LINCOLN- Nebraska child care providers have received a whopping $98 million lifeline over the past nine months from pandemic relief funds.

Reports from the Department of Health and Human Services show that 2,269 providers — or 80% of all licensed child care centers, family child care homes and preschools — have gotten help through the Child Care Stabilization Grant program since October of 2021.

Stephanie Beasley, children and family services director for HHS, said the money has been critical in supporting a key part of the state’s economy and in keeping quality child care available for children and working parents.

State officials established the grant program with Nebraska’s share of some $24 billion in federal child care relief dollars provided through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Nebraska’s portion amounted to $140 million. State officials awarded a total of $104 million in two rounds of grants, with the bulk of the money already disbursed. The last $6 million is set to be disbursed to second-round recipients in September.

Grants were awarded in every county with at least one licensed child care provider.

For the full article click HERE