The Administration for Children and Families released new data showing that child care stabilization funds provided in the American Rescue Plan (ARP) have served more than 200,000 child care providers, impacting as many as 9.5 million children.
Child Care Stabilization Funds Impacts Kansas Children
Child Care Aware of Kansas (CCAKS), in partnership with Kansas Department for Children and Families, is accepting applications for Sustainability Grants until November 30, 2022. These grants aid in continuing operations of child care programs through the COVID-19 pandemic. All Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) licensed child care facilities that demonstrate substantial compliance with KDHE child care licensing are eligible to apply.
The Administration for Children and Families fact sheet for Kansas reports that as of June 30, 2022 3,810 child care programs in Kansas have already received American Rescue Plan Stabilization Support, impacting 118,600 children. Learn more and view the new state-by-state profiles from the Administration for Children and Families here.
“The Grants team at Child Care Aware of Kansas hears from providers every day on how important and impactful this funding has been to help them keep their doors open.” Amanda Poyser, Grants Program Manager for Child Care Aware of Kansas.
Providers work tirelessly to provide the best quality child care they can in the State of Kansas. That is hard to do if they must worry about how they will pay their bills or replace curriculum and toys
Amanda Poyser, Grants Program Manager, Child Care Aware of Kansas
Child Care Aware of Kansas reports that there are currently 4,443 licensed child care programs in Kansas, meaning that 86% have applied for funding.
Sustainability Grant Round 3 is still open for applications until November 30, 2022. More information can be found at www.ks.childcareaware.org/grants/. Payments will be issued through May of 2023.
Child Care Capacity Building Efforts in Kansas
In addition to supporting the child care system with Sustainability Grants, CCAKS is working toward building child care capacity in the state. By partnering with the Kansas Department for Children and Families, CCAKS can provide technical assistance and funding opportunities to Kansas communities working to address access to affordable, high-quality child care.
Eligible Kansas communities may apply for the Child Care Community Partnership Grant to support initial child care coalition-building activities or to implement plans to address access to affordable, high-quality child care. Applications are being received and reviewed on a rolling basis between October 3, 2022, and June 30, 2023.
Child Care Aware of Kansas serves as a bridge between those who experience the child care system every day – the real-life experts – and the leaders and influencers who aim to address child care challenges.
Child Care Aware of Kansas also offers bilingual start-up support through the Child Care Health Consultant Network. This program recruits potential child care providers and assists them in preparing for inspections, licensing guidance, and start-up funding opportunities.
Advancing equitable access to high-quality child care for Kansas families and communities takes all of us working together. Child Care Stabilization funding has been instrumental in working toward creating a child care system that sets up our state – and our children – for a health and productive future.
To learn more about Child Care Aware of Kansas, visit our website at ks.childcareaware.org.
