FSSA Employer Sponsored Childcare Fund Grant Supports Pulaski County
In March of 2024, Pulaski County received $750,000 from the Employer-Sponsored Child Care Fund grant through the Family and Social Services Administration’s Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (FSSA). The Employer Sponsored Child Care Fund grant is a $25 million program that provides seed funding for employers and local communities to expand employer subsidized child care benefits to address growing local child care needs. The program, established with federal funding, was designed to increase child care access and support for working Hoosier families. Pulaski County’s grant contract with the state was finalized in June and the Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFoPC) is administering the grant which ends in May 2025.
This grant is dedicated to increasing the number of high-quality child care seats available to Pulaski County families. Funds are helping emerging providers to obtain certifications and meet licensing requirements, start new childcare centers such as the Winamac Early Learning Academy, and provide tuition subsidies for families at local, licensed providers. Funds are also working to convert a former church into a micro-center in Francesville, IN.
“Childcare is an economic development issue and one of the biggest challenges facing our working families in Pulaski County,” said Leeann Wright, executive director of CFoPC. “The Community Foundation, in partnership with the Quality Childcare Coalition of Pulaski County knows this is an issue because we have collected the data, talked to our community members and businesses directly, and we see it every day.”
Quality Childcare Coalition member and parent Katy Ruff shared, “This grant is a step in the right direction, but for a lasting solution, we of course, still need the business community and residents to support childcare providers long-term. Families can also take more advantage of programs like On My Way Pre-K and the Child Care Assistance vouchers.”
This FSSA grant required a local match and was supported by several local businesses: Alliance Bank, BraunAbility, Galbreath, Metal Fab Engineering, Pulaski Health Foundation/Parkview Haven, Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Pulaski Health Foundation, and West Central School Corporation.
“Having more childcare resources in our county will help families focus on getting their families ahead and help make our community stronger, more stable, and happier for years to come,” Leeann continued. “Our families work hard and deserve these kinds of support and opportunities. We are thrilled to be working with FSSA to give that to them.”
If you would like to know more about gaining assistance for affordable childcare, please visit the FSSA at www.in.gov/fssa/carefinder/child-care-assistance/