10-06-2020 CARESChild Care Provider
Assistance Grant
City Council
October 6, 2020
Policy Question
Should City Council authorize staff to implement the Child
Care Provider Assistance Grant program in response to
COVID-19 to be funded with CARES Act Funds?
Child Care and COVID-19
•COVID-19 and measures to slow its spread resulted in about 40%
of Washington child care centers closing temporarily with about
18% currently closed.
•Centers that are open are operating at lower capacity due to
safe-start requirements and/or lower enrollment.
•Child care is significant to the economy as it helps parents
participate in the workforce.
•Access to quality, affordable child care is essential for all families
•Low-and moderate-income families have more barriers in
accessing quality, affordable child care.
•Virtual learning creates a gap for families that need child care:
•Child care providers are challenged to support school-aged
children during the day, and
•Families with school-aged children have not budgeted for the
child care.
Strategies to Address Child Care
•Short-Term Solutions:
1. Child care subsidies for families that don’t qualify for
Working Connections
•This is families with incomes between 200% and
400% of the federal poverty level –which is still
low-to moderate-income in King County.
2.Pay co-pay for Working Connections.
3. Provide grants to child care providers.
Recommendation
•Given the timeframe with funds needing to be expended
by mid-November and all options needing new program
development, the recommendation is to provide child
care provider grants of up to $15,000 with a total of
$200,000 available.
•Such grants may have broader impact and may assist
child care providers in staying open by mitigating the
financial impact of COVID-19.
•Grants would be on a reimbursement basis. Due to the
recommended size, it will require receipts and financial
backup for grant payments to be made to child care
providers.
Recommended Eligibility
•Domiciled in Federal Way
•Possess a Federal Way Business License
•Must have been in business 1 year prior to 2020
•Must be current on all taxes and government fees
•Must be a licensed child care provider
•Must be open
•Businesses that received grants through the City or other
sources are eligible. Reimbursement will be for COVID-19
related expenses less funds received previously.
•Should requests exceed funding, priority will be given to
providers that accept Working Connections Child Care subsidy.
Timeline
•October 7: Application opens and notice is sent to providers
•October 16: First awards begin
•October 23: Application closes
•Through November 16: Staff work with providers to execute
contracts and gather required financial backup for
reimbursement
Questions?
Child Care Provider Assistance Grant
October 6, 2020
Staff Contacts:
Sarah Bridgeford, Community Services Manager