Program Implementation

Tips to Implementation: The program offers several tips for starting similar services in other locations. An organization should contact the State to help the agency understand that an emergency child care program removes the need for foster care. A new program might partner with local foundations, hospitals, or county organizations. The emergency child care manager also highlighted the need for a diverse set of funding sources to ensure an organization can sustain such a program. Additionally, a similar effort would best stem from an organization that has a good relationship with local child care providers who will respond to families in crisis.

Keys to Success: The Emergency Child Care Assistance Program cites two keys to its successful implementation:

• Appropriate Staff: The program functions best with a dedicated staff person who understands the dynamics of families in crisis, can find supports for that family, and has working knowledge of a child care business.
• Flexibility: Throughout the program, staff and child care providers must maintain flexibility when working with families in crisis, as these families may not always accurately interpret messages from an organization. In these cases, the organization must redirect families and assist them in making appropriate choices.

Challenges: This organization faced the challenge of distinguishing the Emergency Child Care Assistance Program from other aspects of its referral process. In many cases, county workers erroneously referred a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipient or low-income client to the organization for help with child care subsidy assistance. While Quality Care for Children is a referral organization that assists customers with finding and selecting appropriate child care options, the Emergency Child Care Assistance Program is a limited program that works exclusively with families struggling with immediate crises. This is a one-time service for any customer, not a viable solution for families that need ongoing free or reduced fee child care.