The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) will open grant applications for a second round of child care funding using $125 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
MSDE announced today that it plans to open the application window for the second and final round of Child Care Stabilization Grants on January 3, 2022. In total, the department will distribute an additional $125 million in funding to help lessen the burden of child care during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In October, the State distributed approximately $158 million in ARPA grants to eligible child care providers during its first round of grant funding.
According to a department press release:
Along with a simplified application, MSDE is providing a new system of supports during the month of January to assist providers with the application process. The funds will help address the financial burdens and operational challenges faced by child care providers during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
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All Maryland child care providers are invited to apply for round two of funding once the application window opens on January 3, including providers that were awarded funding in round one, as well as new providers. Grant funds may be used to support the developmental and learning needs of children, promote equitable access to high-quality child care, and support a professional workforce that is fairly and appropriately compensated for their essential skilled work.
Funding opportunities
All eligible child care providers will receive a base grant of $10,000, with the possibility of receiving additional funds, per licensed child care slot, based on criteria stipulated by the Child Care Stabilization Grant guidelines. Any unspent funds after the initial grant disbursement will be distributed to all grant-awarded providers evenly, per licensed slot.
Timeline:
- January 3 – 23, 2022: Application window open for second batch of payments; MSDE will review and process applications on a rolling basis
- January 4 – 22, 2022: Virtual customer support meetings will be held three times a week throughout the application window
- January 23, 2022: Applications due by 6:00 p.m. EST
- By March 4, 2022: MSDE will process all payments and have processed payment information sent to the Comptroller’s Office for the distribution of funds to providers.
Learn more about the Child Care Stabilization Grant program.
