By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday that more Kansas families will now be eligible to take advantage of the Hero Relief Child Care Assistance Program.
"We are hopeful to see families who are struggling with paying for child care to be able to meet that need," said Denice Gilliland-Burbank with the United Way of Reno County. "With this new policy of raising the income limits to 250% of federal poverty, a family of four, if they are making less than $5485 a month, they could qualify for child care assistance."
Gilliland-Burbank does note that there is still a child care supply issue locally.
"Especially with our infants and young toddlers, supply is an issue," Gilliland-Burbank said. "There is a lack of childcare availability."
This program is available to families who need child care for employment as long as the adults in the household are employed an average of 20 hours a week.
"The site at ksherorelief.com actually has quite a bit of information," Gilliland-Burbank said. "Families can apply for benefits. They can see if they qualify. There are some links that families can follow, if they are curious, to learn more."
DCF, in partnership with Child Care Aware of Kansas, is also launching the Child Care Sustainability Grant program to aid child care providers in meeting the costs of operating their business.