The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) has removed the child support cooperation requirement for some parents and guardians receiving child care tuition assistance through the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP).
MDHS has instituted this policy change to help families access high-quality child care, assist parents in entering and remaining in the workforce, and strengthen K-12 readiness.
“Child care is essential to the future of Mississippi. Accessibility of quality child care strengthens families, enriches learning, and undergirds our workforce,” MDHS Executive Director Bob Anderson said. “This policy change is a step towards allowing parents to fully participate in the workforce and is an investment in families, communities, and the economy.”
The CCPP, administered by the MDHS Division of Early Childhood Care and Development, provides tuition assistance to qualifying parents and guardians who need help with child care.
Once approved for assistance, parents choose a participating provider. Upon enrollment in a child care center, the MDHS makes payment directly to the provider on behalf of the child.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to apply for the child care payment plan voucher for their child or dependent. MDHS is hopeful that additional child care providers will register to accept vouchers and serve Mississippi children.
