Additional grants available for child care providers as part of American Rescue Plan Act

Additional grants are available to assist child care providers licensed and registered with South Dakota Department of Social Services, DSS and Gov. Kristi Noem announced Wednesday.

The grants are part of a second round of funding from the $60 million stabilization grants through American Rescue Plan Act, and are meant to help support child care providers and families impacted by COVID-19.

Initial funding was provided to 676 child care providers in the amount of $35.4 million this spring to help stabilize an industry ravaged by rising inflation.

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“Helping stabilize South Dakota child care providers strengthens our communities,” DSS Cabinet Secretary Laurie Gill said in a news release. “Child care is a vital part of keeping our economy strong, but more importantly access to quality providers is crucial for families.”

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Grant awards are based on the provider’s average monthly expenses. The funding is being made available to child care providers who previously received grants as well as open to new providers registered and licensed by DSS at the time of application. Applications are being accepted until June 15.

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Providers who received previous grants will receive an additional two months of operating expenses up to a cap. Providers who haven’t received a grant will receive five months of operating expenses up to a cap. As with the first round of ARPA Child Care Stabilization Grants, funds must be expended on operating expenses.

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Additional information on the ARPA Child Care Stabilization Grants is available at dss.sd.gov.