Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21), announced $2.47 billion for Florida child care providers to open safely, keep workers on payroll, and lower costs for hardworking families.

“Safe, affordable child care is critical to getting our economy back up and running,” said Rep. Frankel. “Parents aren’t going back to work if they don’t have a trusted place for their children to be during the day. This funding will make sure parents are able to return to jobs and provide for their families.”

The funding comes as part of two programs Rep. Frankel helped create through the American Rescue Plan:

• $1.5 billion from the child care stabilization fund for Florida to help child care providers to reopen or stay open, provide safe and healthy learning environments, keep workers on payroll, and provide mental health supports for educators and children, and
• $950 million in more flexible funding for Florida to make child care more affordable for more families, increase access to high-quality care for families receiving subsidies, increase compensation for early childhood workers, and meet other care needs in the state.

The funding will go to the state, which will allocate it to specific providers and families. For more information on how to apply for funding through the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), click here.

###