NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The state Department of Human Services announced Monday it will increase the amount of money child care assistance providers receive for the first time in 10 years.
It's been 11 years but parents will now see a healthy boost to their reimbursement rate.
For people who are participating in the Child Care Certificate Program, TDHS hopes this will get more providers to join in on the program.
"Quality child care is essential to the development of children and the thriving Tennessee we are trying to build," said TDHS Commissioner Danielle w. Barnes.
It's a 35% increase for infants and toddler care and 20% for pre-school and schooled aged children.
The program is for families where the parents are working or pursuing secondary education and meet the income eligibility.
Barnes said the rate increases should attract more providers into the program, which would increase the overall quality of care and increase parental choice.
"What we know for sure is that parents need to feel comfortable when they drop their kids off at daycare," said Barnes.
