Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/state-impl/5026012/
With the availability of another round of federal relief funds, states have a critical opportunity to think about what policies are most effective in supporting providers, children and their families in the short- and long-term. As states consider which policies to introduce or extend, they must consider two things: how can they best support the stability of the sector now during the pandemic, and which policies will allow for sustainability after COVID-19 is no longer a threat.
Nearly $10 billion in funding dedicated to child care was made available under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, which was passed by Congress in December 2020. In March 2021, an additional $39 billion in relief was provided through the American Rescue Plan Act, which included $15 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant and $24 billion for a child care stabilization fund.
Like the first round of federal assistance in March 2020, recent funds made available through the Child Care and Development Block Grant intend to provide relief for child care from challenges exacerbated by COVID-19. These funds may retroactively reimburse expenses related to the pandemic.
The December funding law made two requirements that states must follow: (1) ...