Durham County is expanding its Build Babies Durham (BBD) program. An announcement received by the County Manager’s office yesterday stated that an additional $1.69 million from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will support stipend payments for high-quality childcare for eligible families. With this funding, the total allocation for BBD childcare stipends is now $4.09 million, extending support through November 2026.
Childcare is essential for many working families, but rising costs have put a lot of pressure on these services. Before the pandemic, the median monthly cost of infant care in Durham was about $1,200, and prices have continued to increase. The pandemic made the situation worse: at one point, 70% of childcare centers were closed or operating at limited capacity, while many families faced job and income losses.
These challenges highlight the County’s decision to use ARPA Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, totaling over $62 million. To receive support through the BBD program, families must show a need for full-time childcare. Childcare providers participating in the program must have a 4- or 5-star rating from the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE), according to the County Manager’s office.
Durham County will help families get these services, no matter their income. Every dollar spent on quality childcare could create up to $7.30 in long-term benefits for society. Between May 2023 and June of this year, the BBD program awarded scholarships to 139 children. According to an official announcement, all families said the scholarship helped them start, maintain, or expand employment, and 79% reported it supported the stability or growth of their household income.
