Programs

Monroe County United Ministries provides full-time, full-year affordable childcare for children ages 2-6 (temporarily ages 2.5 - 6 due to the recent closure of the Puffin Room). Parents must be Monroe County residents and be working full-time or working part-time while attending school. We do allow a small percentage of our enrollment to be children of full-time students.

Although the program is open to households of all income levels, low-income families receive first priority for enrollment. Fees are determined on a sliding scale based on family size and income. Providing high-quality childcare in our center costs $205 per child, per week, the average family on our sliding fee scale pays $45. A discount is available to families with more than one child enrolled. Eligible families are asked to apply for support through the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF), administered by the Community Alliance and Services for Young Children (CASY).

Our program is a licensed childcare center, licensed by the State of Indiana. For more information about licensed childcare centers versus other provider options, visit Indiana's Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA) web site. The FSSA site also provides a service called Carefinder, which allows parents and other concerned community members to search for care options and see the results of provider inspections and complaints filed against providers. FSSA administers a voluntary assessment program for care providers called Paths to Quality, which is another tool that helps parents assess the caliber of the programs available. MCUM's program has achieved Level 4 in Paths to Quality, the highest level available, which indicates that the program has national accreditation. MCUM has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) since 2004.

This program provides two meals and two snacks each day, uses a play-based curriculum that prepares children for success in school, provides basic health services (flu shots, lead screenings, dental clinics, etc.), provides a parent resource room with employment and parenting resources, and works with many community partners to provide the best possible care.

For enrollment information, contact Traci Mehay, Childcare Director, at (812) 339-3429 or complete the form below.

Why Quality, Affordable Childcare?

Numerous research studies have shown that high-quality early childhood education can have a long-lasting impact on the child, the family, and the broader community. Research indicates that it is one of the best investments a community can make because it:

Creates successful students by...

• increasing high school graduation rates.
• helping children do better on standardized tests.
  
• reducing grade repetition.
  
• reducing the number of children placed in special education.
  

Creates responsible adults by..

• reducing crime and delinquency.
  
• lowering rates of teen pregnancy.
  
• leading to greater employment and higher wages as adults.
  
• increasing family stability.
  

Creates stronger communities by...

• returning up to $7 on every $1 invested in high-quality early childhood education, by reducing the demand on welfare services, incarceration costs, etc.
• increases rates of civic participation and voting.

A lack of dependable, affordable childcare can be a major barrier to parents who wish to maintain their employment or continue their education. And affordable care isn't always the highest quality care. At MCUM, parents can have all their needs met. We offer care that parents can depend on that considers their household income and family size when assessing fees.

For more resources on the importance of early childhood education, visit our Helpful Links page.

Families seeking childcare might also be interested in the resources provided by Childhood Connections. Call 1-866-693-0672 for more information.

For Current Parents

The current Working Together newsletter, with your child's classroom's calendar, is available here.

The July 2010 - June 2011 Calendar, with holidays and closings, is available here.

Winter Weather Policy: Remember that if MCCSC closes due to winter weather, MCUM does as well.

Online resources for parents are available at our Helpful Links page.

Family members are reminded that they are always welcome in our classrooms. Feel free to visit anytime. If you would like to eat a meal with your child, please let the staff know in advance so that the kitchen can plan ahead.