Connecting Families to Family Child Care for Over 30 Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Commonwealth Family Childcare a Daycare?
Not exactly. Commonwealth Family Child Care is an agency that oversees a network of Family Child Care homes. We help connect parents with financial aid if they don't already have it, and help families with financial aid find a Family Child Care home that accepts that financial aid. We also provide assistance to the Family Child Care Educators, helping to ensure a more quality program for all families.
Does CFC, Inc. provide Transportation?
Yes! (If you qualify) Many of our Family Child Care homes are serviced by a bus, tested for rigorous safety standards, and driven by a qualified 7D driver.
What types of Financial Assistance are available?
You may qualify for Vouchers, Income Eligible Slots, Young Parent Slots, and DCF Referrals. Does all of that sound confusing? Keep reading. We will explain every type, help you determine which type you might be eligible for, and how to get each.
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Income Eligible Slots
Think of this type of subsidy as a sliding scale fee. You may or may not pay a portion of the cost, based on your family size and income. How much will I have to pay? Each agency in Massachusetts who offers these subsidies has a certain number of slots available, and the subsidy is attached to the agency. If you obtain an Income Eligible Slot with CFC, Inc., you may use it at one of the Family Child Care homes in the CFC, Inc. network only. Other agencies and Child Care Centers may have their own Income Eligible Slots.
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Obtaining an Income Eligible Slot
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First you must determine if you are eligible. Eligible families meet income guidelines and have a service need.
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Next you must be placed on a waitlist. You can be entered on the waitlist by clicking here, or by calling 211. The waitlist is statewide, so you only need to be placed once. From there, agencies/child cares from the area you choose will begin to contact you.
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Important! You must update the waitlist if you move, change phone numbers, etc. Respond to EVERY letter, even if you do not wish to choose that particular program. Failure to respond to correspondence results in removal from the waitlist!
2. Voucher
Think of this type of subsidy as being like a gift card. It pays for all or some of your child care, and you can use it anywhere the gift card is accepted. There are a few types of voucher:
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DTA Voucher
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Available to families who receive TAFDC
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No co-pay
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Can be used anywhere that accepts vouchers (a new voucher must be obtained for any change in location)
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Income Eligible Voucher
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This type of financial assistance is for families who qualify based on their income. Families with this type of assistance must meet certain income guidelines, and demonstrate a service need.
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Some families with an Income Eligible subsidy must pay a co-pay for child care. This co-pay is based on income and family size
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Can be used anywhere that accepts vouchers (a new voucher must be obtained for any change in location)
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9S/9T Voucher
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Must be referred through a Dept. of Children & Families Caseworker
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No fee associated, subsidy covers cost of child care fully
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Available while case is open and for 1 year after case is closed
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Can be used anywhere that accepts vouchers (a new voucher must be obtained for any change in location)
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Obtaining a Voucher
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If you receive TAFDC (Cash Assistance through the Dept. of Transitional Assistance), contact your caseworker
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For other vouchers, you must contact a Child Care Resource & Referral Agency.
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Contact PACE
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3. Young Parent Slot
Think of this subsidy as a sliding scale fee for parents under 24, with the added bonus of case management. A case manager helps you choose a child care educator, and helps you figure out all of the logistics of getting and keeping your child care.
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Obtaining a Young Parent Slot
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First you must determine if you are eligible. Eligible families will give birth before their 20th birthday, or are parents under the age of 20, meet income guidelines and have a service need. (Note: You must enroll your child before you turn 20 to be eligible, but once you are enrolled you may keep this subsidy until age 24) If you are not sure, call us at 508-880-3556 or email J.Myers@comfamcc.com.
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Call or email us, it's that easy!
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Some families with a Young Parent subsidy must pay a co-pay for child care. This co-pay is based on income and family size. How much will I pay?
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4. DCF Referral
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Must be referred through a Dept. of Children & Families Caseworker
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No fee associated, subsidy covers cost of child care fully
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Available while case is open and for 1 year after case is closed
5. Respite Care for Foster Parents (Kid's Net)
Think of this as free, intermittent child care for foster children
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Available 7 days a week, 7am to 10pm
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No cost to foster families
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Available for one-time or short-term care
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Click here for more details
What is a Service Need?
A service need is a reason for needing child care.
Financial Aid guidelines dictate that you must have a reason for needing child care. Examples of service needs are:
(If two parents live at home, both must have a service need)
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Working 30 hours per week (or 25 hours plus a 5 hour per week commute)
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Full time school or training
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Looking for work
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Disability or Retirement (over age 65)
What is a Family Child Care "Educator?"
An educator is a family child provider. Educators are licensed by the state of Massachusetts, and undergo rigorous training and safety inspections. Educators choose this career because they enjoy caring for and teaching children, and have chosen to take the necessary steps to become licensed.
What will the Family Child Care be like?
Family Child Care homes are independent business operated by all types of licensed Educators. You can find a Family Child Care with just about every philosophy, ethnic background, language, and methodology. All Family Child Care programs in the CFC, Inc. network are operated by Educators who are continually monitored for safety, and who undergo at least 25 hours per year of professional development in Early Childhood Education.
The best way to find out what Family Child Care is like is to visit different Family Child Care Programs.
What does it mean to be a "Licensed" Family Child Care Educator?
Massachusetts requires all Child Care Educators to be licensed. They (and others in the home) must pass a background check, participate in ongoing training, have a suitable, safe, and nurturing space in which to provide child care, limit the number of children they can care for at once, monitor and document development and behaviors, and more. You can find all the regulations here.
What if I decide that I do not like the program my child attends?
That's okay! We are all professionals. Just let CFC, Inc. know what your concerns are. We can see if a solution can be reached with your current Educator, or can refer you to one of our other Family Child Care programs. If you decide CFC, Inc isn't for you, that's okay too. We will let you know your other options, and in most cases you can obtain another subsidy to keep your child in care at another program of your choice.
