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Episcopal Children's Services reports enrollment gains, state changes expand School Readiness eligibility in Putnam County
Summary
Episcopal Children's Services reported that School Readiness in Putnam County served 704 children in the quarter, VPK served 431 children, and state policy changes (copay reduced to 6% and a higher income threshold) will allow more families to qualify for child-care assistance.
Episcopal Children's Services (ECS) delivered the quarterly early-learning update to the board, reporting the agency's first-quarter FY2025-26 activity in Putnam County and state policy changes that expand eligibility for subsidies.
ECS representative reported the following figures for January through September (FY 2025-26 quarter): School Readiness averaged 704 children served, of whom 516 were economically disadvantaged (parents working or in school); 87 funding notifications were issued; 29 childcare providers contracted for School Readiness (including 10 family childcare homes); and 431 children were participating in Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) across 23 local programs. ECS also logged 259 Child Care Resource & Referral contacts on consumer education and supportive resources.
The presenter said two recent state-level changes will affect local families: the maximum family co-payment percentage for the School Readiness Program decreased from 10% to 6% effective July 1, and, starting Oct. 1, the income-threshold methodology moved from 150% of the federal poverty level to 55% of the state median income. ECS gave an example showing a family-of-four eligibility increase from $48,225 to $56,685 annually under the new measure.
ECS thanked the county for a new $5,000 award the agency received to assist local families and encouraged residents to check ECS's website and wait list for School Readiness enrollment.
Ending: Commissioners thanked ECS for the update and emphasized the county's interest in supporting early-childhood programs that increase kindergarten readiness and support parents' workforce participation.
