ST. LOUIS — The City of St. Louis Community Development Administration (CDA) and Saint Louis MHB partnered to disburse about $2 million in American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funding to childcare providers to help them recover from the economic strain of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a press release from the city, local childcare providers applied in August for the one-time grant opportunity to ensure critical services remain available and stable. Eligible providers could apply for up to $49,500 of funding.
The funding reimburses providers for the gap between the state childcare subsidy rate and the cost of licensed care for children under five years old to cover the period from January 2021 to December 2021. Also, the recently enacted Working Families bill (BB116) includes a further $2 million in support for early childhood education, according to the release.
The CDA serves as the City of St. Louis’ clearinghouse for federal, state and local funds. CDA works to implement the mayor's economic justice agenda by funding a wide range of public and nonprofit entities to provide public services, build affordable housing, combat blight, and conduct various other community development activities.
MHB is a special taxing district in the City of St. Louis authorized by Missouri state statutes and city voter approvals to administer public funds for behavioral health and children’s services that benefit city residents. MHB does not provide direct services itself but makes funding available for direct services operated by not-for-profit organizations.
In total, 56 providers have been awarded a total of $1,679,272 from ARPA funds. The average reimbursement per provider is $36,000. The providers will be picking up their grants from the Saint Louis MHB’s office on Friday.
Nahuel Fefer, CDA executive director provided a comment Thursday, that reads:
“Data shows that investments into early childhood yield extraordinary returns in the form of improved high school graduation rates, increased employment and wages, reduced crime, and better health outcomes.” Fefer said. “We are proud to partner with MHB to ensure childcare is available to families who are fighting to recover from the economic hardship caused by the pandemic.”
Mayor Tishaura Jones also provided a comment, that reads:
“Working moms and dads rely on quality, affordable childcare in their communities,” Jones said. “Childcare providers suffered during the height of the COVID-19 crisis. This partnership between the Community Development Administration and Saint Louis MHB will support dozens of providers and improve access to the childcare working families need.”
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