The Bridges Program is structured around three core components designed to provide crucial support for families and children within the foster care system. These components work in synergy to address immediate child care needs, offer guidance in navigating child care options, and ensure that care providers are equipped to offer trauma-informed support.
Emergency Child Care Vouchers
A key element of the Bridges Program is the provision of emergency child care vouchers. These vouchers are designed to help families manage child care expenses for foster children from birth through age 12, and for youth with exceptional needs up to age 21. Initially, a voucher may be granted for a six-month period. Following this initial period, there is the possibility of renewal for an additional six months, or until the child is successfully enrolled in a long-term, subsidized child care arrangement. In specific cases, voucher eligibility can be extended beyond 12 months, contingent on county discretion and compelling circumstances. It’s important to note that all vouchers are aligned with the Regional Market Rate (RMR) ceilings for subsidized child care payment rates. Counties have the flexibility to issue these vouchers directly or to collaborate with local Alternate Payment Programs (APPs) and/or Resource and Referral Programs (R&R Programs).
Child Care Navigator Services
The Bridges Program incorporates the vital role of a child care navigator. These navigators, who are part of the local R&R Program, offer personalized assistance to eligible families. They work closely with families and authorized individuals to evaluate child care possibilities that suit the child’s age and specific needs. Furthermore, they deliver essential consumer education to empower families in making informed child care decisions. Navigator services are accessible to a broad spectrum of individuals: any child currently in foster care, children who have previously been in foster care and have returned to their family of origin, and children whose parents are involved with the child welfare system.
Trauma-Informed Care Training and Coaching for Providers
Recognizing the unique needs of children who have experienced trauma, the Bridges Program emphasizes trauma-informed care training and coaching for child care providers. This training is strategically designed to furnish providers with practical methods and insights for effectively supporting children who have endured traumatic experiences.
The curriculum for this training was expertly developed by The California Child Care Resource and Referral Network, who also manage the certification of trainers within the local R&R Programs. While the certification and use of this specific curriculum are strongly encouraged, it ensures a consistent and high standard of trauma-informed care across participating R&R Programs.
Bridge Program Stipends for Child Care Providers
Child care providers who serve children benefiting from the Bridges Program child care subsidy may be eligible for subsidized child care stipends. This eligibility extends to various types of providers, including Centers, Family Child Care Homes, and License-Exempt Providers (often referred to as Family, Friend, or Neighbor (FFN) Providers).
These stipends are intended to offer crucial financial support to child care providers, helping them navigate ongoing challenges such as reduced enrollment, increased teacher-to-child ratios, the financial implications of enhanced cleaning protocols, and other pandemic-related expenses.
For more detailed information, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document. For any direct inquiries regarding the Bridges Program, please reach out to the Child Care Programs Bureau at [email protected] .
