Two significant grant programs will provide financial relief to Chester County families requiring childcare services and to childcare providers that have experienced costs related to COVID-19 protection measures. Funds totaling $10 million have been approved for childcare subsidies for families throughout Chester County, and $5 million has been apportioned for the county’s childcare provider needs.

Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline approved a resolution authorizing the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) to administer the combined $15 million in funds. The funds will be available immediately and through to the end of 2020 to eligible county families and to eligible childcare providers.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created a stressful time for so many parents, and financial worries have further added to the stress,” said Moskowitz. “This fund will make a tremendous difference to families in Chester County who have had to find money to pay for childcare services that they may never have needed, were it not for COVID-19.”

Both the $10 million for childcare subsidies and the $5 million for childcare providers is funded from CARES Act funding acquired by Chester County government. The Commissioners have appointed the CCIU to administer both grant programs because of the organization’s experience in administration of the Commonwealth’s Child Care Subsidy program. The Chester County Department of Human Services will coordinate the program on behalf of the county.

“I am extremely grateful that the County Commissioners have approved this distribution and that we can put the CARES Act dollars to work for our students,” said CCIU Executive Director Dr. George F. Fiore. “In a time that has proven to be extremely challenging for many local families, it is vital that we put the needs and well-being of our students first and provide this much needed relief to the hardworking families in Chester County.”

The resolution signed by the County Commissioners notes that the $10 million in childcare subsidy funds will be provided to low- and moderate-income families. Guidelines for eligibility include annual income limits, residency in Chester County, reasons for the childcare need, and is open to families with children from birth to age 12. Children with disabilities may be eligible through age 21.

Understanding that the $10 million childcare subsidy grant program may result in increased childcare enrollments in Chester County, the Commissioners established a $5 million fund to help childcare providers purchase additional personal protective equipment, make needed changes to their facilities, and provide relevant training and professional development for staff.

Funds for both the $10 million childcare subsidy grant program and the $5 million childcare provider grant program are available up to Dec. 30, 2020 and will be awarded while funds last.

Click here for more information or to apply. If you have questions, you can call the CCIU at 484-753-4305 from 8 AM-4 PM.

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