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In coordination with Governor Walz, Lt. Governor Flanagan and the Governor’s Education and Child Care Workgroup, and the Minnesota Department of Human Services has created funding strategies for the $135 million in federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act funding to support public health costs. This funding was part of the federal stimulus funds signed into law on December 27, 2021. The Administration has dedicated an estimated $45 million to continue the Public Health Support Funds for Child Care for March through May 2021.
All licensed family child care, licensed child care centers, and certified centers that were operating and serving children as of February 28, 2021 and are in good standing with Minnesota Department of Human Services, among other requirements, will be eligible to apply.
Minnesota Department of Human Services is moving to a monthly application process for the Public Health Support Funds. E-mails with application information and a link to a personalized application for March funding will be sent to eligible providers on March 31, 2021. Applications for March funding must be completed by 5 p.m. on April 9, 2021. Providers who do not submit the application by 5 p.m. on April 9, will not be eligible for March funding. Information on updates to the program requirements and allowable uses of funds will be available in the coming weeks.
Although these are historic investments, there remains a finite amount of funds from the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. In order to allow providers to plan for these financial supports, eligible providers will receive the same award amounts for March as were provided in February:
- $1,200 for family child care providers;
- $8,500 for child care centers; and
- $3,000 for certified child care centers.
We currently anticipate reducing the April and May payment amounts for providers based on the funding available and the number of eligible providers. DHS is currently assessing options for April and May and will update providers on any changes to the anticipated payment amounts.
On March 11, the President signed into law an additional federal stimulus package that included $24 billion in Child Care Stabilization funds and $15 billion for the Child Care Development Block Grant. The Administration will continue to analyze these investments and engage with providers and other stakeholders to develop plans for implementation.
If your program was in good standing with Minnesota Department of Human Services as of February 28, you will receive an e-mail with a link to request an application on March 31, 2021.
Please watch your email for additional information about the March application.
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