For Immediate Release: August 4, 2022
Contact: Charles Pyle (804) 371-2420
RICHMOND — Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow today announced a fourth and final round of direct cash assistance for child care centers and family child care sites through Virginia’s Child Care Stabilization Grant Program. Approximately $50 million in final payments will go out to more than 3,200 sites across the state this month.
The Virginia Department of Education launched its federally funded Child Care Stabilization Grant Program in November 2021, using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. VDOE has since approved nearly 5,000 applications for funding and issued more than $382 million to eligible child care programs. These resources have helped child care to stabilize operations during the pandemic, retain staff, purchase equipment, and make improvements to their facilities.
“Families depend on quality child care so they can work and fully participate in our economy,” Balow said. “Virginia has led the way in getting federal relief funds directly in the hands of the child care providers. Moreover, these funds help ensure that more young learners have access to early childhood experiences where they can develop key school-readiness skills. It’s a win-win for families and kids.”
For the final round, all programs that received a third-quarter grant and have an active license, registration, or approval will receive a final payment equivalent to approximately half of the third-quarter grant amount. Programs do not need to apply for the final awards. Rather, VDOE will notify sites of their final awards through the Child Care Stabilization Grant portal.
“The child care stabilization grants were a lifesaver. Even with thirty years of experience as a child care business owner and director, I was only able to focus on day-to-day survival to keep my doors open and my classrooms staffed during the pandemic,” said Amy Bowie, the owner of Miss Amy’s Child Care Center in Abingdon. “The resources and supports that came with the funding helped me strengthen my business and problem-solve challenges like staff recruitment and retention. I am grateful that this temporary funding allowed me to continue to serve the children and families in my community.”
Since 2020, Virginia has provided more than $660 million in direct cash assistance to more than 4,800 child care and family child sites. Including this most recent round, there have been eight rounds of funding. This flexible funding, which came from the CARES Act, Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act and American Rescue Plan Act, has helped Virginia child care programs weather the pandemic. Nearly all child care programs have reopened and Virginia is now funding more children than ever before through vouchers issued under the commonwealth’s Child Care Subsidy Program, with 32,000 children served last month.
VDOE will continue to work with partners such as the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation to issue any needed corrections to payments and offer technical assistance to recipients to help them maximize the use of funds and ensure compliance with grant requirements. Providers are encouraged to explore resources provided by VECF that include guidance documents, coaching and technology supports.
Providers with questions may contact VDOE’s Division of Early Childhood Care and Education by email at childcaregrants@doe.virginia.gov.
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