Gov. Tony Evers announced this morning an additional $30 million of CARES Act dollars will be directed towards early care and education providers.
The additional funds allows the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to provide an additional round of Child Care Counts payments.
“As I’ve said before, what’s best for our kids is what’s best for our state,” said Gov. Evers. “Our early care educators stepped up in a big way for Wisconsin families – and their kids – to help keep our state’s economy strong during the pandemic. Frankly, our state needs them now more than ever. These funds are a recognition of the vital role they play in our communities.”
During the coronavirus pandemic, many child care providers had to close their doors.
The Child Care Counts: COVID-19 Supplementary Payment Program is designed to help slow the trends of closing providers.
“Wisconsin families rely on access to child care in order to stay employed,” said DCF Secretary Emilie Amundson. “That is especially true for women, who still carry a disproportionate burden raising children. The additional funding the state is providing to early care and education will help to stabilize the industry and ensure families have safe and reliable options for care.”
The additional round will of funding will be distributed through two new programs targeting challenges early care and education providers face.
Applications and program eligibility details will be available starting Sept. 9, 2020, on DCF's website. The application window will close Sept. 18, 2020, at 11:59 p.m.
