Sappey announces over $3.3 million in grants for child care centers
Rep. Christina Sappey April 6, 2022
HARRISBURG, April 6 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, announced today 21 child care facilities in the 158th Legislative District received a total of $3,328,734 in a fifth round of stabilization grants through the American Rescue Plan Act.
“Ensuring safe, quality child care is essential to restoring our full workforce,” said Sappey. “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a devasting impact on the child care industry. Many families struggle to find open spots in child care facilities because providers have been forced to cut back due to caregivers leaving the profession. This investment will help stabilize the childcare industry and will have a positive economic impact. This helps get women back into the workplace, helps employers fill jobs and ultimately improves the local economy.”
The centers receiving the federal funding include:
- Tick Tock Early Learning Center, Avondale: $277,091.
- A Child’s Place Extended Care at Bradford Heights Elementary, Downingtown: $49,871.
- A Child’s Place at West Bradford Elementary, Downingtown: $68,572.
- Creative Kids of Downingtown, Downingtown: $245,818.
- Firm Foundations Day Care, Downingtown: $33,247.
- United Sports Training Center, Downingtown: $132,987.
- Ducklings Early Learning Center, Kennett Square: $415,481.
- The Growing Place Childcare & Preschool Kennett, Kennett Square: $336,935.
- J.A.M. Christian Daycare, Kennett Square: $98,494.
- Kendal Early Learning Center, Kennett Square: $47,273.
- Kennett YMCA, Kennett Square: $112,208.
- Kennett YMCA at Bancroft Elementary, Kennett Square: $22,858.
- Kennett YMCA at Greenwood Elementary, Kennett Square: $37,403.
- Willowdale Children’s Academy, Kennett Square: $219,013.
- Creative Play Day School, Toughkenamon: $213,091.
- New Garden Early Care & Education Center LLC, Toughkenamon: $308,156.
- Tommy Tinkers, Toughkenamon: $179,429.
- Kennett YMCA at Unionville Elementary, Unionville: $63,585.
- The Goddard School, West Chester: $288,935.
- Kennett YMCA at Pocopson Elementary, West Chester: $99,741.
- Show ‘N Tell School, West Chester: $78,546.
The American Rescue Plan Act contained $24 billion to help stabilize child care centers nationwide. Pennsylvania received $728.9 million of that amount. States were allowed to keep up to 10 percent for administrative costs. The remaining $655.98 million was made available to eligible centers through stabilization grants.
These grants can be used for a variety of purposes including:
- Personnel costs, including for both recruitment and retention efforts, such as sign-on bonuses and pay increases.
- Operational costs, such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities, maintenance, and insurance.
- Health and safety costs, such as personal protective equipment, cleaning and sanitation supplies, and staff professional development related to health and safety practices.
- Equipment and supplies.
- Goods and services necessary to maintain or resume child care services.
- Mental health services for children and staff.
- Reimbursement for past COVID-19-related expenses incurred after Jan. 31, 2020.
Additionally, Pennsylvania did not keep the 10 percent for administrative costs. Those funds, plus $27.48 million leftover funds from the stabilization grants, will be used for another funding opportunity anticipated for May 2022. The upcoming round will support workforce recruitment, training and retention. These grants would likely be dispersed in July and August 2022.