State announces ‘Smart Steps’ program to help parents with child care costs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Department of Human Services announced the launch of a new child care payment assistance program designed to help parents who are working or pursuing post-secondary educational goals leading to self-sufficiency.

The program, called Smart Steps, will be available to income-eligible working parents and parents pursuing post-secondary educational goals that have children ages six weeks to 5 years of age, according to a release from the Department of Human Services.

Families that participate in Smart Steps will co-pay based on a sliding income scale, according to the release.

Smart Steps participants can choose from over 2,400 DHS-licensed child care facilities across the state.

For more information on the Smart Steps program including how to apply, visit the Department of Human Services Child Care Services website.

“This program is a game changer in supporting the well-being and resilience of families by providing access to affordable quality child care,” DHS Commissioner Dr. Raquel Hatter said in the release. “Participating children will also be enrolled in the Imagination Library. This new category of child care assistance is in alignment with the department’s 2G for Tennessee initiative and Governor Haslam’s Drive to 55.”