Voucher Day Care

Operating the largest program of its kind in western Massachusetts

Access to affordable child care is a necessity for for economically disadvantaged persons who participate in programs designed to improve their job skills, employment prospects and, ultimately, their self-sufficiency.

Responding to this need – one made more urgent under Massachusetts’ welfare reform law – New England Farm Workers’ Council (NEFWC) administers the largest voucher day care program in western MA and second largest statewide. This program is specifically designed to help persons receiving temporary public assistance who are also searching for work.

Over 5,000 Greater Springfield/Holyoke children participate in New England Farm Workers’ Council day care each year. They receive care from approximately 1,400 area day care vendors, many with bilingual capability, contracted to provide services.

A personalized touch characterizes the agency's approach to voucher day care.  NEFWC engages in a hands-on effort to help eligible parents determine the type of child care most appropriate to their needs. NEFWC helps identify the most compatible and convenient day care center or at-home child care provider available. Once a provider is selected by parents, Farm Workers issues a written voucher to the family stipulating daily service rate, the amount of state reimbursement and other contract terms.

Last year, total voucher day care subsidies through this program exceeded $21 million, or an average of over $1.8 million per month.  Voucher day care services across Massachusetts have more than doubled over the last five years -- largely due to a decrease in benefit eligibility periods for state public assistance and an increase in employment pressures.

Contact:    Brenda Montgomery, Director
                    (413) 272-2207