North Carolina Secures $75.8 Million for Child Care Recovery Post-Storms
In a significant boost to child care infrastructure in storm-affected areas, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has announced the allocation of $75.8 million from the Administration for Children & Families, specifically from the Office of Child Care through the American Relief Act Disaster Supplemental Funds. This funding aims to aid recovery efforts in child care facilities affected by Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby, with over 230 and 100 facilities impacted, respectively.
“North Carolina families depend on having quality and affordable child care, so I thank US DHHS for awarding this funding to help them,” emphasized Governor Josh Stein. He highlighted the disruption caused when natural disasters lead to the closure of child care centers and expressed the importance of this federal support in rebuilding and restoring these essential services.
NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai reiterated the vital role of child care in enabling parents to work while ensuring children receive quality education. “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,” said Sangvai.
Matt Calabria, Director of the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC), acknowledged the ongoing recovery challenges faced by child care providers in the aftermath of Helene and Debby. “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 stated.
Funding Allocation and Recovery Efforts
The NCDHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE), in partnership with GROW NC and other local and state partners, sought federal aid for these recovery initiatives in September 2025. The funds are earmarked for several critical recovery operations, including:
- 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
Candace Witherspoon, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education, assured stakeholders of a strategic approach in utilizing these funds. “We are committed to ensuring the successful implementation of this funding opportunity through strategic planning, supports, and resources,” she said, emphasizing the focus on the needs of the early childhood education community and the families they serve.
Guidance for Child Care Operators
Child care operators affected by the storms are urged to report damages through the Disaster Impact Report Portal available on the NCDHHS DCDEE website. This reporting will facilitate the assessment of storm impacts and help in the allocation of the Disaster Supplemental Funds for Child Care, which are available for disaster recovery, mitigation, and preparedness until September 30, 2030. NCDHHS plans to provide further details to potential applicants concerning fund eligibility and application processes.
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