CHILDCARE

Sometimes childcare is needed so you can work.  Other times it is needed so you can get time for yourself or others.                                                                                                   

What types of childcare are available?

People choose the type of childcare based on availability, need, and cost.  Here is a list of possibilities:

• An adult hired to care for the child in your home
• Day care center (usually an all day or after school program)
• Family day care (an individual takes care of the child in her/his home)
• Respite (funded by an agency for children with special needs)
• Extracurricular or recreational activities (while your child is there, you can get a break, too)
• Nursery school (usually a half day program)
• Baby-sitting co-op (a group of people who take turns helping each other out)
• Grandmother’s helper (a younger person who plays with the child while you do other things)
• Family (family members to take the child occasionally or regularly)
• Summer day camp or overnight camp

How do I choose the right childcare provider?

Make a list of questions to help you remember to get all the information you need.  Here are some suggestions of things to consider:

• Staff experience and ratio of staff to children
• Warm, friendly, clean, and safe environment
• Good discipline style
• Good supplies (including age-appropriate toys)
• Opportunity for active play and quiet play
• Staff enjoy the children and talk to them in an understanding way
• Comfort talking to the person or people who will care for the child
• Ask the person or program for references and check them out

Look for a licensed day care, nursery school, camp, or family day care.  If it is a licensed facility, you can contact the licensing division of the Department of Health and Human Services at 207-287-9300 to obtain information on childcare licensing.   If you are considering unlicensed childcare, ask if they are a member of Care For ME, which will confirm background checks for members.  To find out if a caregiver is listed with Care For ME, you can contact the program at 1-866-638-7878 or 1-800-525-2229.

CAMP

The Maine Youth Camping Foundation puts out a booklet of Maine summer camps.  They also have information on camps accepting special needs children.  The YMCA, YWCA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H Club, Maine Conservation Corps, colleges, town recreation departments, and many church and private organizations run summer camps. 

CHILDCARE VOUCHER PROGRAM

Are there funds to help me pay for daycare?

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has a voucher program to help working parents and guardians pay for the childcare they need to work outside the home.  This program also helps parents who are going to school, job training, seeking employment, or going to a substance abuse treatment program.  You use the voucher to pay the daycare provider you choose.  (The provider must meet certain state standards). The program serves children between 6 weeks and 12 years old.

Are there income limits?

Yes.  Contact the Childcare Voucher Program for income guidelines.  Be sure to let them know you are a relative caregiver and inform them if you have guardianship or not, and if the child receives public benefits (eg. Child Only TANF, SSI, MaineCare, etc.)  If the child is living with a guardian, the guardian’s income is not considered for the guidelines.  Only the child’s income is included.

How do I find out if I am eligible?

Contact the Childcare Voucher Program at 1-877-680-5866 or 624-7999 or visit their website.  You must have guardianship of the child at the time you receive the vouchers.  There is often a lengthy waiting list for vouchers, so it is important to apply as soon as possible.  You may be able to apply while you are in the process of obtaining guardianship.