MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindyha Persaud has expressed disappointment that more essential workers have not applied for, or used, the childcare subsidy that is available through her office.

Launched in July, the subsidy provides eligible essential workers with children seven years or younger with $15,000 per month to spend at any licensed daycare or night-care facility.

The initiative was born out of a need to offer assistance to parents, particularly during the pandemic. However, the response has not been as encouraging as the minister had hoped.

“I am very disappointed that a lot more people did not utilise it, because that has been out since early in the year, and we had public campaigns, extended the time, and did all sort of things,” Dr. Persaud said.

The minister used the opportunity to encourage persons to apply for the subsidy, once they are eligible.

“The intention is to help persons out there who really need it; who are struggling. The numbers are still coming in, but they are trickling in, and I want to tell persons they have the rest of the month, at least to get into the programme,” she noted.

She added that the ministry even took measures to assist daycare centres which are not licensed to become licensed, so that more persons can benefit from the initiative. The subsidy can only be used at registered daycares.

The minister said that the ministry is aware that many single parents pay family members for childcare services, and has tried to put systems in place so that parents could still benefit.

“We did have several challenges; people tend to leave their child home with somebody, or people who look after children in a home environment. Yes, they are not a registered or licensed daycare, so we had a parallel programme running, where if you want to become licensed, we were helping you financially, and in line with the COVID-19 guidelines, to become a registered daycare. From this experience, we are looking at the policy as it relates to home care, and how do we deal with it through the funding,” Minister Persaud said.

The minister also acknowledged that there has been a shortage of licensed daycare facilities, due to many choosing not to open because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has forced some parents to utilise informal services. Nonetheless, with things getting back to normal, the minister had thought that more persons would have welcomed the initiative.

“A lot of the licensed daycares did not open because of the pandemic, and a lot of people had struggles on where to go; who was looking after their child, and if they would qualify, but I really thought more people would opt for this,” she said.

The subsidy was particularly meant to target single parents and parents who are working below minimum wages, and at night, who may need a safe place for their child or children.