The Arizona Child Care COVID-19 Grant Program Application deadline has been extended to August 28th. Please submit your application by 11:59 p.m. on August 28th.
The Arizona Department of Economic Security, Child Care Administration is offering grants to child care providers to help with operational costs to safely remain open or reopen to provide child care to Arizona’s families.
Who is eligible to apply? Eligible providers include: DHS Licensed Centers, DHS Group Homes, DES Family Child Care Providers, Tribal Child Care Providers, and Military Child Care Providers. Applicants must be open or planning to open and provide child care services no later than September 30, 2020 (this does not include temporary closures of 14 days or less). Applicants must be in good standing with DHS, DES, and/or the Tribal or Military regulation authority.
What can the grant be used for? The Child Care COVID-19 grant can be used to help child care providers cover a variety of expenses during the COVID-19 crisis including salaries and benefits for employees, DHS licensing fees, liability insurance, tuition and registration relief for families, lease and mortgage payments, utilities, cleaning supplies, classroom materials and supplies, and additional supplies required by CDC and DHS guidelines.
How will the grant be administered? Child care providers must apply to receive funds. Grants are not competitive, meaning if a child care provider submits a complete application, is eligible, and agrees to the Grant Program terms, they will receive funding.
How much funding is available? This Grant Program would provide a base award calculated utilizing a per child rate of $300 for each enrolled child who was enrolled at the child care placement and attended at least one day of care in January 2020. Exceptions to the January 2020 utilization will only be made if the provider did not open until after January 2020.
Are there any additional incentives for providers? Facilities located in rural counties (any county outside of Pima and Maricopa counties) will receive an additional incentive of $1,000 added to the total of the grant award. Enrollment in a Quality First Program or a DES recognized accreditation program will receive an additional incentive of $1,000 added to the total of the grant award. In addition, providers who elect to become DES contracted, if they are not currently contracted with DES will receive an additional $50 per child served.
Are there any additional eligibility and reporting requirements? If a child care provider is currently closed they must agree to open and provide child care services no later than September 30, 2020. In addition, each Child Care COVID-19 Grant Program grantee is required to submit a monthly report regarding capacity and enrollment.
Who can I contact with questions? For questions regarding the Child Care COVID-19 Grant program, please email ChildCareGrants@azdes.