North Carolina's child care facilities have been granted a significant financial boost following the devastation brought on by Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby. The state's Department of Health and Human Services announced a $75.8 million federal funding allocation from the Office of Child Care in the American Relief Act Disaster Supplemental Funds. This support, earmarked for child care infrastructure recovery, will aid some 330 facilities that suffered damages in the storms.
Gov. Josh Stein welcomed the recovery assistance, noting its importance to local families. "North Carolina families depend on having quality and affordable child care, so I thank US DHHS for awarding this funding to help them," said Stein, "When a natural disaster forces a child care center to close, people’s lives are turned upside down. This federal funding will help providers rebuild, restore services and ensure parents can get back to work knowing their children are safe and well cared for," according to a statement from the Governor's Office.
NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai highlighted how imperative quality child care services are, especially post-disaster. "Quality child care is a critical resource for families in North Carolina, ensuring children are learning while their parents are able to work," Sangvai told the Governor's Office. The federal funds are to assist in various recovery operations such as construction and renovation,
With a direct approach to aid in recovery, Matt Calabria, Director of the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) outlined the strategy for the allocated funds. "Through close coordination with DHHS and local partners, GROW NC will work to ensure these federal dollars move quickly and strategically so providers can reopen and continue serving families who are counting on them," Calabria conveyed through a press release from the Governor's Office. Mental health services and supplies, are some of the aid planned for distribution.
For child care operators affected by the recent natural calamities, the state encourages them to report damages through the NCDHHS DCDEE website's Disaster Impact Report Portal. Candace Witherspoon, the director of DCDEE, assured that the division is committed to a successful implementation of these new funds. "We are committed to ensuring the successful implementation of this funding opportunity through strategic planning, supports, and resources," shared Witherspoon. Eligible child care operators may access more information and apply for these federal dollars, which are available for use through September 2030, as per the Governor's Office.
