Although her family income is modest, Ashley, a Pre-k teacher at a local childcare, assumed that she would never qualify for childcare assistance to help pay for her 3 small children (a 2 ½ year old and 1 year old twins). Getting paid once a month was a struggle for her family and paying childcare was becoming out of the question. But, after hearing a friend discuss Wilson county Partnership for Children’s Subsidy Program, she decided to give it a try.

After submitting her childcare application, Ashley was contacted stating that she was approved. “I was elated when I received the call. I didn’t think I would get anything, but I decided it was worth trying because things were getting really tight,” recalls Ashley.

Once approved, Ashley came into the office for her interview in which the parent’s responsibilities and guidelines are discussed and reviewed. At that time, she was given the opportunity to ask questions and receive her childcare vouchers in which she had the choice of choosing a 3, 4, or 5 star childcare facility. “This program has really helped my family and has ceased my worries of the well-being of my children while I am away at work, “ states Ashley. “In the process, they are learning and developing through high quality experiences that will lay the foundation for later success in life” says Ashley. “This assistance has made things much better now. Paying the monthly parent fee is no comparison to the total amount that I would have to pay for 3 children without assistance.” She adds, “I don’t know what I would do without this program. It has been a lifesaver for my family. I hope it continues for a long time to come.”