October 21, 2020
Skagit County Commissioners announce grant program to help licensed childcare providers impacted by COVID-19.
Today, the Skagit County Commissioners announced the new Skagit County Child Care Grant Program (SCCCGP) to help childcare providers in Skagit County whose revenue has been impacted by COVID-19. This grant program is funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was passed by Congress earlier this year.
“Unfortunately, in the best of times licensed childcare is scarce in Skagit County,” said Skagit County Commissioner Lisa Janicki, “and this is not the best of times. This grant program will help keep childcare providers afloat during this difficult period.”
Skagit County is working with the Northwest Center for Child Care Retention and Expansion, a division of the Opportunity Council, to administer the grant program. To qualify, a childcare provider must be licensed in the State of Washington, located in Skagit County, provide less than 50 slots for kids, and be currently open and operational. Providers must also be able to prove businesses losses (revenue) and business interruption (lower enrollment) due to COVID-19. The grant will award up to $15,000 to any one provider, based on a number of criteria. Detailed application information can be found in English here and Spanish here.
Licensed childcare providers with more than 50 available slots are encouraged to apply to the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) COVID-19 Relief funds for Child Care stabilization when they become available. Read the full message from DCYF Secretary Hunter here.
“Childcare providers are a critical part of our economic infrastructure,” said Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt. “Parents can’t work if their kids aren’t looked after. Keeping childcare providers in Skagit open and operational is critical to our economic recovery.”
Skagit County Commissioner Ron Wesen said, “CARES has allowed us to target industries and individuals in Skagit County who needed help the most. We were able to do what was best for our community, and we’re grateful to be able to provide this critical program.”
Applications are now open, and will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. on November 7, 2020. This is a competitive application process, and submission of an application does not guarantee assistance. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Northwest Center for Child Care Retention and Expansion at childcarebiz@oppco.org. You can also contact the Opportunity Council at (360) 734-5121.
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