FY 2009–2010 Budget
Fairbanks North Star Borough
 PROGRAM BUDGET SUMMARY

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES – CHILD CARE DIVISION

MISSION/Program Description  

THE MISSION OF THE THIS SECTION IS TO PROVIDE CHILD CARE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO ELIGIBLE WORKING OR TRAINING PARENTS WHO RESIDE IN THE FNSB.  The program determines eligibility of parents based on income and activity, and of child care providers based on health and safety standards.  The goal for program administration is to be easily accessible yet efficient and accountable for the use of public funds.  This program supports the local economy by making more workers available to employers and by injecting close to $2M  annually in payments to child care business. The Borough receives state and federal dollars through a State grant to administer this program. 

Major Long-Term Issues and Concerns 

• Income limits need updating. The current limits were set in 2002. Fewer families qualify for services they need. Anecdotally, we hear of more young children being left on their own at home, as families cannot afford to pay for care.

• State subsidy rates were updated this year, but still fall below recommended standards.

• Licensed child care continues to lose capacity. The cost of doing business exceeds what parents can afford to pay.

• DHSS administrative requirements continue to increase; funding has been flat for five years. Customer service response times have increased due to the cumbersome procedures we are required to follow.

Objectives for FY 2010 

• Provide Child Care Assistance to Borough residents in a professional and accountable manner:

  • Eligibility determinations will continue to be professional, and according to policies;

  • Provider billings will continue to be processed promptly for state payment.

• Support the efforts of community groups to work together with parents,
  providers, and agencies so that all parents in the Fairbanks North Star Borough have informed access to quality child care which they can afford.

Significant Budget Changes 

•  The FY 2010 budget reflects a net increase in personnel costs due to cost of living adjustments, union and management longevity, as well as increasing utility costs.

Previous Year’s Accomplishments 

• Met and/or exceeded grant performance measures for accuracy in eligibility for parents and providers as set by the State.

• Regular and routine work, as noted on the statistics page.