fact sheet 
 
Subsidized Childcare in Georgia 
After housing and food, childcare costs are the third largest expense for working families. Thousands of Georgia parents need childcare so they can work or get job training. Because this care in Georgia can cost as much as $95 per week for one child (more in urban areas), it is beyond the means of many low- and moderate-income families. 
The Department of Human Resources helps families afford early childhood and school age care and programs through its Child Care and Parent Services (CAPS). Local Department of Family and Children Services offices determine eligibility for CAPS. 
Parents or guardians who have a limited income and are working, attending school, or in job training may qualify for subsidized childcare. Many families enrolled in CAPS are becoming self-sufficient after leaving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (welfare). 
Children are eligible for CAPS up to age 13, or up to age 18 if they have special needs. 
Eligible families choose their own child care providers. They may choose from centers or homes that are licensed by the state; centers that are exempt from licensing by state law (such as school systems providing after-school care); family child care home providers who are registered with the Office of Regulatory Services (ORS); or from informal providers (such as a relative or neighbor). The Office of Regulatory Services sees that informal caregivers meet basic health and safety standards. 
Most parents or guardians pay on a sliding scale based on the family's income and size. CAPS pays the remainder to the child care provider, up to a maximum based on type of care, age of child, and location. The average monthly payment by CAPS is $268 per child. 
In FY 2005, $160.6 million was spent for childcare services for eligible families. Child care funds are limited which means many must go on their county's waiting list. 
In FY 2005, the monthly average number of children receiving subsidized childcare was 59,088. This included 5,901 children whose parents were TANF recipients in training or employment activities. 
Quality childcare programs go beyond the minimum health and safety standards required by state agencies. Some of the federal funds allocated to Georgia are used to improve the quality of childcare and offer additional services to parents. The CAPS program collaborates with agencies and individuals and contracts with other agencies to enhance the quality and increase the supply of childcare. 
Georgia Department of Human Resources Office of Communications www.dhr.georgia.gov February 2006