ICES offers a solution to the burden of finding childcare

Contributed by
Sallee Gaines Lang

Finding safe and qualified childcare in Mariposa County has been an ongoing issue for the area’s parents for years and years. But there is an agency in Mariposa County that is here to help – Infant/Child Enrichment Services (ICES).

Parents in Mariposa County can go to the ICES office or call and request a list of qualified childcare providers that they can interview and choose from. At the same time, they can also apply for childcare subsidies to help pay for childcare services. ICES is funded through the California Department of Social Services.

Individuals can also receive information on how to start a new childcare business either in their home or by establishing a childcare center.

Shana Bender, Program Coordinator for ICES can provide an abundance of information about the services this agency provides to ease the strain of securing quality childcare locally.

Bender has been with ICES for over 10 years and loves her job, the children, and the cozy old home that shelters this important Mariposa County agency. With the help of her assistant, Sarah, who also possesses a wealth of information, this is a smoothly operating and easy-to-use organization.

ICES helps qualifying families pay for childcare. Direct payment is issued to the family’s selected childcare provider on the parents’ behalf. Some families may be assessed a family fee which is based on the size of the family and the income level. They may also have a share in the cost if their childcare provider charges more than the ICES program is able to reimburse.

Parents who have children with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

“Our programs are easily utilized,” Bender explained. “If an applicant is receiving cash aid, their Welfare to Work case manager will issue a referral to ICES, and we take it from there. If an applicant is not receiving cash aid, they fill out an eligibility application.” To participate in the ICES subsidy programs, a family must meet the eligibility requirements determined by the Department of Social Services and have a qualifying need for childcare.

Families who are income eligible must meet one of the following requirements: currently employed, in school or in training, seeking employment, seeking permanent housing, homeless, referred by Child Welfare Service, have an at-risk referral letter, or are medically incapacitated.

There are three legal childcare options available in California: (1) to have a family member, friend, or neighbor who is not licensed (and doesn’t wish to be) care for one family’s child/children in the provider’s home, (2) to have childcare provided in homes that are licensed by the state (these homes may have several family’s children being cared for) and, (3) to have one of the six childcare centers in Mariposa county provide childcare.

ICES offers services to all licensed and license-exempt childcare providers in Mariposa whether it’s a childcare center or a home-based provider. Among many other things, these services include training, recruitment and support to childcare providers.

The training programs are not mandatory but are readily available to help the individual feel more prepared to start their new business.

This includes after-school care, all-day care, evening and all-night care. It depends on what each childcare provider offers to the parent. Several resources are also available to support childcare providers. Workshops, consultation and assistance, and a lending library with toys are also available.

Childcare centers in Mariposa are usually half-day care and cater to a larger group of children. All the centers are unique to the desires of people operating them. ICES recently offered learning kits with materials for all providers in the county. There were four learning kits each provider could choose from: outdoor play, infant care, arts and crafts, or sensory and emotion.

“There is a shortage of childcare workers across the state of California and recruitment of new caregivers can be a challenge. It’s a fun business for someone who loves children and wants to work out of their home; it can be like grandma’s house or in more of a preschool theme,” Bender said. “It’s your business to run as you wish, within the childcare regulations. You may be a new mother/parent(s) who wants to stay home and watch another child or children, a retired grandma, or a couple who wish to share their home with laughing, teaching and the enjoyment of having children around.”

Applicant requirements include passing fingerprint and background checks, taking a TB test, providing proof of immunity from whooping cough and measles; showing proof of the latest flu vaccine, and having an in-home fire extinguisher. In addition, applicants will be required to take classes in Pediatric First Aid and CPR, and Preventative Health and Safety. ICES can reimburse a portion of the start-up costs.

ICES can refer providers to food programs to help supplement costs and/or parents can send meals and snacks with their children. There is a myriad of training available for those interested. Homes and childcare centers will be inspected for safety by Community Care Licensing.

“We at ICES believe parents are best able to choose childcare for their children. This is an exciting program; it’s relatively easy and everyone benefits,” Bender added.

ICES is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at 5060 Bullion Street in Mariposa. The phone number is (209) 966-4474, and the staff is also available through email at [email protected].