Summary
The state gave counties permission to use Smart Start allocations to serve kids on the child care subsidy waitlist, and Wilkes County has now worked through its entire waitlist. That's great news for families waiting on help and for local child care providers who rely on the funding — though the waitlist will likely return next fiscal year once the extra money is spent.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 2, 2026.
Impact analysis
The county is spending down its Smart Start child care allocation now, which likely means a funding gap and a waitlist next fiscal year.
Families on the child care subsidy waitlist and local child care providers both benefit immediately.
Working families lower on the priority list who could lose child care subsidies if the wait list returns.
Mentions & discussions (2)
County Commissioners (Regular) - Jun 2, 2026
The state projects about $441,000 less in child care subsidy funding next fiscal year. DSS expects a wait list could return around September, prioritizing special needs, CPS/foster care, and workforce families first.
County Commissioners (Regular) - Feb 10, 2026
The state gave counties permission to use Smart Start allocations to serve kids on the child care subsidy waitlist, and Wilkes County has now worked through its entire waitlist. That's great news for families waiting on help and for local child care providers who rely on the funding — though the waitlist will likely return next fiscal year once the extra money is spent.
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