By Sarah Trauner
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Gov. Larry Hogan announced that more than $155 million in Child Care Stabilization Grants will be given to registered family child care providers and licensed child care centers this month across the state of Maryland.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused operational challenges and financial burdens on child care providers, Hogan said, adding that these federal funds will help these centers.
“We continue to recognize the critical role that child care providers across the state this month have played in the state’s overall recovery efforts—nurturing, caring for, and educating our youngest children while also supporting our state’s essential services and economy,” Hogan said.
The grant funds can be used to cover expenses associated with child care during COVID-19, including rent or mortgage payments, personal costs, mental health support for employees and children, and past expenses, Hogan said.
Eligiblechild care programs can receive a $15,000 base award and $500 for each licensed program slot.
Officials in the state Department of Education did not respond to a reporter’s request for comment. However, the department tweeted its support for child care providers.
“Thank you Maryland Child Care Providers for keeping children safe and ensuring they continue to learn through the Covid-19 pandemic,” the department said in a tweet.
The Child Care Stabilization Grants are part of the $309 million the state received from the federal government under the American Rescue Plan Act adopted by Congress earlier this year.
State School Superintendent Mohammed Choudhury said the money will help stabilize child care in the state.
“These funds will help bolster our child care community and continue access to a thriving, well-resourced child care system essential in the development and education of our infants, toddlers and early leaners,” he said on Twitter.