The full Maryland congressional delegation has announced more than $45 million in COVID-19 relief for child care centers.
The funding, through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act added $3.5 billion to CCDBG nationally to allow child care programs to meet emergency staffing needs and continue to provide child care for those in the health sectorm emergency responders, as well as other essential workers.
Funds will also continue to support child care centers despite decreased enrollment or temporary closures due to COVID-19.
“While our state is depending on essential workers to get us all through this pandemic, many of Maryland’s first responders, nurses, doctors, and frontline workers are depending on the affordable, high-quality child care provided by these centers,” said the delegation. “These federal funds will ensure that child care centers can provide resources to those who need it most during this crisis as well as continue to serve all Maryland families after the pandemic is over."