Kansas is trying out a pilot program to get more parents into the workforce.

The new program is a collaboration between the Kansas Department of Commerce and local groups administering Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and DCF funding.

“Access to quality affordable child care is one of the biggest barriers that prevents working parents from joining the workforce,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We have recruited new jobs and businesses to communities across Kansas. But in order for those companies to see success and grow, they will need a prepared and available workforce to support them. We want this initiative to be the first of many that supports Kansas employers and Kansas families.”

Funds available through WIOA total $500,000 and are available to eligible persons job searching and accessing services through Kansas Workforce Centers.

“This innovative referral system between state agencies will help Kansas job-seekers gain access to child care assistance,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said. “Access to safe, affordable child care will mean more families can find meaningful employment. Children benefit from spending time in a safe learning environment, it is one less thing a job seeker must coordinate, and it supports employers that are working to hire staff.”

“Working parents have unique challenges, and this initiative will help many access the quality child care they need in their back-to-work plans,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Supporting working families is good for our workforce, and good for our economy in Kansas.”

Groups involved in this project developed a process to refer job seekers to appropriate child care assistance programs.

A DCF child care assistance application may be submitted online, by mail, fax, dropped off, or submitted in-person at a DCF service center.

To apply online or see a list of DCF office locations visit https://cssp.kees.ks.gov/apspssp/sspNonMed.portal.

Learn more about the DCF child care subsidy visit http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/pages/child_care/childcaresubsidy.aspx.