Montgomery County childcare facilities suffering financially and parents struggling to pay for childcare due to disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will soon get financial help.

Montgomery County Commissioners have allocated $12,000,000 of Federal Cares Act money to fund the Montco Cares Program.

Administered by the Early Learning Resource Center in conjunction with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, the program has two components; one for childcare providers and one for families.

“These past seven months have been really difficult for both families and childcare providers,” said Dr. Valerie A. Arkoosh, Chair, Montgomery County Board of Commissioners.

Montco Cares Program grants to childcare providers will ensure childcare centers’ financial viability for those who experienced low enrollment due to the pandemic.

The program will also provide families who have experienced loss of income with financial support to help pay childcare costs for children enrolled in a licensed childcare facility.

“As a mom, I know that no parent can fully concentrate on work if they are worried about their child’s safety and security,” said Arkoosh. “This grant program will give many parents the option for professional childcare that they can afford.”

The financial support will cover eligible costs incurred between Oct. 5 and Dec. 30, 2020. Applications opened on Oct. 5 and will close on Nov. 2, 2020. Guidelines, eligible costs, and the online application can be found here.