State to attempt to make child care more affordable

South Carolina DSS announces new steps today to help parents who are balancing work and child care.  A new rate structure is being put into place for child care providers taking part in ABC Quality and who accept South Carolina Voucher recipients.  “In many cases,” says Michael Leach, state DSS director, “providers will receive more reimbursement based on what they are charging.”  The new structure is based on the individual age of the child, instead of a grouping of ages.  Under the program, the state pays a reimbursement rate directly to child care providers on behalf of families who are enrolled in SC Voucher and meet the income and work or education requirements of the program.  You can get more information by calling the SC Voucher Program at 1-800/262-4416.