Mississippi is investing $5 million to help low-income families pay for child care.
The Mississippi Department of Human Services announced Wednesday that the funding will come from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and will be administered through the agency’s division of early childhood care and development. Parents will receive money through the child care payment program voucher system.
Officials say that existing child care support opportunities will complement the campaign, which the state provides through various sub-grantees offering afterschool programs and workforce supports for working families.
“Child care is not a luxury — it is the infrastructure that makes work possible for Mississippi families,” MDHS Executive Director Bob Anderson said. “This $5 million investment is a targeted, responsible use of TANF funds to reach working parents who need help, and it reflects our commitment to deploying public resources where they make a real difference.”
State officials added that the seven-figure investment is an extension of MDHS’ existing annual conversion of approximately $25.7 million from the TANF program to the child care development fund, which reflects the maximum allowed under federal law. By investing these direct funds, officials say MDHS can extend child care assistance to additional eligible families beyond those currently supported through existing programs.
Families seeking child care assistance do not need to submit a new or separate application. Eligibility will be determined through the current process, including income eligibility standards and work or education requirements. Approved vouchers funded through the TANF direct stream will provide the same level of assistance as those funded.
Child care providers will be compensated through the up-and-running child care payment program reimbursement process with no changes to their current billing or reporting requirements.
“Mississippi working families have always been the heart of what we do at MDHS,” MDHS Early Childhood Care and Development Director Dr. Chad Allgood said. “This additional investment means we can say yes to more families trying to build a better future.”
