What is a voucher or certificate of payment?

In 1996 the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) was rewritten and absorbed into the Welfare Reform Act. The revision provides for a maximum of 5 years of public assistance, compelling many parents to go back to school or to work. Provisions were made for parents to receive a voucher for use in purchasing care for their child.

Why is that significant?

Prior to the Child Care and Development Block Grant, children were assigned to subsidized programs which were designed to be secular. While a few subsidized Christian early childhood programs continued having prayer and Bible stories, most were told they could not contract with the state and continue these teachings. The voucher, on the other hand, is seen as assistance to parents. Parents may take the child to any program they choose. Voucher certificates may even be used to pay friends and relatives to care for children. Parent choice has opened new doors of opportunities for churches to minister to these children and their families through their preschool and child care programs because the assistance goes to the family, not to the program.

How do churches become involved in this ministry?

There are several things churches can do to minister to these families. First, be sure that your parent flyer includes your philosophy with regard to the Biblical concepts and values you teach. Then, pray for God’s blessings and guidance. Involve the whole church in communicating that your church loves and welcomes all children to their weekday program. Some churches may wish to add a sign to their outdoor publicity which welcomes "all children and their families." This information may also be added to your publicity piece and/or parent flyer. Also, call Resource and Referral (see attached list) and let them know you are willing to take families receiving vouchers.

Why is it important to accept children on vouchers?

Today’s children are tomorrow’s society. Today some of these preschoolers may say bad words, but tomorrow they may do harmful things. We can look all about us and know this is true. These precious little ones need to hear that God loves them and that they are special. They need to be held, rocked, and loved by those who know the love of God. The area of the brain that stores beliefs and values is almost fully developed by the age of three. Marvel at the opportunity that we have to nurture them and help them grow in God’s love.

Who qualifies for vouchers?

Parents who qualify for public assistance through their local welfare agency may receive vouchers. Vouchers may also be used for children needing before and after school care. States vary in the degree of assistance they provide. In some states parents only qualify if they are below 100% of the national or state poverty level, other states provide assistance for families making the transition from welfare to work for up to 200 % of the poverty level.

Who pays my program for services?

States distribute vouchers in various ways. Some issue two party checks, some issue checks to the parents whose responsibility it becomes to sign it over to their child care provider, and some make the checks payable to the program with a written parent request for the provider of their choice.

I have a waiting list, why should I take children with vouchers?

Instilling Christian principles and values in the lives of children. These children may never otherwise hear that God loves them and that Jesus is God’s son and came to tell us about God’s love. Jesus said in Matthew 19:14, NIV, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

What is at stake if we refuse?

Churches will miss the blessing of ministering to young children and their families who need to hear about our Lord. Many of these families want our values for their children, but do not feel comfortable in the unfamiliar setting of our churches on Sunday morning. Christian early childhood programs often build bridges from these families to their churches. If we fail to become a significant part of the infrastructure providing services to those receiving financial assistance, we may loose this window of opportunity. Christian churches now provide about 40% of all childcare in the U.S. In the early 80s we provided 70%. Parent choice through vouchers could be lost to the public school system where Christian values are often not supported. If we are not part of the infrastructure of the delivery system, public schools could become the only source of assistance in the near future.  

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON VOUCHERS SEE CDEA ENDORSED RESOURCES PAGE

STATE RESOURCE AND REFERRAL AGENCIES

Supporting quality care in Christian preschool programs.

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