LV Urban League's Early Childhood Connection Helping Families During National Foster Care Month

LAS VEGAS - May 4, 2022 - PRLog -- The Las Vegas Urban League's Early Childhood Connection (ECC) Childcare Team provides one-stop service in placing foster children in safe day care environments through an application process that takes place in a fast and timely manner.

"We are very passionate and dedicated to the families who offer a place for the foster/Child Protective Services children so they can feel safe and secure," ECC Eligibility Supervisor Deshone Flowers said. "We understand that our foster/CPS parents are accepting placements sometimes with very short notice, which makes cases time sensitive, as they require childcare to become set in place almost immediately… I take pride in saying we are processing anywhere from one to 10 days of receiving a childcare application and all needed documentations. It feels good to know, at the end of the day, that we have helped to make a difference in keeping the children safe and giving them something to look forward to everyday."

With childcare costing $700 or more a month, the ECC Childcare Team is able to offer foster parents substantial savings. The ECC program accepts applications for children ages birth to 13 years old. Team members also assist minor mothers access all their needs and work closely with the Clark County Department of Family Services and the courts.

There are more than 400,000 children and youth in foster care nationally, with 34 percent being placed with relatives or kin, according to the Children's Bureau and Child Welfare Information Gateway. When children cannot remain in a safe home environment, placement is necessary with relatives or next of kin. This increases stability for the child, reduces trauma and helps maintain a sense of family, belonging and identity.

The Las Vegas Urban League (LVUL) Early Childhood Connection (ECC) Child Care Subsidy Program assists eligible families with the cost of childcare using a provider of the parent's choice. The parent may use a Family, Friend or Neighbor (FFN) provider as their caregiver, if they register with the Subsidy Program and meet program requirements.

There is currently no waiting list for services. The state has extended the eligibility up to 85 percent SMI (State Medium Income) to increase the number of families eligible for childcare assistance.

Both providers and families can participate in free Nevada Registry- approved classes on child development, health and safety and other topics related to providing quality care for children. Families can also get assistance locating licensed childcare in their community through LVUL ECC.

The Las Vegas Urban League is a 501c (3) program funded by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health.

For more information, families are encouraged to email childcareinfo@lvul.org or visit our website at https://childcarelv.org.