Jefferson City awarded 11 local childcare facilities a total $330,748 in CARES Act funding.
The money is going toward financial help for low-to-moderate-income families, but it will also use some for facility upgrades, depending on the facility.
Funding must go to projects related to the pandemic.
The city accepted $413,435 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in late June. The city can pocket up to 20 percent ($82,687) of the funding for administration costs associated with offering the grants.
Through a public engagement period, the city identified childcare as an industry in need, which the funding could help.
Childcare facilities applied to the city for subgrants, which could go toward childcare help and economic development related to buildings, staff or operating capital.
The childcare facilities receiving funding include:
• Apple Tree Academy, $20,153
• Boys & Girls Club, $12,150
• Children's Garden of Knowledge, $16,257
• Courtyard Kiddos, $25,000
• Courtyard Kids, $25,000
• Early Explorers Preschool, $49,400
• The Academy of Innovative Learners, $31,440
• Jefferson City Daycare/Little Explorers Discovery Center, $44,952
• Joy & Gladness Academy, $49,116.05
• Show Me Child Care Center, $12,399.95
• Wisdom Woods Prep Academy, $44,880
Neighborhood services specialist Anne Stratman said several applied for construction funds.
"For example, to construct additional front entrances and to purchase and install Plexiglas dividers," she said. "One was going to upgrade their AC and heating system. Another one is going to do a building expansion just to kind of help give a little bit more separation for the children in the classrooms."
Some other requests for funding related to employee salaries, staff training and supplies, such as hand sanitizing stations.
Among the 11 centers, approximately $124,030 will go toward childcare service subsidies for up to three months.
Stratman said families can apply for that through the childcare facility.
"Families would work with the childcare facility," she said. "Everything is going through the childcare facility. Basically, the families do not have any contact with us at all."
Funding assistance started Saturday and is available until Dec. 31.