The second round of the Child Care Stabilization Grant program, which will distribute $365 million to give every full-time childcare professional a $1,000 retention bonus and keep childcare programs open and serving kids, is open for applications.
“I remember how valuable any bit of childcare was when my girls were young. Today, I’m fighting to make sure every family has access to quality, affordable childcare that meets their needs,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “That starts with making sure our local childcare businesses can stay open and pay their staff a living wage. I’m proud that we are getting things done for young Michiganders, childcare professionals, and small businesses. With this investment, we will continue growing Michigan’s economy and making our communities stronger.”
The Child Care Stabilization Grants are available to Michigan’s approximately 8,000 licensed childcare programs. This funding was included in the governor’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget that included game-changing investments in childcare and delivered on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to families, communities, and small business.
In January, nearly 6,000 childcare providers received funding from the first round of Child Care Stabilization grants and 38,000 childcare professionals received bonuses.
These grants saved small businesses and kept families working in every county. The Century Foundation estimates that to date grants from the Child Care Stabilization Fund and other childcare investments from ARPA saved 3,567 childcare programs and 135,795 slots in Michigan.
Details on First Round Recipients
The Child Care Stabilization Grant is a non-competitive grant awarded to licensed centers, group homes, family homes, and tribal childcare providers to be used to support operational expenses. Nearly all applicants also requested and received funding for $1,000 sign-on bonuses to fill staff vacancies.
Total grant awards: 5,890
Average awards:
• Family home program: $10,763
• Group home program: $20,454
• Childcare center: $108,685
Total bonuses awarded:
• $1,000 to 24,947 full time staff members
• $500 to 13,213 part time staff members
Background
The Child Care Stabilization Grant application is now open. Licensed childcare providers are eligible and should visit Michigan.gov/childcare to confirm eligibility, review frequently asked questions, and apply. The application will be open until May 26, 2022. This is a noncompetitive grant. All eligible applicants will receive funding. Childcare professionals will be awarded bonuses directly from their employer and do not need to apply.
The Child Care Stabilization Grant is part of a $1.4 billion investment to expand access to quality, affordable childcare for Michigan families. To learn more about how these dollars are delivering for Michigan families visit Michigan.gov/childcare.
Did you know? One in three Michigan children are eligible for low or no cost childcare. Families must be working or going to school and meet income requirements to qualify. Visit Michigan.gov/childcare to learn more and apply today.
