Walker Encourages Child Care Providers to Apply for Child Care Restoration Grants Next Week

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – State child care restoration grant applications will be available the week of July 20-24, and state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, is highlighting the program and webinars available for providers to learn about the $270 million relief plan.

“The child care sector has been hit hard by the pandemic, and this grant program will directly help businesses that lost significant revenue this year,” Walker said. “Child care is an important component of our economy, and it’s critically important that experienced child care providers remain open and available.”

The governor and General Assembly have directed $270 million of the state’s Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency Fund to help child care providers. The Child Care Restoration Grants will be administered by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA) in partnership with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Department of Human Services (DHS).

Applications will be available starting Monday, July 20, and INCCRRA will offer webinars on Tuesday, July 21 in English (10 a.m.) and Spanish (6:30 p.m.). To register or learn more, please visit https://www.ilgateways.com/financial-opportunities/restoration-grants.

Licensed child care homes and centers in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State are eligible to apply if they can demonstrate a business interruption due to regulatory changes to child care due to public health and safety guidelines in response to COVID-19. Non-profit and for-profit providers are eligible to apply. Initial funds will be awarded in August.

“By supporting child care, we are also investing in our children and their future,” Walker said. “Child care providers provide a critical service, I hope they’re able to use this grant to help them in their mission.”