State to spend another $53M in CARES funding on support for child care providers

Minnesota will use another $53.3 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to help support child care providers amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Tim Walz announced Tuesday.

"Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, child care providers have stepped up to ensure that families across the state have a safe and reliable place to send their children," Walz said. "Child care staff are heroes and we will continue to work hard to respond to their needs as they support Minnesota families. Our historic investments have ensured continued access as other states have seen more widespread closures, yet we know more will continue to be needed and hope Congress will act with more relief."

"Now more than ever, our littlest Minnesotans need stability and nurturing, and that’s exactly what our child care providers give every single day,” added Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. "During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s become even more clear that child care businesses and workers are the backbone of our economy – they’re the workforce behind our workforce."

The governor’s office said child care centers and providers are dealing with increased costs due to public health guidance, cleaning and other issues caused by the pandemic. The funding will be used to help cover those costs and support staff working in-person.

More funds available to support health, safety in child care, DHS says

In July, the state provided $56.6 million in funding to the 7,013 child care providers across the state. This second sum was approved by the Legislative Advisory Committee on Sept. 29.

Family providers can receive up to $1,200 per month while licensed centers will get up to $8,500 per month and certified centers will receive about $3,000 per month. Payment amounts may be scaled on the number of applicants, and funding for certified centers could increase if more funding is available, the state said.

The application period opened on Oct. 4 and runs through Oct. 14.