As businesses open back up and parents return to work, child care is an essential service that is needed more than ever before. However, many centers that struggled through the pandemic are still finding it difficult to tread water, even with the world slowly returning to something like normal.
In the video below, my friend Myron Martin from Zono Technologies, the originators of the Zono ozone sanitation cabinet, joins me to teach us all about the new grant options available for child care businesses to help offset the costs of enrollment, hiring, and proper sanitation. At the end, he also gives us some guidance on what a properly sanitized classroom looks like. If you would find out more about this new grant opportunity that is available to you or speak with a Zono representative, you can do so by visiting here.
Key takeaways from this video:
The American Resource Plan
- The American Resource Plan was signed into law by the president on March 1st, 2021. $39 billion is reserved exclusively for child care organizations and does not have to be repaid. All of this money will be given in grants. The idea is to help child care businesses get back on their feet after COVID.
- These funds are available to states, territories, and tribes (not Head Start), but the money is administered by the states, so it’s possible that specific states might interpret the law in slightly different ways. As of yet, not many states have given much guidance on their application process. It’s a good idea to go ahead and take the initiative yourself.
- The American Rescue Plan for Child Care consists of two things:
- $15 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant
- You can apply to your state for funds that will help defray the expenses for essential workers.
- All funds are to be exhausted by September 30th, 2024.
- If you’re looking to boost employment and bring enrollment up to the level you’re authorized for, it would be a great idea to get one of these.
- $24 billion for a COVID-19 Child Care Relief and Stabilization Fund, which provides states with resources to offer immediate grants to child care providers.
- To allow child care providers to open and stay open while providing a healthy and safe environment.
- This money can be used for bonuses, recruiting costs, sanitation resources, and mental health resources and support for the children and staff, among other things.
- $15 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant
- The American Resource Plan was signed into law by the president on March 1st, 2021. $39 billion is reserved exclusively for child care organizations and does not have to be repaid. All of this money will be given in grants. The idea is to help child care businesses get back on their feet after COVID.
Proper Classroom Sterilization
- How important is sterilization? A study from the University of Florida found multiple pathogens on masks that students and teachers had only been wearing for a single day. Disinfection is so important in our facilities. Germs are spread very easily, especially among children.
- There’s not one single solution to having a safe and sanitized childcare facility. You need to be doing multiple things at once to keep the space as safe and healthy as possible. Based on research, Zono can suggest a three step plan:
- A Zono ozone cabinet to disinfect and sanitize shared learning and play objects.
- Bring as much fresh air as possible into the facility as long as your heating and air conditioning system can treat that air adequately. MERV 13 or HEPA filters help supply medically pure air for everyone in your building. This will also help asthmatic children.
- Follow the CDC guidelines for hygiene practices by students and teachers. Use approved surface treatments to disinfect stationary surfaces.
- How important is sterilization? A study from the University of Florida found multiple pathogens on masks that students and teachers had only been wearing for a single day. Disinfection is so important in our facilities. Germs are spread very easily, especially among children.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Child Care Success Academy or how working with our team can be of service to your child care business, we invite you to schedule a free 45-minute Coaching Call with one of our Coaches!
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