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Kiddie World Early Learning Center encourages families to inquire about the following financial assistance programs funded by the State of Connecticut:
- Care 4 Kids Program (for children 6 weeks through preschool age)
- Middletown School Readiness Program (for children of preschool age)
We strive to offer our high quality early childhood education programs to all families regardless of income. Our goal is to care for and educate young children allowing them to be ready for a lifetime of learning and growing.
CARE 4 KIDS Program
Kiddie World Early Learning Center participates in the Care 4 Kids Program. This program assists low to moderate income families in Connecticut pay for child care costs. This program is sponsored by the State of Connecticut's Department of Social Services (also called DSS).
Program Eligibility
To determine eligibility, families may use the income guidelines table on the Care 4 Kids website: ctcare4kids.com. Families must reside in Connecticut and be working or attending the “Jobs First” training or be attending an education activity.
Application
Kiddie World Early Learning Center is experienced in assisting families with application process. Families may request an application packet from Kiddie World Early Learning Center which includes the Care 4 Kids Application Form and the Parent/Provider Agreement. Forms are also available online at ctcare4kids.com. Families will be required to provide certain documents such as proof of income and any child support documents.
Once Kiddie World Early Learning Center receives a Care 4 Kids Child Care Certificate, the Family Fee will then be calculated by the Kiddie World Early Learning Center business manager. Families shall be re-determined bi-annually by Care 4 Kids.
MIDDLETOWN SCHOOL READINESS Program
Kiddie World Early Learning Center participates in the Middletown School Readiness Program. This financial assistance program is available to families residing in Middletown with children of preschool age. This allows children to experience a quality preschool program and exposes families to many beneficial community resources.
The preschool curriculum helps children learn important pre-reading and early literacy skills. It enables children entering kindergarten to be better prepared for the structure and routine of the classroom. Children are required to attend the program 5 days per week for a minimum of 7 hours per day. The Middletown School Readiness Program is a full day, year round program.
Program Eligibility
Parents residing in Middletown with children of preschool age (3 to 5 years old) qualify for the Middletown School Readiness Program and may receive financial assistance in meeting the costs of a quality preschool education. Eligibility depends on family income, family size and coincides with the Care 4 Kids Program for working parents.
Care 4 Kids Program (see preceding page)
In addition to the Middletown School Readiness Program, parents are encouraged to participate in the Care 4 Kids Program. Kiddie World Early Learning Center will work with the family and the assigned worker in the Care 4 Kids Program in facilitating the application process.
The Care 4 Kids phone number is: 1-888-214-KIDS (5437).
Determining the Family Contribution Fee
Family income, size and other childcare costs are used to calculate the Family Contribution Fee. Family income is determined at the time of enrollment and re-determined bi-annually thereafter. The Family Contribution Fee is determined by:
- taking the computed gross annual family income;
- finding where on the most recently published Income Guideline ALERT the income falls, and;
- determining the family contribution calculation percentage: 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 (based on whether the income is under 20%, under 30%, under 40%, under 50% or under 75% of the State Median Income (SMI)) or a higher percentage for incomes over 75% of the SMI, to find a percentage of a family's income that must be contributed to child care as follows:
Figure 1: Monthly Income Calculation
gross annual income
------------------------ = monthly income
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Figure 2: Monthly Family Contribution Fee Calculation
monthly income x calculation % = monthly Family Contribution Fee
Figure 3: Weekly Family Contribution Fee Calculation (for full-time)
monthly family contribution fee
-------------------------------------- = weekly Family Contribution Fee
4.3
Families receiving DSS cash assistance from the state will not be responsible for making a Family Contribution Fee payment. The Family Contribution Fee will be re-determined bi-annually.
Family Contribution Fee Payment Policies
Monthly check payments are due by the 25th of the preceding month or EFT payments are drafted from the checking account on Mondays. There will be a $25 fee for checks or drafts returned due to non-sufficient funds.
The Family Contribution Fee is expected 52 weeks per year - including, but not limited to; sick days, holidays and weather related closings. If payments have not been paid for two consecutive weeks, enrollment may be dropped.
Monthly payments may be mailed or placed in the payment box located near the reception area. Cash should always be given directly to the director. Always request a receipt for cash payments. If you are making a payment and your last name is different than the enrolled child's, please note the child's full name on the memo section of the check.
Confidentiality Policy
All information submitted by applicants, including income and requests for outside services, will be deemed confidential and will only be made available, if necessary, to Kiddie World Early Learning Center administration, Middletown School Readiness and Care 4 Kids program personnel.
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