If you're an agency-licensed foster parent, you may be eligible with help for day care and childcare expenses. When possible caregivers should utilize Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) programs. Request information about day care services by calling Starting Point at (216) 575-0061.

• If you work full-time outside the home or are a full-time student, you may request childcare services for five days per week to accommodate your work or school schedule.
• If you work part-time or are a stay-at-home caregiver, you may request childcare services for three days per week.
• If you need more daycare service, you must request permission from the area senior manager. Ask your DCFS resource manager for contact information.

While in Cuyahoga County custody, all children age four and up should be enrolled in a preschool program.

Reimbursement:

• If the day care charges are equal to the dollar amount allowed, the provider will receive that dollar amount.
• If the charges are under allowable maximum amount, the provider will be reimbursed the amount charged.
• At no time will any provider be paid more than their published day care rate.

If you need or would like to use a day care provider that is not a SUTQ provider, you must contact your resource manager. The resource manager will write out your request, including your reasons for using a specific provider. The senior manager will review this documentation and decide if an exception can be granted.

This service can also be used for minor mothers to cover the cost of day care for their minor children while the mother is in Cuyahoga County custody.

Children in County custody who are placed out of state in the home of a relative, who is also a licensed foster parent, are eligible to participate in this program. They must find a caregiver willing to bill Cuyahoga County.