In an effort to swiftly rebuild a childcare system devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic in Santa Clara County, an ambitious $15 million grant program has been launched, aiming to bolster both center- and family-based providers. According to a press release by the county yesterday, this crucial initiative, known as the Childcare and Early Education Infrastructure Grant Program, will provide much-needed support to local childcare providers for renovation, reopening of facilities, and expansion of existing operations, ultimately serving the county's pressing childcare requirements.
The County of Santa Clara is launching a $15 million grant program in partnership with @vhfca that will enable local childcare providers, who were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, to reopen or renovate facilities and expand existing operations. https://t.co/mv18wDwLrq pic.twitter.com/bJQy0T8EHe
— County of Santa Clara (@SCCgov) September 13, 2023
This timely intervention comes on the heels of a startling decline in the number of childcare providers in the county over the last decade. More than 700 licensed childcare facilities have shut down within this period, with at least 161 providers having closed their doors during the COVID-19 pandemic alone. The impact of these closures was felt deeply throughout the community, as more families scrambled to find affordable alternatives.
Recognizing the urgent need to restore and enhance the childcare infrastructure, the bulk of the funding for this grant program comes from the federal Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, allocated to the county under the American Rescue Plan Act. The grants will be accessible to both family-based and center-based childcare providers, allowing them to cover costs for construction, facility improvements, rent, and staff wages.
Addressing the issue, Sarah Duffy, the County's Chief Children's Officer, stated, "Santa Clara County, like much of the state and nation, is experiencing a critical need for childcare and early education made worse by childcare closures during the pandemic." She added that high-quality, affordable childcare is an essential resource for families, particularly those in lower-income brackets, while parents and caregivers are at work or pursuing education and training.
Duffy encourages providers to apply for these expansion grants, emphasizing that the program's prime objective is to increase the supply of available childcare services provided in the county. Set to be administered by Valley Health Foundation, these grants, combined with previous county initiatives, demonstrate a remarkable commitment by Santa Clara County officials to reversing the troubling trend in childcare availability.
Over the past year, the Board of Supervisors has, in fact, allocated $10 million, including $5 million in American Rescue Plan funds, to a trio of initiatives designed to increase and sustain the childcare and early education workforce. The initiatives are being managed by the nonprofit FIRST 5 Santa Clara County. A notable component of the county's efforts is an apprenticeship program, currently in its second year, offering on-the-job training and instruction at local community colleges.
Childcare providers interested in applying for assistance under the new grant program may do so by filling out pre-eligibility forms available on the Valley Health Foundation's website. To provide further support, webinars in October will be conducted by the Valley Health Foundation to assist grant applicants with their application process. More information on the Childcare and Early Education Infrastructure Grant Program can be found by visiting the Valley Health Foundation’s program webpage or by emailing the foundation at [email protected].
