“When I applied to ACCM, I was actually a preschool teacher. But when I… got into the program, I was able to go full time into my job. I was actually promoted to director at the child care facility that my daughter attends.” - Participant from parent focus group
A few parents completed their education after accessing stable child care through the ACCM Pilot Program. Some parents noted how completing their education allowed them to obtain better jobs. Others would have quit their studies if not for the ACCM Pilot Program. Some families were mindful that they might become ineligible for the ACCM Pilot Program after finishing their education and advancing their career. However, they still expressed appreciation for the temporary support that helped them transition to the private pay market. “My wife successfully defended her PhD while we were getting this help… Without the support, I don’t think she [would have been] able to finish any sooner… I’m a PhD candidate about to finish my studies. So, it was helping
me… I could also progress on my own studies… I was able to gain experience as a teacher. I was able to accept the teaching faculty position within my university.” - Participant from parent focus group
Other parents felt that they became more reliable employees after accessing more stable child care. Parents discussed how they were no longer distracted by the constant concern about where they would find child care or by having to provide care themselves while working. Others were grateful that they no longer had to take days off or leave early, given that the ACCM Pilot Program allowed them to find more stable, reliable care. Some of these parents also felt that better performance at work helped improve their relationship with their employer. “I’m seen as more dependable, you know? Before, I was trying to budget days and take days I didn’t earn yet… because I couldn’t afford the child care. I just think the relationship has really gotten so much more positive because I’m seen as dependable… I never didn’t want to go [to work], I just needed help with the child care.” - Participant from parent focus group
Financial Stability
With reduced child care costs resulting from the ACCM Pilot Program, parents were able to afford other basic needs, enrich their families’ lives, and save for the future. With reduced child care costs, parents could better afford other basic needs. Parents consistently described how the ACCM Pilot Program significantly reduced their households’ child care costs. According to ACCM Pilot Program data, families paid an average copay of $316 per month. This is a drastic reduction from the monthly out-of-pocket child care costs in Allegheny County that are about
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