MARYVILLE – In an effort by the General Assembly to restore child care during the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) announced a $270 million Child Care Restoration grant program, provided by the new state budget. 

“For many parents, ensuring their quality child care providers have the resources for reopening safely is crucial to feel comfortable transitioning back to work,” Crowe said. “State funds are available for support, and I strongly encourage all eligible providers to apply.” 

The Child Care Restoration grant program will dedicate at least $270 million of the state’s Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency (CURE) Fund to support the economic health of child care providers as the state’s economy continues to reopen in the coming weeks and months. 

As part of CURE, the Business Interruption Grants Program is specifically designed to support businesses that endure lost revenue due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Services, is charged with developing the grant program for licensed child care providers. The Child Care Restoration grants will be administered by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies.

The “Intent to Apply” survey launched Wednesday and is available online here. The information gathered will help inform the development of the grants program to be released in July 2020, and providers will receive their first installments later this summer. The opportunity to respond to the survey will close on June 19, 2020 at 5 p.m.

More information will be added to www.ilgateways.com/financial-opportunities/restoration-grants. People are encouraged to continue to check back frequently for information and resources.