Stearns County Taking Comments On Child Care Assistance Plan

(KNSI) – Stearns County wants the public’s opinion on the proposed 2022-2023 Stearns County Child Care Plan. A draft of the plan has been completed and is available for public review and comment. Comments on the plan will be taken until August 31st.

The Child Care Assistance Program helps working families with the cost of child care. Parents may also be enrolled in 2-year or 4-year post-secondary school programs to participate in the Child Care Assistance Program. According to Stearns County, around 425 families get assistance each month. The amount of aid is based on the parents’ income, and the child care fee is based on a sliding scale.

The bulk of the plan is prescriptive, but Stearns County Human Services seeks public comment on the entire plan. The Minnesota Department of Human Services is the lead state agency for supervision of the Child Care Assistance Program. Counties have limited discretion to establish some local policies and procedures. The Stearns County Child Care Plan outlines the local policies and procedures.

To get a copy of the new Stearns County Child Care Plan, go to the Stearns County website or contact Peggy Sammons at (320) 656-6017 or 1-800-450-3663 ext. 6017 or via email at peggy.sammons@co.stearns.mn.us.

Written comments should be submitted to Peggy Sammons, Planning Coordinator, Stearns County Human Services, P.O. Box 1107, St. Cloud, MN 56302.

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