Child Care Assistance for Families Living in Shelters

I’m living in a shelter. Can I get free child care?

 
 You can get free child care if you qualify for TAFDC or Emergency Assistance and you are living in one of the following kinds of shelters: 

• any domestic violence shelter
• a temporary Emergency Assistance shelter paid for by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA)
• a shelter that DTA places you in, even if DTA does not pay for it

 

How young does my child have to be to get child care?

You can get child care for any child under 13 years old as long as the child is living in the shelter with you.  If your child has a special need and you can provide proof of this, you can get child care until your child turns 16.

 

Do I have to pay anything for the child care?

 No.  You do not pay anything for child care as long as you have a DTA referral and you are living in a shelter.

 

When can I get this child care?

You can get child care assistance as soon as you move into the shelter.  You can start getting the child care later, as long as you are still living in the shelter.

 

How do I get the child care?

Just ask the shelter staff for help getting a child care voucher. The shelter staff will help you get a referral from DTA, and then will work with you and the local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (CCR&R) to help you get a child care voucher. CCR&R agencies are funded by the state to help families get child care vouchers and choose a high-quality child care programs. 

You can also call the local CCR&R on the phone or visit the CCR&R in person. To find your local CCR&R program, check the Department of Early Education and Child Care website at www.eec.state.ma.us  or call the EEC Central Office at (617) 988-6600.

 

How much child care do I get?

You can get full-time child care if you want it.  It is up to you to decide whether you want child care part-time or full-time.

 

How do I get my child to and from child care?

Some child care programs provide transportation between the shelter and child care.

If you live in a shelter in or near Boston, you may be able to get a T-pass from DTA.

 

How do I pick a child care program?

 

It is up to you to pick the best child care program for your child. Here are some things to look for:

 

• The EEC license

 

• Space is clean and inviting.

• You can imagine your child learning and having fun.

• You agree with the kinds of rules and discipline used

• Daily routine includes indoor and outdoor play and a mix of active and quiet activities.

• Teachers/providers are qualified to work with children and are warm and welcoming.

• Snacks and meals are well balanced and nutritious.

• Parents are invited to play an active role.

• Books and toys match the age of the children.

 

Can my child continue in child care when I leave the shelter?

You can keep your child care voucher when you leave the shelter if you meet the following EEC income and activity requirements:

 
    1. Your income is below the amount for your family size and     type in the following chart:

 

Family Size	Income limit if there are NO special needs	Income limit if parent or child has special needs
2	$49,372	$58,086
3	$60,990	$71,753
4	$72,607	$85,420
5	$84,224	$99,087
6	$95,841	$98,019
7	$112,754	$115,317

 

        2. One or more of the following applies to you: 

• You spend at least 20 hours per week looking for a job; OR
• You work at least 20 hours per week; OR
• You go to an education or training program for at least 20 hours per week (except a graduate/law/medical school); OR
• You are over 65 years old and you are retired; OR
• You or your child has a diagnosed and documented special need, such as:

•  
  •  Autism, Emotional Impairment
  • Developmental Delay
  • Physical Impairment
  • Cognitive Impairment
  • Specific Learning Disability
  • Sensory Impairment, Health Impairment
  • Communication Impairment
  • Neurological Impairment.

 
If you meet these requirements and want to keep your voucher, the shelter staff will work with you and the CCR&R to continue your voucher before you leave the shelter.  If you leave the shelter and then decide that you want to continue your voucher, you have up to one month after you leave to renew your voucher.

 
Depending on your income, you may have to pay a fee for child care after you leave the shelter. But it is still a big help the have the voucher, because the cost will still be a lot lower that if you did not have a voucher.  It is also a big help because you will not have to be on a wait list before getting the voucher.