Today, Governor Larry Hogan announced that an additional $155 million in Child Care Stabilization Grants will be distributed to licensed child care centers and registered family child care providers across Maryland to help ease the financial burdens of COVID-19.
The grants (which are federal funds) are part of the $309 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) relief funding for investment in the State’s child care system to ensure providers are economically stable and that safe, high quality, and affordable child care is available for all families.
The grants, which are in addition to the $155 million previously distributed earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic, will help address the financial burdens and operational challenges faced during the pandemic. The funds are set to be distributed later this month.
According to a press release from Governor Hogan’s office:
Eligible child care programs will receive a $15,000 base award and $500 for each licensed program slot. Grant funds can be used to cover expenses associated with providing, or preparing to provide, child care during COVID-19, such as personnel costs, rent or mortgage payments, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), mental health supports for children and employees, as well as past expenses.
“We continue to recognize the critical role that child care providers across the state this month have played in the state’s overall recovery efforts—nurturing, caring for, and educating our youngest children while also supporting our state’s essential services and economy,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Maryland is committed to sustaining our child care sector and ensuring that high-quality and affordable child care programs remain open and available to serve families.”
“Our family and center-based child care providers have worked diligently during the pandemic to ensure the care, safety, and education of Maryland’s children,” said State Superintendent of Schools Mohammed Choudhury. “These funds will help bolster our child care community and continue access to a thriving, well-resourced child care system essential in the development and education of our infants, toddlers and early learners.”