The Bridge Program is structured around three essential components designed to offer crucial support to families navigating the foster care system. These components work in synergy to provide immediate and ongoing assistance, ensuring the well-being of children and families during challenging times. This initiative can be considered a vital example of Emergency Care Programs Inc, focusing on providing timely and effective support for vulnerable populations.
Emergency Child Care Vouchers
One of the core elements of the Bridge Program is the provision of emergency child care vouchers. These vouchers are designed to alleviate the financial burden of child care costs for families involved in the foster care system. Specifically, these vouchers are available for children from birth through age 12 who are in foster care, and for older youth with exceptional needs, up to age 21.
Initially, a voucher may be granted for a six-month period. Following this initial period, there’s an opportunity for renewal for an additional six months. This extension can continue until the child is successfully enrolled in a long-term, subsidized child care program. In certain compelling circumstances, and at the discretion of the county administering the program, eligibility for these vouchers may extend beyond the standard 12-month period.
It’s important to note that all vouchers issued under the Bridge Program adhere to the Regional Market Rate (RMR) ceilings established for subsidized child care payment rates in California. Counties have the flexibility to issue these vouchers directly to families or to collaborate with local Alternate Payment Programs (APPs) and/or Resource and Referral Programs (R&R Programs) to facilitate voucher distribution and management.
Child Care Navigator Services
The Bridge Program also incorporates the crucial role of a Child Care Navigator. These navigators, who are employed by local R&R Programs, serve as invaluable resources for eligible families. They work directly with families and other authorized individuals to explore and assess available child care options that best suit the child’s age and specific needs. Beyond simply identifying options, navigators provide essential consumer education, empowering families to make informed decisions about child care.
The services of a Child Care Navigator are broadly accessible. They are available to any child currently in foster care, children who have previously been in foster care and have returned to their home of origin, and children whose parents are involved with the child welfare system. This wide reach ensures that a significant number of families can benefit from personalized guidance in navigating the often complex landscape of child care.
Trauma-Informed Care Training and Coaching for Providers
Recognizing the unique needs of children who have experienced trauma, the Bridge Program includes a significant focus on trauma-informed care. This component provides child care providers with access to specialized training and coaching in trauma-informed practices. The goal of this training is to equip providers with practical strategies and techniques for effectively working with children who have a history of traumatic experiences.
The curriculum for this training was developed and is delivered by The California Child Care Resource and Referral Network. They also oversee the certification of trainers within local R&R Programs, ensuring a consistent and high-quality standard of training. While the use of this designated curriculum and certified trainers is strongly encouraged for all R&R Programs participating in the Bridge Program, it highlights the program’s commitment to embedding trauma-informed care principles throughout its services.
For further inquiries regarding the Bridge Program, please reach out to the Child Care Programs Bureau at [email protected] .
Bridge Program Stipends for Child Care Providers
In addition to the core components, the Bridge Program also acknowledges the financial pressures faced by child care providers. Providers who serve children receiving Bridge Program child care subsidies, whether through a county or an Alternative Payment Program (APP), may be eligible for subsidized child care stipends, both currently and in the future. These stipends are available to various types of providers, including:
- Child Care Centers
- Family Child Care Homes
- License-Exempt Providers (often referred to as Family, Friend, or Neighbor (FFN) Providers)
These stipends are specifically designed to offer financial relief to child care providers who have faced ongoing challenges. These challenges can include decreased enrollment, the need for increased teacher-to-child ratios, the added expenses associated with enhanced cleaning protocols, and other financial burdens, particularly those arising from the pandemic.
For more detailed information about these stipends, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document. This resource provides comprehensive answers to common questions and clarifies eligibility criteria and application processes.
