North Carolina Secures $75.8 Million for Child Care Recovery Post-Storms
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby has left North Carolina’s child care sector in need of substantial recovery efforts. In response, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has been granted $75.8 million from the Administration for Children & Families, Office of Child Care in American Relief Act Disaster Supplemental Funds for Child Care. This funding aims to aid the recovery of over 330 child care facilities affected by these storms.
“North Carolina families depend on having quality and affordable child care, so I thank US DHHS for awarding this funding to help them,” said Governor Josh 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.”
The funds will primarily focus on rebuilding child care infrastructure in the most impacted regions. Notably, Hurricane Helene affected more than 230 child care facilities, while Tropical Storm Debby impacted over 100. The NCDHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) is collaborating closely with the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) and other partners to allocate these funds effectively.
“Quality child care is a critical resource for families in North Carolina, ensuring children are learning while their parents are able to work,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “We are thankful for our federal partners who share in our commitment to long-term recovery efforts in areas hit hardest by these devastating storms, including to child care facilities.”
Funding allocations will support various recovery operations, such as:
- Construction, major renovation, or alteration
- Materials, supplies, furnishings, vehicles, and equipment
- Other activities that build child care services in impacted areas
- Mental health consultation or services
- Quality improvement activities
“Child care providers are cornerstones of their communities, and many are still working to recover from the damage caused by Helene and Debby,” said Matt Calabria, Director of the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC). “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.”
Child care operators are urged to report damages from the storms via the Disaster Impact Report Portal on the NCDHHS DCDEE website. The reports will help identify the extent of damage and facilitate the allocation of Disaster Supplemental Funds for Child Care, which can be used for recovery and mitigation efforts through September 30, 2030.
“We are committed to ensuring the successful implementation of this funding opportunity through strategic planning, supports, and resources,” said Candace Witherspoon, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education. “We remain focused on the needs of our early childhood education community and the families they serve.”
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