US EditionDelayed Federal Payment Threatens to Upend Missouri’s Childcare System
More than half of Missouri's 1,700 child care providers face delays in federal subsidy payments totaling $25.7 million, risking payroll and operational stability, officials said.
- State officials say December invoices remain unpaid after the federal request; Missouri child care providers are owed $25.7 million, though DESE-OOC submitted documentation Friday, January 9.
- Following federal fraud concerns, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services required states to justify child-care expenses, and U.S. Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill said funds release depends on proven legitimacy.
- Missouri providers report operating on thin budgets and delayed reimbursements force some, including Rising Sun Learning Center and Each One Teach One Learning Center , to seek loans or defer bills to meet payroll.
- If payments don't arrive soon, providers warn Missouri child care centers at risk of closure or service reductions, affecting families relying on subsidies including low-income and foster families.
- DESE told providers payments are delayed due to holidays/maintenance; Commissioner Karla Eslinger assured `Our priority is to ensure Missouri families and children continue to have access to safe and quality child care`.
15 Articles
15 Articles
DESE submits expense breakdown to federal government amid child care payment delays
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and its Office of Childhood are working with federal officials as more than half of the state’s child care providers continue to wait for overdue payments. DESE said in a release Friday it received a request from the federal government late Thursday for a detailed justification of pending child care payment requests before funding can be released. A DESE spokespe…
Missouri waiting on feds to reimburse child care providers
By Annelise Hanshaw and Steph Quinn Missouri Independent Megan Huffman is holding off paying rent and utilities this month for the day care she runs in… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close The post Missouri waiting on feds to reimburse child care providers appeared first on The Examiner.
Missouri waiting on $25.7 million payment from feds to reimburse child care providers
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