(Adobe)A childcare assistance program for low- to moderate-income families has launched in Fayetteville just days after the City Council approved the new program.
The council on Tuesday voted 8-0 to green light a proposal using $500,000 of the $17.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds the city received to start the program, which will provide monthly payment vouchers for families who are currently having trouble paying for childcare.
If approved, applicants will have their entire monthly childcare costs paid for over the next 12 months.
Anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Fayetteville is eligible to apply. An applicant’s child or children must be enrolled in a state-licensed childcare facility located in the Fayetteville city limits.
Once approved, the payments will be made directly to the childcare facility.
A page on the city’s website includes a chart with eligibility information depending on how many people live in a home. Households that earn up to 80% of the median family income in Fayetteville as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development are eligible for vouchers.
For example, a household with three total people with an annual income less than $60,300 would qualify. A household of four would need to earn less than $66,950 to qualify.
(Source: City of Fayetteville)The program is run by the city’s Community Resources Department, who will perform program outreach to the community, process applications and assess eligibility of applicants. Department staff will maintain documentation on program participation and process monthly payments to licensed Fayetteville childcare facilities. Staff will also monitor and report on the program to ensure compliance.
For more information on how to apply, www.fayetteville-ar.gov/4248/Childcare-Assistance-Program or call 479-575-8260.
