State announces $18M in child care investments
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Gov. Eric Holcomb on Thursday announced $18.1 million to 64 businesses, community groups and school corporations to expand child care offerings.
Of the recipients, 33 employers will begin to offer on-site child care, and another 13 will provide a tuition benefit for outside care. Other awarded employers will reserve seats at child care centers and invest in related projects, Holcomb’s office said.
“We wanted those who know first-hand the critical needs of their employees, and those who are best positioned to partner in their communities, to create child care solutions for their workforce, and they delivered,” Holcomb said in a news release. “This effort harnesses the combined efforts of businesses, community groups, and schools that want to support working Hoosiers’ careers and our youngest learners across the state.”
The funds are from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning, totaling $25 million.
Employers received funding based on size. Thirty employers with over 1,000 employees will see up to $750,000; 25 companies with between 100 and 999 employees will receive up to $350,000; and nine employers with between 20 and 99 employees will bank up to $50,000.
“I look forward to seeing all the inventive approaches to child care come to life in communities across the state, and partnering with more businesses, community groups and schools on this important, collaborative effort to support children, their families and the state’s economy,” OECOSL Director Courtney Penn said. “Birth to age 5 are the most critical in a person’s life, and now more of our next generation will receive early education that is crucial to their brain and social development.”
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce called the funding award a “welcome boost.” Vice President of Education and Workforce Development Jason Bearce said Hoosier employers have consistently told the chamber that a lack of quality and affordable child care is their top external workforce barrier.
“The state’s employer childcare grants are set to make a real difference in many communities across Indiana by giving Hoosier families much needed options,” Bearce said in written remarks. “This will give parents in these locations greater peace of mind and enable some to re-enter the workforce.”
Thursday’s round absorbed 72% of the available funding, and another round set for early next year will award the remaining funds.
You can view the full list of awardees by clicking here.