Lincoln County commissioners have decided to triple the amount of federal pandemic relief funds it has committed to help increase the availability of local child care.
In April, commissioners allotted $100,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to award grants of up to $15,000 for expanding a current child care business or creating a new one in Lincoln County. That allotment used up within a month, the county said in a news release this week.
It went so quickly, that last week commissioners approved an additional $300,000 in relief act funds for its child care provider grants program, $200,00 of which is available immediately. The final $100,000 will be available after Oregon Coast Community College’s child care accelerator program, which begins Sept. 13.
County government received $9.4 million in pandemic relief from the federal government. Some $5.68 million has been allocated and after the $300,000 for additional childcare grants, there will be an estimated $3.4 million remaining to be used, according to the county.
Like essentially every county in Oregon, Lincoln County is considered a “child care desert,” meaning there are at least three children living here for every available child care slot. When it comes to infants and toddlers, Lincoln County is a “severe” child care desert, which means there are 10 infants and toddlers in the county for every available child care slot for that age group.
Under the county program, grants of up to $15,000 can be used for eligible expenses to create new child care businesses or expand current businesses’ operations. Examples of expenses already approved during the first round of funding include: supplies such as new slides, tables, changing tables, potties, cupboard locks, developmental toys, books, highchairs, anti-choking devices, a play structure, picnic table, nap pads, cleaning supplies and kitchen utensils; trainings in CPR, first aid and food handling; and space and safety improvements to facilities.
The county is accepting applications until all funds are dedicated or the end of the relief act spending window in 2026, whichever is first. English and Spanish applications can be found at this link: https://tinyurl.com/LCChildCareGrants. Applicants with questions should contact Shanelle Parks at sparks@co.lincoln.or.us or 541-265-4100.