, and free breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Air travel and restaurants.

Lob.com developer service celebrates anniversaries with gifts for employees. Stay with the company for a year and get tickets to anywhere in the world. Are you in your third year? Eat Michelin-starred food.

The best present.

Buffer, a software company, welcomes new employees with gifts: they get a Kindle and unlimited e-books.

Housing issue.

Boll and Branch (a company that makes bedding) gives all new employees a set of sheets, and after six months of work, a bedroom renovation.

Low Cost and Free Child Care Resources for Job Seekers • BUOM

Child care is a necessity for parents to work and earn an income, however it has become an increasing cost over the last few decades. According to a recent Care.com survey, childcare during the pandemic has become even more scarce and more expensive.

There are a number of organizations that offer resources for parents, including government programs that can help you pay for the child care you need to get a job. In this article, we provide a complete list of resources for free or low-cost childcare. We also offer tips to help parents in their job search.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to connect to the Internet at home, consider Comcast Internet Essentials for 9$.95 per month plus tax.

How to Get Free or Reduced Child Care While Looking for a Job

If you cannot afford child care, here are a few options:

Government Grants and Programs who need child care in connection with work, vocational training or school attendance through the Child Care and Development Fund.

You can find a list of all federal programs that provide benefits or services that you may be eligible for on the US government website. the official benefits website, but the three programs are described in more detail below. Community centers such as Goodwill can also help you find local, state, and federal financial assistance that you qualify for.

• Head Start and Early Head Start: Low-income or otherwise eligible families may be eligible for Head Start (children ages 3-5) or Early Head Start (birth to age 2). These federally funded programs provide a wide range of services for families with incomes at or below the poverty level. Particular attention is paid to children in foster families, children with disabilities, homeless families and families receiving certain types of public assistance.

• Military and Department of Defense Child Care Grants: Child Care America provides child care assistance to eligible military families through the Fee Assistance and Respite Child Care programs. For example, the federal government offers subsidies to military personnel and the Department of Defense.

• Tribal Child Care Assistance: The Tribal Child Care and Development Fund uses a federal block grant to support low-income tribal families, tribal families receiving temporary public assistance, and those transitioning from public assistance to receive childcare services so that they can work, attend school, or participate in educational activities. Check with your tribe headquarters to see if they offer this child care assistance.

Tax credits and credits

Take advantage of the tax credits and credits available to you. The American Rescue Plan recently expanded the Child Tax Credit from $2,000 to $3,600 for children under 6 and to $3,000 for children 6 to 18. If you’ve already filed your 2020 taxes, there’s nothing else you need to do: the IRS will pay you half of the total loan amount in upfront monthly payments starting July 15, 2021. You will claim the other half when you file your 2021 income. taxes.

To The Earned Income Tax Credit is available to families with low and moderate incomes. To qualify for tax credits like this, you need to meet certain requirements and file a return, even if you don’t have to pay taxes.

The IRS also offers the Child and Dependent Tax Credit to people who pay for childcare so they can work or look for work. With this tax credit, you can contribute up to $8,000 in childcare costs per child (maximum $16,000 per year), resulting in approximately $1,600 per child (maximum $3,200) in savings on taxes.

Student Child Care Grants

Some colleges and universities offer parents of students financial assistance or low-cost child care on campus. Child care allowances may be provided to you directly at your school, while others may be in the form of financial assistance that you apply for from your local government. Public childcare assistance may also be available to parents who need childcare in high school.

Help from child care providers and local nonprofits

Many kindergartens offer a sliding scale or stipend for low-income families who cannot afford their standard rates. Most centers also offer a family discount if your oldest child is already attending kindergarten and you enroll an additional child. Contact your local provider to see what they offer or check with your local service provider. A childcare resource and referral agency for more information about what’s available in your area, such as nonprofit childcare or local scholarship programs.

In addition, several private child care centers offer special promotions to help parents. For example, the White House is currently partnering with four of the nation’s largest childcare providers to offer free childcare during vaccinations (or vaccination recovery) through July 4th.

Advice for parents when looking for a job

If you are a parent, you are likely to face challenges that other people in the workforce do not. When looking for the right job, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Schedule time to look for a job

Parents know the importance of making the most of every minute of their day. Setting aside one or two hours of uninterrupted time looking for work is key to balancing these responsibilities. It could be early morning or late evening when your kids are sleeping, or when your kids are at school.

2. Ask for help

Build a network of helpers by offering exchanges with other parents, siblings, neighbors and friends so you have a few people you can rely on when you need to schedule an interview. With sufficient notice and appreciation, many may be more than willing to help without compromise. This same network can support you after you get a job.

3. Find a mentor

A mentor—ideally someone who has been in your position as a parent to work—can also help you find a job. Another parent who has successfully passed the stage of life you are in can offer advice, act as an observer, or even offer a solution to your current needs.

4. Look for companies that support parents

Many employers offer benefits and programs that allow their employees to succeed in their careers while starting a family. For example, some employers provide unlimited paid time off for added work and personal flexibility, while others seek to give their team members peace of mind with additional child care programs. Read reviews to see if a company values ​​a family-friendly workspace. You can also try contacting other employees for an informational interview to ask more direct questions about job flexibility and accommodations.

5. Know when to share personal information

There is no reason why you need to tell the interviewer that you are a parent. Wait until you get a job offer to reveal your parenting responsibilities – this will force the interviewer to focus on your skills and qualifications. However, it is wise to ask questions during an interview that will allow you to gauge the company’s willingness to provide the flexibility you need. Once you have an offer and it’s time to negotiate, it may be appropriate to raise some relevant requests, such as flexible times to pick up and drop off your children from school or daycare.

6. Look for a job suitable for parents

Although your personal responsibilities as a parent should not determine your job, it is important to consider this. Look for work that does not need to be done within a certain period of time. Or you might consider freelance or contract positions, roles that may not have stability or access to benefits, but provide more flexibility because you can often set your own schedule. Child care roles can also be beneficial because they often come with free or subsidized child care.