Child care

time that has proven to be extremely challenging for many local families, it is vital that we put the needs and well-being of our students first and provide this much needed relief to the hardworking families in Chester County.”

Dr. Emilie M. Lonardi, Downingtown Area School District Superintendent, shared the same sentiments as Fiore, “The childcare funding provided by the Chester County Commissioners Office will be instrumental in easing the financial burden the pandemic has caused for both our families and staff. We are grateful to our Commissioners for valuing education, for protecting the health and well-being of our school communities and for their continued commitment to serving our great County.”

The resolution signed by the County Commissioners notes that the $10 million in childcare subsidy funds will be provided to low- and moderate-income families. Guidelines for eligibility include annual income limits, residency in Chester County, reasons for the childcare need, and is open to families with children from birth to age 12. Children with disabilities may be eligible through age 21.

“This subsidized childcare program helps Chester County families pay their childcare fees,” said County Commissioner Josh Maxwell. “Families’ lives have been turned upside down because of this pandemic with daily routines so different and worrying. Through the CCIU, we will pay the childcare costs directly to the childcare program, helping take away at least one of the major COVID-19 pressures on families with young children – childcare bills.”

Understanding that the $10 million childcare subsidy grant program may result in increased childcare enrollments in Chester County, the Commissioners established a $5 million fund to help childcare providers purchase additional personal protective equipment, make needed changes to their facilities, and provide relevant training and professional development for staff.

Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline noted, “Providing funding for families to help pay for childcare is crucial, but so too is making sure that the childcare businesses can withstand the cost of any changes needed to be made to keep children healthy and safe. Now, more than ever, I appreciate the service that childcare owners and staff provide, and am pleased that the County can help in this very practical way.”

Funds for both the $10 million childcare subsidy grant program and the $5 million childcare provider grant program are available up to Dec. 30, 2020, and will be awarded while funds last. For more information and the application for childcare subsidies can be found at www.cciu.org/covid-childcare or by calling the Chester County Intermediate Unit at 484-7534305 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grants for childcare are part of a major $28 million COVID-19 funding program approved by the Chester County Commissioners. Last week the County announced a $3.5 million Restore Chester County: Nonprofit Innovation & Resiliency Fund made available to Chester County nonprofits, and later this week the County will provide details of a $10 million funding program for Chester County’s public schools.