Richland - Children's Coalition

FAQ

The Online Application Process
Q. What is RICH Early Childhood Network?

A. Rich Network's goal is to make high quality early care and education available to all children in Richland Parish and that all children will enter kindergarten healthy and ready for success. RICH Network also works to help families make the best choices for their child's early care and education and to be involved in supporting their child's early development.

Program Partners in the RICH Network include:

• 3 Type 3 licensed child care centers- Humble Beginnings Child Care; Delhi, Little Feathers Child Care; Rayville, Tender Touch Nursery; Rayville
• Richland Parish School System;
• Delta Community Action Head Start;
• EarlySteps

The coordinating partner for the RICH Network is the Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana. Child Care Connections, the Child Care Resource and Referral Agency for Northeast Louisiana, is a program of the Children's Coalition.

Q. How do I apply for an early childhood program?

A. Applications are available on this website... just click on the link!

Q. What do I need to bring with me to apply for an early childhood program?

A. 1. Proof of Income - Note: Use hourly rate and income formula whenever possible for the most accurate and consistent verification. Select which item(s) you have verified:

1. Two (2) consecutive check stubs for EACH PARENT or CAREGIVER IN THE HOUSEHOLD for the current year (within 2 months from the date of filling out this application.) Use tables below to calculate.
2. An official letter from your employer stating all of the following:
• Where parent/guardian is employed
• Hourly rate of pay
• The average number of hours parent/guardian works per week.
3. SNAP/Food Stamps - must include the child's name and valid effective dates. (Certified thru ______________)
4. A statement from the Social Security Administration verifying that the child listed on the application is a recipient of SSI benefits, which must be accompanied by two current check stubs.
5. Current foster care placement agreement from DCFS
6. Parents who are homeless or unemployed must submit a letter of support and income documentation from support source.

2. Birth Certificate - Select which item(s) you have verified:

1. Verify child's date of birth (For example: Applicants for 2016-2017 4 year old programs (LA 4, NSECD, PreK Grant) must fall between October 1, 2011- September 30, 2012.) Date of Birth: ________________
2. Verify person completing application is the parent listed on the birth certificate.
• If person completing application is NOT listed on the birth certificate, court-issued custody papers must be submitted.

3. Proof of Residence - Select which item you have verified:

1. Louisiana driver's license,
2. State-issued ID card
3. Current utility bill with the parent's name and address.
4. Current lease or mortgage statement
5. If the parent and child live with a family member or friend, that person is to provide verification with a letter in addition to one of the above items.
6. Homeless

4. Shot Record

Q. When do I apply for an early childhood program?

Programs that accept applications anytime:

• Child Care Centers
• EarlySteps
• Early Head Start

There is a Coordinated Application period of April 4-8, 2016 for the following programs:

• Richland Parish School System
• Delta Community Action Head Start

A Coordinated Application Period means this is NOT "first come, first served," but all completed applications of eligible children taken during April 4-8, 2016 will be considered.

Q. How long will it take before I know if my child has been accepted?

A. The public school Pre-K Programs and Head Start selected a specific date, June 6th as the Coordinated Notification date. Child care centers, Early Head Start, and EarlySteps will notify you as soon as possible after processing your application.

Q. What happens if I miss the Coordinated Application period?

A. If you miss the Coordinated Application period, you will be placed on a waiting list and notified if a spot becomes available.

Q. If I qualify, is my child guaranteed a spot?

YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO CONFIRM WITH THE PROGRAM AFTER RECEIVING THE NOTIFICATION BY JUNE 16TH OR FORFEIT YOUR SPOT.

Q. What happens if I don't qualify?

A. If you don't qualify for a publicly-funded program, paying tuition at a quality rated child care center is an option. The right care and education for your child in these critical years is worth considering. Remember, your choices shape their chances and quality should always be your choice.

Q. How do I figure out my monthly income?

A. Monthly Income Calculation Table: How to Translate Income into a Monthly Figure

INCOME LIMITS SHOWN ARE EFFECTIVE FOR 2016-2017 ENROLLMENT ONLY LA 4, NSECD, PreK Expansion Grant: 185% FPL
Family Size/Gross Monthly Income
2 People ~ $2,470
3 People ~ $3,108
4 People ~ $3,746
5 People ~ $4,385
6 People ~ $5,023
7 People ~ $5,663
8 People ~ $6,304

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
Family Size/Gross Monthly Income
2 People ~ $2,150
3 People ~ $2,656
4 People ~ $3,162
5 People ~ $3,688
6 People ~ $4,173
7 People ~ $4,268
8 People ~ $4,363
9 People ~ $4,458

Head Start: 100% FPL
Family Size/Gross Monthly Income
2 People ~ $1,335
3 People ~ $1,680
4 People ~ $2,025
5 People ~ $2,370
6 People ~ $2,715
7 People ~ $3,061
8 People ~ $3,408
9 People ~ $3,754

Head Start: 130% FPL
Family Size/Gross Monthly Income
2 People ~ $1,736
3 People ~ $2,184
4 People ~ $2,633
5 People ~ $3,081
6 People ~ $3,530
7 People ~ $3,979
8 People ~ $4,430
9 People ~ $4,880 

Q. What is a Child Care Resource and Referral Agency?

A. Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies assist families with finding and evaluating child care, train child care providers and help develop new child care facilities. The Child Care Resource and Referral Agency for Northeast Louisiana is Child Care Connections, a program of the Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana.

Child Care Connections
1363 Louisville Avenue
Monroe, LA 71201
(318) 323-4522
(877) 206-0819
childrenscoalition.org

Q. What is Quality Start?

A. As parents, you want the very best for your children. That's what Quality Start is all about. When you choose a Quality Start member child care center, you know you are choosing a center that is among the finest in the state. Quality Start is a voluntary program for licensed child care centers, designed to recognize, support, and increase the quality of child care throughout Louisiana. Participating centers can earn up to five stars. Quality Start also offers training and incentives to child care providers to help increase their rating. Important new quarterly bonuses and tax credits are also available to parents who choose a Quality Start center.

Q. Why should I choose a Quality Start Child Care Center?

A. Research shows quality child care can improve your child's well-being including their readiness for school.

1. Child care centers who participate are showing parents their commitment to providing quality child care.
2. On your tax return, your family may qualify for the annual School Readiness Tax Credit based on the star rating of your child care center, your family income and your child's age.

Q. Where can I get more information about Quality Start?

• Contact your Child Care Resource and Referral Agency, Child Care Connections, at 318.323.4522 or 1.877.206.0819, childrenscoalition.org
• Contact the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services - Child Development and Early Learning Section at 225.342.0694 or 1.800.680.9098.
• http://www.qrslouisiana.org/

Q. Who do I call if I think my child has missed a Developmental Milestone?