As part of the District’s coronavirus (COVID-19) recovery efforts, the DC Child Care Provider Relief Fund will provide $5 million in emergency operational funding to local child care facilities. Relief funds will be granted to all licensed District child care providers to ensure a supply of child care for families during the public health emergency and recovery period. This effort is being led by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF) is partnering to handle intake and disperse program funds.
The funding is authorized by “COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2020” effective March 17, 2020 (D.C. Act 23-247) (and extended by the Coronavirus Support Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Act 23-0326), Coronavirus Support Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Act 23-332), Coronavirus Support Temporary Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Act 23-0334), the Coronavirus Support Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Act 23-0328), and the Coronavirus Support Second Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Act 23-0405), the “Fiscal Year 2020 Revised Local Budget Emergency Act of 2020” (A23-351), and any subsequent emergency, temporary, or permanent versions of the Acts, and Mayor’s Order 2020-079 and Mayor’s Order 2020-094.
DC Child Care Provider Relief Fund Report
All information is based on data as of 2/9/2021. Final grant awarding is still in progress.
DC Child Care Provider Relief Fund Recipient List
Breakdown of DC Child Care Provider Relief Fund Awards
| Description | Total | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Total Child Care Businesses Conditionally Awarded | 475 | Total number of eligible licensed child care providers who were conditionally awarded |
| Total Child Care Businesses Awarded | 437 | Total number of eligible licensed child care providers who have been awarded. |
Note: The difference in the Child Care Businesses who were conditionally awarded vs. awarded are the providers who declined the grant, were non-responsive, or ineligible (i.e. permanently closed their facility).
DC Child Care Provider Relief Fund Awards by Type of Provider
| Type of Provider | Total Providers Awarded | Total Amount Awarded | Average Amount of Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Development Centers | 341 | $4,200,317.34 | $12,317.65 |
| Child Development Expanded Homes | 41 | $184,592.98 | $4,502.27 |
| Child Development Homes | 55 | $195,791.88 | $3,559.85 |
| Total | 437 | $4,580,702.20 | $10,482.16 |
DC Child Care Provider Relief Fund Awards by Ward
| Ward | Total Providers Awarded | Total Amount Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Ward 1 | 32 | $365,853.68 |
| Ward 2 | 51 | $621,282.14 |
| Ward 3 | 35 | $410,898.85 |
| Ward 4 | 79 | $734,508.04 |
| Ward 5 | 56 | $602,476.16 |
| Ward 6 | 56 | $601,739.42 |
| Ward 7 | 55 | $485,122.38 |
| Ward 8 | 73 | $758,821.53 |
| Total | 437 | $4,580,702.20 |
Child Care Provider FAQ’s
Which providers are eligible?
All providers licensed through OSSE as of September 8, 2020 are eligible, falling into one of the following three categories:
- Child Development Homes (CDH): A private residence that provides a child development program for children. Child Development Home also includes those Facilities classified as “Expanded Child Development Homes.”
- Child Development Expanded Homes (CDX): A Child Development Home in which child care is provided by two (2) or more Caregivers for up to twelve (12) children.
- Child Development Centers (CDC): A Child Development Facility located in premises other than a dwelling occupied by the operator of the Facility that serves more than twelve (12) children. This definition encompasses facilities generally known as child care centers, preschools, nursery schools, before-and-after school programs, and similar programs and facilities.
How many grants will be awarded?
It is Mayor Bowser’s intent to award all eligible child care providers licensed through OSSE as of September 8, 2020. This includes providers who are temporarily closed to preserve the inventory of child care in the District.
How do I apply?
All eligible, licensed providers will be contacted via email by [email protected] starting on September 16, 2020. Business owners must complete an awardee information form. If not already on file with OSSE, a recent Certificate of Clean Hands must be submitted.
When will I receive my funds?
A disbursement of funds will occur upon completion of the awardee information form, receipt of documents, and signed grant agreement. Facilities that are currently open will receive priority for processing, but all grantees who submit their information and documents in a timely manner can expect to receive payment.
How was a funding decision determined and how much is the average award?
Award amounts will vary depending on the type of provider and the number of children the provider is licensed to serve (pre-COVID capacity). Based on the total monthly estimated cost of care for all licensed providers in the District and the amount of funds available, OSSE derived minimum awards per facility type. With funds remaining after all minimum awards were allocated, OSSE determined the amount per slot to be awarded. Awards are distributed per license. The minimum award is $2,091 and the maximum award is $17,889. The average awards per provider type are:
- CDH: $2,105
- CDX: $3,381
- CDC: $12,079
What are the allowable uses for these grant funds?
Eligible uses of the funds include operating costs (e.g., employee wages and benefits, accounts payable, inventory, utilities), fixed costs (e.g., rent, insurance), furniture, program materials to meet health and safety guidelines and/or sanitation supplies and personal protective equipment.
What if I have not received an email notification from [email protected]?
Please check your junk/spam folder first. If you have not received an email notification by September 16, 2020, then contact [email protected] for assistance.
How do I request an updated Certificate of Clean Hands?
As of this summer, businesses and nonprofit organizations are able to request a Certificate of Clean Hands through the MyTax.DC.gov portal. Learn how to navigate this new process by visiting OTR's website: otr.cfo.dc.gov/page/certificate-clean-hands
Is translation assistance available to help me submit the requested information?
Yes. Please “Reply All” to your notification letter email with this request and we will be happy to assist you.