Help Minnesota families get the child care support they need. The number of children who are living in deep poverty in Minnesota is 81,400 with an annual household income under $11,175 for a family of four.

The problem is that the Child Care Assistance Program is not fully funded and more than 7,000 Minnesota families are on a waiting list to receive CCAP support to help pay for child care so parents can work.

Due to the small income, children are not getting their basic needs met such as food, clothing and shelter. Living in poverty can greatly affect a child’s physical, mental and emotional health and can act as a barrier to having a healthy human development.

In order to increase eligibility for families to receive child care assistance, the current policy should be changed from 67 percent of state median income to 75 percent of Minnesota state median income. Gov. Mark Dayton has the authority to change the current policy with a written bill.

What can you do to help? Get into contact with Minnesota legislators or contact Mary Nienow through the Child Care Works organization at www.childcareworks.org. Thank you for your time and consideration!

 

Jenna Lageson

licensed social worker

Team Academy

Waseca