DeWine announces more than $600 million in additional grants to support child care

Gov. Mike DeWine says an additional $650 million in grants will be going to child care programs in Ohio.

The money is going to help the programs defray unexpected business costs associated with the pandemic and to help stabilize operations, according to a release.

>> Man shot by police after active shooter situation on I-71 in Columbus

A release stated that the money would cover child care programs’ operating and new pandemic costs, workforce recruitment and retention, access development, as well as mental health workforce and family support.

“Reliable, quality child care and early childhood education is essential for parents and caregivers who work and support their families,” DeWine said. “Child care providers are balancing employee shortages, changing demands, and increasing costs. These grants will help bring providers relief so that they can continue serving families.”

DeWine announced an initial $150 million in child care grants in December.

>> ‘Be patient, have a plan;’ Heavy traffic expected around basketball, St. Patrick’s Day events

“With a total of $800 million, child care programs will now have access to resources to staff up properly and ensure there are no gaps when it comes to enriching and educating Ohio’s children,” Matt Damschroder, Director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, said.

The grants are available for Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services-regulated child care centers, family child care type A and type B homes, in-home aides and approved day camps, as well as Ohio Department of Education licensed preschool and school-age programs that are approved to provide publicly funded child care.

©2022 Cox Media Group