Child care workers across Pennsylvania have the opportunity to receive a one-time, $600 grant.
Eligible employees include child care workers who: are employed by a licensed child care provider as of Jan. 1, 2021; earn less than or equal to a gross salary of $70,000 annually; and work a minimum of 20 hours per week at a licensed child care provider.
The funds are available to child care providers licensed by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning through federal Child Care Development Fund quality dollars and remaining funding previously made available through the federal CARES Act allotted for child care providers.
“A healthy, vibrant child care industry is a cornerstone of a healthy economy. As with many other sectors of our economy, Pennsylvania’s child care providers have been greatly challenged by this pandemic,” said Gov. Tom Wolf. “For nearly a year, child care professionals have continued to work through a challenging environment, providing a safe and caring setting for our youngest Pennsylvanians as their parents go to work performing essential work through a tumultuous period. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment to our children and families and their resilience through this time.”
This award is available to all licensed child care providers that are currently open and operating regardless of Keystone STARS level and will be administered through local Early Learning Resource Centers on behalf of OCDEL and will replace the quality Keystone STARS Education and Retention Award for state fiscal year 2020-21, and provide approximately 33,000 child care employees across the commonwealth the one-time $600 award. The previous ERA provided payments to approximately 9,000 child care employees, so this restructuring will significantly expand this reach during time of great need.
“Child care workers shape and care for our youngest minds during some of their most formative years, and a safe, loving child care center can be an extension of family for parents and children who rely on their work,” said Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller. “I am incredibly grateful that we are able to re-allocate this federal funding to support the child care workforce, and I urge all providers to apply for this opportunity on behalf of their staff.”
Child care providers that are currently licensed and certified through OCDEL can begin to apply on behalf of their eligible employees. All applications must be sent to the provider’s ELRC and received by Feb. 12. The COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Award will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Funding will be distributed regionally and be limited, so applicants are encouraged to apply sooner rather than later.
