How does the CARES act funding affect education, out-of-school time programs, and child care?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was signed into law on March 27, 2020. This legislation provides broad emergency aid to address the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic with provisions for individuals, business sectors, and state agencies. Among the provisions are allocations to address the urgent challenges facing every part of our education system.
Emergency Funding for Child Care Providers in the CARES Act
Governor Northam announced in his press release on Wednesday, April 15, 2020, that Virginia has received $70 million dollars through the CARES act allocated for emergency childcare funds. They will run through the Childcare Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and will be used in the following ways:
• Provide incentive grants to child care providers that are open, from now through the end of June
• Eliminate co-payments through June for low-income, working families who receive federal child care subsidy dollars
• Prepare schools to act as emergency child care centers, where needed
• Provide additional funding for child care providers that participate in the federal subsidy program, but have had to close. This will help ensure they are ready to welcome children back as soon as this crisis has passed.
Virginia will start paying current subsidy providers and waiving co-pay for families already receiving federally subsidized childcare this week (week of April 15). The Department of Social Services outlines the subsidy program in their FAQ document. The information pertains to both parents and providers in Virginia and includes information about how to apply for the CCDBG grants. Essential personnel can apply for the Child Care Subsidy in two ways. The first is through CommonHelp, a web-based app where users can screen for eligibility, apply for benefits and services, and obtain other information. The second is by submitting an application directly to their local Department of Social Services. A listing of all local departments is available from the Virginia Department of Social Services website under “Find your local department” on the home page.
Additionally, parents who work in essential industries and are in need of child care services can visit Child Care Aware or call 1-866-KIDS-TLC for an up-to-date list of child care options in their area.
Emergency Funding for Education
In addition to emergency childcare relief, Virginia will receive education funding through the CARES Act:
· The Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (Estimated $65.4 Mil*): These are discretionary funds that Governors may use to support their K-12 education and higher education needs, including out-of-school time programs.
· Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund ($222.1 Mil*): States can use funds for a plethora of purposes, including purchasing technology for distance learning; supplies for cleaning and sanitization, supporting professional development for educators and supporting access to quality instruction for students with disabilities.
· Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund ($312.9 Mil): These are funds distributed to institutions of higher education to offset some lost revenue following school closures and emergency financial aid to students.
Half of the funding received by higher education institutions must go to students for emergency financial aid. In Virginia that equates $156.5 million going directly to students to help cover costs associated with the pandemic closures, including course materials and basic living expenses. In a press release from Senator Mark Warner’s Office, information on the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund can be found, as well as allocations assigned to each higher education institution in Virginia.
*Estimated numbers taken from Center on Policy and Budget Priorities
Virginia Department of Education Waiver Request under the CARES Act
On April 6, 2020, Virginia Department of Education Superintendent James Lane submitted a waiver request to the Federal Department of Education under the CARES Act. The waiver requests flexibility for VDOE and its local educational agencies.
Requests of particular interest to out-of-school time programs include a request that extends the availability of FY2018 funds to September 30, 2021, for 21st CCLC grants and flexibility on the definition of “professional development” for the 2019-2020 school year, such that it allows school divisions to conduct training in timely response to the pandemic.
As we learn more, we will continue to keep you updated of the changes that are impacting the programs that VPOST supports. Be safe and well.
