Browse By Policies & Programs

• Education and Opportunity

  We believe that all of the mothers and children involved in the project have the right to further their educations and explore different career and enrichment opportunities that suit their interests and skills. The extent to which their potential can be realized is shaped by several government policies and programs—beginning with early childhood education, continuing through the public school system, opportunities for tertiary education at colleges or technical schools, and support with job searches and career planning.

   

  Child Care Assistance

  Child care assistance is part of the cash assistance program and can also be granted separately for parents who are low-income but do not receive cash assistance. In Philadelphia, Child Care Works will helps recipients find and pay for quality child care while they are on cash assistance and looking for a job, going to work or going to school. Parents have the right to choose the type of care their children receive, be it from a day care center, preschool or private babysitter. Those who do not receive cash assistance will be placed on a waiting list for CCIS (Child Care Information Services) for a child care subsidy to cover all or part of the cost of child care. When this system works efficiently, it allows parents of young children the opportunity to work and support their families without their income being drained due to the high cost of child care.

   

  Public School System

  All school-aged children living within the city of Philadelphia are required to attend Philadelphia public schools if they are not enrolled in a private or charter institution. Philadelphia public schools face the same challenges that many other public schools in urban centers struggle against: large class sizes, under-funding, and the co-occurring low student performance and violence. Any intervention to reduce poverty rates and increase the health and well-being of Philadelphians must include prioritizing primary and secondary education.

  Child Care Assistance, Enrichment & Recreation, Public School System