Applications opened yesterday for the bipartisan $365 million grant program to support childcare businesses and deliver $1,000 bonuses to thousands of childcare professionals.
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer Tuesday announced the launch of 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.
“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 Governor 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.”
“As a father, I know how important childcare is for countless families across Michigan,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist. “That is why it is so important to thank and support the childcare professionals who step up for Michigan communities every day. These stabilization grants are investments that support families and will make our communities stronger. Governor Whitmer and I will continue to work hard to help Michiganders access affordable, high-quality childcare.”
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.
“I live in a rural area with only three licensed childcare programs. My children are older teens and I've thought about closing my daycare because financially I can make more money almost anywhere,” said Jennifer Lundquist, owner of a home-based childcare program in Nashville, Michigan. “With prices rising on everything and so many job options. Receiving this grant allowed me to keep tuition low for families and save money to keep the daycare open, when families in our community have very few options.”
"The childcare grant funds have improved my daycare by allowing me to be able give my employees extra pay that I didn't have to give to them. It helped me buy more toys and supplies, and fix things in my daycare. It allowed me to do a lot of repairs that needed to be done and helped to provide a safer environment for the children that attend," said Felicia Caver Davis, owner and operator of Little Bubbles Daycare in Detroit. "This grant helped me out tremendously! And I thank you all so much for the help. I'm looking forward to applying for the next grant so that I can do even more for my daycare!”
“This grant has been so helpful to our center,” said Molly Denman, owner of Wee Folk Child Care Center in Rockford. “It has allowed us to continue to offer health benefits to our staff, a benefit we were planning on cutting to save costs. It has also allowed us to recognize staff that works a physically and emotionally exhausted job. We have been able to make updates and repairs to our building, as well, as purchase materials and supplies in order to continue to provide a developmentally appropriate program.”
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.
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