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“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the gaps that exist in our care infrastructure and has reinforced how critical child care and early childhood educators are to the success of working families and the economy. as a whole, ”said Congressman David Price (NC-04). “I am proud that the US bailout includes $ 805 million in federal funding to help stabilize this vital industry in North Carolina. I look forward to seeing child care providers statewide use these much-needed resources as Congress strives to build a fair child care system that works for all families through to the Build Back Better Act. “
“As Director of Child Care, we are delighted that the Child Care Stabilization Grants are here to provide relief during COVID-19. We have survived for the past 18 months, we now believe that we will have the opportunity to maintain the essential early care and education services that our children and their families need, ”said Anna Mercer-McLean, Director of community school for people under 18. Six. “The CSPU6 appreciates its excellent staff; and will use these funds to increase base wage rates, improve health benefits, provide mental health support, complete necessary facility upgrades to support our program and keep health and safety at the center. “
The Community School for Persons Under Six is a multicultural community school serving the Carrboro / Chapel Hill area. Their mission is to provide high quality early care and education to all children, especially low and middle income families, while providing advanced educational opportunities for teachers. The school offers educational growth opportunities focused on multicultural learning and family support through education and programs.
All private and licensed child care and apprenticeship programs are eligible, including for-profit and not-for-profit family day care centers and faith centers. Child care stabilization grants can allow programs – small businesses largely owned by women – to invest in the resources and supports they need to thrive for years to come. Programs that apply for and receive stabilization grants can use the funds for a range of activities, including: personnel costs; mental health supports; payments for rent, mortgage, utilities, maintenance of facilities or insurance; personal protective equipment (PPE); equipment and supplies; and the goods or services necessary to maintain or resume childcare services.
North Carolina’s Strategic Economic Development Plan identifies access to high-quality early care and early learning as a key strategy for growing North Carolina’s economy. Employers benefit when working parents know their children are receiving quality care in a healthy environment. They are more likely to stay in the workforce and are more productive and focused at work. These funds will ensure that classrooms remain open to children, supporting parents in pursuing educational and professional goals that could lead them to better opportunities.
Administered by the Child Development and Early Childhood Education Division of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the application for the Child Care Stabilization Grant will be initiated on October 11, 2021.
This new investment follows emergency funding of more than $ 300 million that has been dedicated to the early childhood care and learning system since March 2020 to help families, teachers and programs remain resilient through the years. the COVID-19 crisis.
To learn more about North Carolina Child Care Stabilization Grants, visit ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov.
Photo sequences of this event will be available here, credit to Julia Wall of News & Observer.
Video footage from this event will be made available to media. here.
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