Ride On Buses Become Mobile Billboards for Montgomery County’s Child Care Assistance Program

The county’s Department of Health and Human Services is actively promoting its Working Parents Assistance (WPA) program through advertisements on Ride On buses, local radio stations, and social media platforms.

The WPA initiative aims to provide financial aid to help parents in specific income brackets cover the cost of childcare. Throughout this fiscal year, the county has allocated nearly $3 million in support to qualifying parents, with additional funds available for distribution to eligible families.

“As a former teacher, I know the value of early childhood education on a child’s development, and quality, licensed child care is essential for working parents,” County Executive Marc Elrich said in a press release. “We are committed to helping eligible residents pay for child care, which allows them to focus on their careers or education while ensuring their children’s safety and well-being. Programs like the Working Parents Assistance program help children and their parents.”

Hey Montgomery County parents! 🎉 Need help with child care costs? Apply for the Working Parents Assistance Program (WPA) & get the support you deserve! 🍼💼 It's easy: fill out the online form, submit your docs, and voila!

➡️ https://t.co/yZCL8XnmMb pic.twitter.com/v4ccC1k6MO

— Montgomery County MD (@MontgomeryCoMD) March 11, 2024

To be eligible for the WPA program, parents or guardians must:

Reside in Montgomery County.
Align with the established income eligibility guidelines.
Must be the parent or guardian of a child aged from birth to 13 years or up to 19 years if the child has a disability requiring care.
Be in pursuit of child support through the court, voluntarily or by claiming a valid reason.
Must be engaged in at least 25 hours of employment per week, enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or vocational program, or a combination of the two.

It is important to note that the immigration status of either the parents or the children does not affect eligibility for the WPA program. However, the childcare provider chosen by the family must possess a license from the State of Maryland.

The WPA program’s website offers information on eligibility criteria and the application process for those interested in learning more about the program or needing to apply. Additionally, individuals can reach out directly by calling (240) 777-1177 for further assistance.