What is it?

Parents occasionally need a "time-out" from their children to put life and its problems back in perspective. We all know that children can push us to our limits. Parent-Time-Out gives parents a break from parenting. With our Parent Time-Out providers you can have up to 6 hours a month for each child to use this time for "YOURSELF". This time is just for you. Take a walk, fix supper, go to a doctor appointment. This program is for ALL PARENTS! There is no income eligibility requirements, the only restriction is that you may not use the Parent-Time-Out program while you are working or attending school.

**No Questions Asked and No Explanations Required **

How do I access the care and use it?

After you have completed the paper work for the Family Resource Center, the first step that you need to take is to call the providers on the list and ask them when they would have room for your children. When the two of you have a time set up, you are able to use the six hours for the month as you and the provider can work it out. 

**Be sure to bring the form that states that you have signed up

with the Family Resource Center's PTO Program !**

 

Who We Serve

 

Families currently eligible for Parent-Time-Out benefits must be a resident of Audubon, Carroll, Greene, or Guthrie counties in Iowa.

 

Benefits of Signing Up!

You will receive from us a directory of services in your area.  Look it over and check to see if other services would help you and your family. Expect a phone call from the Family Resource Center checking to see if the program is working for you. Throughout the year, you will receive parent education informational materials from us.

 

**If any problems arise, give us a call so that we can better serve you !**

 

Who are the Providers?

Parent-Time-Out has a list of registered providers in your area which have agreed to provide child care for this Program. Child care providers have completed training which includes CPR, First Aid, recognizing and reporting child abuse, health and safety, and child development. You are welcome to try as many of our PTO providers as you like, but remember, you may NOT exceed the monthly allotment of hours per child from all the providers you use.

 

**Give the provider a call in advance so they can arrange to have an opening for your child ! **

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Question:  Do I have to use all 6 hours at once or can I use them on multiple occasions?

 

 Answer:  NO. You can use the time as you need. You can even use 6 hours for one child and 2 hours for the others. But no child's count cannot exceed the 6 hours for the month.

Question:  Can I use the hours when I am working to cut down on my daycare bill?

 Answer:  NO. This time is intended to give yourself a break, not to supplement your daycare budget.

 

Question:  Can my husband use the hours if I am working?

 Answer:  YES! As long as the parent that is dropping off the child is going to do something for THEMSELVES that doesn't involve work or school, this would be okay.