The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) is accepting new applications from eligible childcare providers until Feb. 19 to receive a grant paid monthly to assist with business expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of up to $15 million in grant awards will be issued through Phase 3 of the Idaho Child Care Grant. This is the third phase in the Idaho Child Care Grant program.

The Idaho Child Care Grant: Phase 3 provides funding to cover expenses authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA) for childcare providers who have experienced decreased enrollment or closures related to coronavirus, and to assure they are able to remain open.

These resources are intended for childcare providers who are facing challenges with covering operating expenses due to loss of income, as well as increased costs for food and supplies. Eligible expenses include rent, utilities, supplies and payroll, as well as support for additional health and safety measures taken during the pandemic.

This is a non-competitive grant opportunity open to licensed providers and those certified by the Idaho Child Care Program who have been providing full time, in-person childcare since Oct. 1, 2020. Eligible providers will receive a monthly award based on facility size beginning in February 2021. Monthly awards will continue to be paid each month until the available funds are exhausted.

To ensure fair and equitable access to this grant opportunity, grants will be awarded in the following amounts, based on the license and or the ICCP provider type at the time of the application, as shown below:

Provider Type	Monthly Grant  Amount
Family/Relative	$500
Group	$1,000
Small Center	$2,500
Large Center	$5,000

Ericka Rupp is the department’s Child Care Program manager in the Division of Welfare.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.