LINCOLN- Thanks to federal COVID-19 relief funds, Nebraska childcare workers and providers will have the opportunity to apply for financial aid taken from a $66 million program run by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

The intent of the new program is "to recognize and reward childcare workers, repay student loan debt, and expand access to quality childcare services," according to the Department.

Virtual sessions will be held by the DHHS for potential applicants, and applications will start being accepted starting December 5th.

Jeff Powell, a Department spokesman, said the pandemic greatly exacerbated the childcare workforce shortage. "That caused an issue for parents...and forced them to make tough decisions, such as one parent leaving the workforce," said Powell, "These funds that we received from the federal government are to try and help that situation."

The program, once implemented, will provide childcare workers with stipends, and will allow licensed workers to use funds to pay off student loan debt.

Because of the pandemic, Nebraska's childcare workforce has faced income reductions, rampant turnover, difficulty hiring, and the inability to offer sufficient pay. A report released by the Buffet Early Childhood Institute, which polled around 750 providers, suggested that a majority of childcare workers have been struggling with mental, physical, and financial issues since the beginning of the pandemic.

Stephanie Beasley, director of DHHS's division of children and family services, believes the program will help alleviate these problems. "This investment into Nebraska's critical workforce will help boost childcare options for working families and support professionals doing this important work," she said.

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