Early Learning Division Announces Second Phase of Emergency Child Care Grants
(Salem, Ore.) – Today, the Early Learning Division (ELD) is announcing a second round of Emergency Child Care (ECC) grants to assist child care providers during the COVID-19 crisis. The grant program uses resources allocated to Oregon to support the state’s response to this emergency.
The Request for Applications (RFA) for this limited, one-time grant is available online now in English and Spanish. Providers can submit an application beginning Monday, June 22 at 8 a.m. Amounts for the non-competitive grants will vary by provider type and may range from roughly $700 to $9,360. Applications are due by July 10, 2020 at 5 p.m.
“These funds will help support child care providers who have decided to reopen or have continued to care for children throughout the pandemic,” said Early Learning System Director Miriam Calderon. “Over the last few months, providers have been asked to implement COVID-19 safety and health practices that require more staff time and resources. This additional support is desperately needed to ensure these businesses can survive.”
The grant is available for both licensed and license-exempt child care providers who did not receive ECC grant funding in Phase 1. Providers who did receive Phase 1 funding are not eligible to receive funding for the same classrooms or sites.
Grant funds may only be used for allowable costs such as paying for a lease/mortgage, utilities, insurance, food and supplies, staff compensation and benefits, and other reasonable operating costs. Award recipients will be notified beginning July 20, 2020.
Emergency child care providers are currently required to operate under conditions outlined in the Governor’s statewide child care guidance and an updated temporary order memo issued by ELD, which include:
To date, the Office of Child Care has approved more than 2,600 Emergency Child Care applications with capacity to serve 36,300 children. Approximately 10,000 slots are currently vacant. As Oregonians return to work, the ELD anticipates demand for child care will fluctuate.
Families in need of Emergency Child Care can call 211 or text the keyword “children” or “niños” to 898211.
Frequently Asked Questions to address family, provider, and grant applicant questions and concerns are available and updated regularly on the ELD’s COVID-19 webpage. For questions regarding COVID-19 and these changes, providers can call 1-800-342-6712 or their local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency. Applicants can also submit questions by email to ECCgrants@state.or.us.
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