Many single moms struggle with child care expense. For some, the cost of child care takes such a huge portion of their paycheck that they live at or near poverty level.

Imagine the woman who earns $10 per hour and has two children ages 2 and 4. After taxes she is probably banking around $332 per week. This would represent a monthly income average of $1438. Her monthly expenses include rent of $690, gas and electric of $30, telephone $26,cable $13, car payment $142, auto insurance $48, gas and maintenance $75, groceries and household supplies $370 and miscellaneous (haircuts, clothing, gifts, etc) $50. These expenses leave her $6 in the red and she hasn’t even added her biggest expense, child care. Child care alone averages $823 per month for her two children.

Perhaps one day this problem won’t be so common place. But today it is. So what possibilities are there for women (and men) who fit the above scenario?

There are several programs available to aid those in need. One of the biggest drawbacks to the majority of these programs is the waiting list involved in getting approved to get on these programs. Some programs have a three year waiting list. It doesn’t do much good to get approved for a child care program at about the same time your child enters college. (We will talk about this and other similar problems in a later issue).

Check with your states social services to see what programs they have for single parents who either work or go to school full time.

The following program is for California Residents only, but we wanted to share what the program requirements are so that you have an idea of the types of programs that might be available in your state:

Child Development Associates, Inc. (CDA). CDA is a multi funded non-profit agency that was established to provide services to low income children, their parents and child care providers.

Of the many different programs that CDA represents, their largest, Alternative Payment Program is currently available without a waiting period. (Unfortunately, this could change tomorrow.) When a parent enrolls in this program and their child care provider has completed an agreement with CDA, the child care services will be paid for by CDA.

The funding of this program comes through the Department of Education, Child Development Division. The majority of the funds is for CalWORKs recipients.

DO I QUALIFY?
First, you must meet the guidelines of low income requirements. Then you must have a “need” for child care. This means that you work, attend college and or in training. Also, your child must be 13-years-old or less in age. If you are currently receiving cash aid or received cash aid during the past 24 months, you are eligible for the CalWORKs child care. You must still meet the previously stated qualifications.

HOW DOES ONE APPLY?
You can call CDA directly at (888) 755-CHILD (888-755-2445) and request an application. If your are receiving CalWORKs child care, you can request a transfer of your services to CDA. Call CalWORKs for the transfer. (Contact CDA for CalWORKs telephone number).

And last, but certainly not least, you can get an application right off the internet. That internet address for the CDA program is www.cdasandiego.com  


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