$1,000 bonuses now available to childcare workers

WGVU News | By Colin Jackson

Published November 9, 2021 at 11:25 AM EST

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Colleen Macleod reads to children at Pairc Playgroup in South Lochs. The childcare center offers bilingual learning and says the mobile library is critical for access to Gaelic children's books. "As educators, we use it for resources and that keeps the culture alive as well," says teacher Kayleigh Makillop.

The grant uses federal coronavirus relief money approved in the latest state budget.

Childcare providers in the state can now apply for an award from a 350-million-dollar grant program.

The “Child Care Stabilization Grant” assists providers with costs like providing one-thousand-dollar bonuses to employees, rent and insurance.

Alex Rossman is with the Michigan League for Public Policy. He says the move benefits more than individual workers or organizations.

“By providing that stability and helping prevent staff turnover or burnout, it’s also providing continuity and stability for kids in a childcare situation.”
The current application period runs through December 8^th. A second will open in March.