Child Care

Child Care assistance is provided to an eligible parent(s) while on the way to self sufficiency.  Child care is available to eligible children in a safe, quality environment.  Furthermore, child care is available for low income working parent(s) or parent(s) enrolled in an approved work or training program.  The service options for child care include:

• Family Child Care  (Type B Providers)  - Care is provided by a single provider for up to six (6) children in the provider’s home.
   
• Subsidized Center Based Child Care  - Care is provided to larger groups of   children in a day care center setting.  Children are separated by age and staff is assigned to care for a group. 
   
• Early Learning Initiative (ELI)  - Child care and educational services are provided to three (3), four (4) and five (5) years olds in a center setting. 

The income guidelines (Federal Poverty Levels) for financially eligible families may vary from 150%, 165%, 185% to 195% depending upon the service option the child care customer makes application for and is eligible to receive.  For further information on program eligibility please call (330) 740-2600, ext 8695 or you may visit http://jfs.ohio.gov/CDC/.

WHEN YOU APPLY FOR CHILD CARE YOU MUST:

• Complete and sign the child care application.
•  If you are not on public assistance you must include your social security cards and birth certificates for all household members.
• You must provide an employer letter stating your income and hours you work.
• If you attending school you must submit your school schedule.
• You must interview a prospective provider and provide their name on your application.  To select a provider you may access: http://jfs.ohio.gov/CDC/  (select classic search).

To make application for child care assistance at this site: 

Click Here for Application 

Applications can also be mailed to P.O. Box 600, Youngstown, Ohio, 44501-0600, dropped off at Oakhill Renaissance Place, 345 Oakhill Ave, Youngstown, Ohio, 44502 or faxed to 330-740-2617.

PROVIDER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Mahoning County does offer an orientation program for the certification of providers that meet the standards for professional certification in accordance with Chapter §5101:2-14 of the Administrative Code.  For more information on this program you may contact 330-740-2600 extension 8695.