COUNTY PITCHES IN TO HELP FAMILIES

$15 million in funding approved for childcare services, providers

WEST CHESTER » Chester County Commissioners have announced two significant grant programs that will provide financial relief to Chester County families requiring childcare services and to childcare providers that have experienced costs related to COVID-19 protection measures. Funds totaling $10 million have been approved for childcare subsidies for families throughout Chester County, and $5million has been apportioned for the county’s childcare provider needs.

County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline approved a resolution authorizing the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) to administer the combined $15 million in funds. The funds will be available immediately and through to the end of 2020 to eligible county families and to eligible childcare providers.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created a stressful time for so many parents, and financial worries have further added to the stress,” said Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Marian Moskowitz. “This fund will make a tremendous difference to families in Chester County who have had to find money to pay for childcare services that they may never have needed, were it not for COVID-19.”

Both the $10 million for childcare subsidies and the $5 million for childcare providers is funded from CARES Act funding acquired by Chester County government. The Commissioners have appointed the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) to administer both grant programs because of the organization’s experience in administration of the Commonwealth’s Child Care Subsidy program. The Chester County Department of Human Services will coordinate the program on behalf of the County.

“I am extremely grateful that the County Commissioners have approved this distribution and that we can put the CARES Act dollars to work for our students,” said CCIU Executive Director Dr. George F. Fiore. “In a

SUBMITTED PHOTO Chester County Commissioners announce $15million in childcare grants for families and childcare businesses impacted by COVID-19. Pictured left to right are Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline and Josh Maxwell, Downingtown Area School District Superintendent Dr. Emilie Lonardi, Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Marion Moskowitz and Chester County Intermediate Unit Executive Director Dr. George Fiore.