More funds coming for eligible Minnesota child care providers
[KSTP-TV]
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) says more than 8,250 eligible child care providers who received funding support in December, to ensure the health and safety of children in their programs, will be able to receive additional funds for January and February of this year.
The application deadline is Feb. 5. Providers must be operating to be eligible for this funding.
As part of the child care emergency response funding in the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 that was signed into law on Dec. 27, DHS will issue about $45 million in new January and February COVID-19 Public Health Support Funds for child care payments. This is the third round of funding to help providers continue operating.
Beginning Monday, the department will email links to an online application and another form to the providers who are eligible to apply for these funds. Only providers who receive an application link will be eligible to apply.
“Throughout this pandemic, child care providers have given tremendous time and effort to remain open and serve families,” Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead said. “Their efforts have provided stable care for children, economic stability for families, and ongoing support for the workforce we need for our emergency response and economic recovery in Minnesota.”
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The department already issued payments to more than 7,000 programs, including almost 5,800 family child care providers, more than 1,100 licensed child care centers and almost 100 certified centers from July through September. Additionally, the department also issued funds to more than 8,300 programs, including almost 6,300 licensed family child care providers, about 1,500 licensed child care centers and more than 500 certified centers received payments from September through October.
Payment amounts in July to September were $1,200 for licensed family child care and $8,500 for licensed family child care, according to DHS. Eligible certified centers received $8,500 per month in July and August and $3,000 per month in October and December.
These funds help child care providers address the increased costs of implementing public health and safety guidance so they can safely offer their services.
For more information and assistance, providers should contact Child Care Aware of Minnesota by calling 651-290-9704 or by email.