Funding Sources for Childcare

Families, in order to qualify for assistance, must be working and also pay a portion of the total childcare cost. The amount of the family's fee is determined on a sliding scale based upon their income level. Parents pay, on average, 13-15% of the total cost of childcare. To maintain eligibility, parents must present six weeks of pay stubs every six months. Our center is registered for 163 children whose annual childcare costs average $8,400 per child depending on their age and family income. Eligible families receive one of several sources of funding to supplement the childcare fee they pay.

	1. Early Learning Coalition Federal Funds (100% Government Funds). The Federal Government provides money to the State of Florida for this program. It pays all of the childcare cost that the parent doesn't pay. In the past this program took care of nearly all of our children. However, recent government budget cuts have reduced the number of children that can be funded through this program. This category now covers approximately 45 % of our children.
	2. Harlem Heights Program (50% Government Funds / 50% Private Matching Donations) The State of Florida has begun providing matching grants for some of our families. In order for our families to receive these funds, families must reside in the Harlem Heights community and Brightest Horizons must raise an equal amount through private matching donations. This category covers approximately 44% of our children.
	3. Ladder Scholarships (100% Private Donations) When a parent succeeds at work and receives an increase in pay, though it may only be $5 or $10 a week, they may no longer qualify for a subsidy. So it is very possible for them to have received a $10 per week raise yet be faced with an increase in the weekly cost of childcare from $50 to $125, E.G. Sadly this turns the parent's success into an impossible situation for their children. For these families, ladder scholarships are used to supplement their fees. This category represents 8% of our children. Without this scholarship program, we would be setting our families up for failure.
	4. Special Scholarships (100% Private Donations) Circumstances sometimes prevent families from qualifying for any federal or state funding. For them we provide special scholarships. For example, a grandmother who is raising her grandchildren and does not work the required 30 hours a week would not qualify. Yet the children need care. This category represents 1% of our children.

When Brightest Horizons began in 1974, most contributions came from Churches. Our need for funds was small since the childcare was paid through Federal funds. Then as now, we needed contributions for supplies, repairs and community outreach. When we increased the number of families we serve with an additional building in 1998, most of our children were still subsidized through Federal funds. Since then, with the steady decline of Federal support, we must raise matching funds to provide our services to almost half of the children and families who depend on Brightest Horizons for Child Care. In addition, there are always children who do not qualify for Federal or State funding. For them, loss of this program and its learning- readiness benefits would be seriously detrimental; hence the need for the Ladder and Special Scholarships.

Within our community, the need for the services we provide is greater than our ability to meet it. Brightest Horizons is dedicated to those who rely on us to prepare their children for a successful educational future. To accomplish this we must generate over $400,000 a year through private fund raising.

Education is one of the greatest gifts we can provide to our children. Your generosity will enable them to succeed and become productive citizens. Thank you.

Brightest Horizons, 10320 Gladiolus Drive, P O Box 08072 Fort Myers, FL 33908

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Last modified: June 27, 2007 Hit Counter