Supportive Services Resources - Welfare to Work Vouchers

Childcare Services

Welfare to Work housing voucher recipients who are entering the workforce will need reliable, affordable, and flexible childcare if they are to become self-sufficient. Yet, the lack of affordable, quality childcare is a well-documented barrier to parents entering or re-entering the workforce and often inhibits them from remaining steadily employed. Because childcare is likely to be one of the most significant barriers WtW housing voucher participants encounter as they transition to employment, PHAs and other program staff may need to devote time and resources to helping program participants locate suitable, affordable care. This may include identifying partners and TANF agencies with access to childcare services.

In recent decades, the demand for childcare has swelled dramatically, reflecting a sharp rise in the number of women working outside of the home. Most communities are not keeping up with the increase in demand or meeting the specific needs of families. Studies have found the largest supply gaps to be in low income and rural communities.

Arranging for childcare is even harder when parents work evenings and weekends. Nontraditional schedules affect the lives of millions of families. In 1995, 29 percent of the American workforce-34 percent of female employees-had nonstandard work arrangements. In contrast, most childcare providers offer five-day-a-week day care during conventional working hours.