The County awarded nearly $1.4 million to licensed child care providers
FREDERICK, Md. – Child care providers, small businesses and renters in Frederick County have benefitted from a series of initiatives designed to support people and help jump start the local economy. Today Executive Jan Gardner announced the results of the child care grant program, which contributed to the reopening of as many as 50 local daycare providers. She also outlined the broad reach of other programs that provide food and financial assistance to the people of Frederick County. During her remarks, Executive Gardner emphasized the need for continued vigilance against the COVID-19 coronavirus, emphasizing that people should continue to wear face coverings and maintain physical distancing.
“Frederick County is a caring community,” Executive Gardner said. “We will get through this together, and we will come out stronger.”
The County awarded nearly $1.4 million to licensed child care providers, through a partnership with the nonprofit Child Care Choices. A total of 298 providers applied for the one-time payments to help offset the cost of increased disinfection and cleaning. Awards were made to 232 family-based providers, which received $4,100 each, for a total of $951,000; 22 small centers (up to 59 children), $5,100 each, for a total of $112,000; and 44 large centers, $6,800 each for a total of $299,200.
Additional County initiatives have resulted in:
· $5 million in JumpStart grants to farmers, and small and micro businesses;
· $3 million in rental assistance, in conjunction with the City of Frederick and the Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs;
· Expanded free legal services through Maryland Legal Aid;
· Increased food delivery to seniors in need; and
· Funds to keep local food banks stocked, in partnership with the City of Frederick.
The rental assistance program remains open for people who are behind on their rent because of COVID-19. Information is available at www.TheReligiousCoalition.org.
County Executive Gardner also stressed that the Stage 3 reopenings recently authorized in Governor Hogan’s Executive Order were very limited in scope. Entertainment venues are limited to 100 people inside or 250 outside, or 50% of their capacity, whichever is smaller. Larger gatherings are prohibited. Retailers and religious facilities may open at 75% capacity. Nothing has changed for restaurants and bars.