MontCo Opens Child Care Grants to Families, Providers

NORRISTOWN PA – Montgomery County families who are struggling to pay for child care help, and child care facilities disrupted by low enrollment – both attributable to the coronavirus pandemic – may soon share in a $12 million fund allocated by the county Board of Commissioners to offer specific financial assistance.

Applications for providers and parents to participate in what are called the “Montco Cares” programs began circulating Monday (Oct. 5, 2020). The fund consists of federal CARES Act money, and is administered by the Region 17 Early Learning Resource Center with the county Department of Health and Human Services. However, submission of a grant application is not a guarantee of funding.

Families that meet income guidelines and who are looking for financial support to help pay for child care can qualify to cover costs from Oct. 5 through Dec. 30. Children must be enrolled in a Pennsylvania Department of Human Services-licensed childcare facility. The application window closes Nov. 2. Eligibility requirements and instructions can be found here.

For child care providers, Montco Cares grants is intended to ensure their centers’ financial viability in disruption due to COVID-19. Applications must be filed by Nov. 2. Guidelines, eligible costs, and an online application are available here.

“These past seven months have been really difficult for both families and child care providers,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Dr. Valerie A. Arkoosh. “These grants are intended to help stabilize our critical child care providers,” and help families with children up to age 13 in obtaining affordable child care.

“As a mom,” Arkoosh added, “I know no parent can fully concentrate on work if they are worried about their child’s safety and security. This grant program will give many parents the option for professional childcare that they can afford.”

Photo by Markus Spiske via Unsplash, used under license