Curry, Roosevelt child care centers receive grant funds

Oct. 26—A total of 29 child care centers in Curry and Roosevelt counties received grant funds totaling $5.6 million as part of $157 million allocated to the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

In Curry County, 24 child care centers, including two on Cannon Air Force Base, received nearly $4.9 million in grant funds, according to information provided by ECECD, and in Roosevelt County, five child care centers received a total of $738,675, according to information provided by ECECD.

The ARPA funds, for which New Mexico distribution started on Oct. 15, are intended to help stabilize child care businesses that have been damaged economically by the COVID-19 pandemic, an ECECD news release stated. The pandemic has resulted in decreased enrollment, workforce shortages, and higher costs for child care businesses.

According to the news release:

— The funds are also intended to help "improve recruitment and retention of child care professionals, grow child care capacity and increase access to child care in New Mexico.

— Statewide, 1,004 qualifying child care businesses received funds.

— The $175-million allocation was "one of the largest investments in early care and education in New Mexico state history."

— Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said the state's "swift and equitable distribution" of the ARPA funds will help New Mexicans return to work and build the state's economy.

— Fund distribution was based on a formula that considered provider type, licensed capacity, continued operation during the pandemic, quality level, availability of infant and toddler care, and the location of businesses.

— Child care businesses can use the funds for purposes that include personnel costs, rent, utilities, facilities maintenance, insurance, personal protective equipment, health and safety practices, equipment and supplies to respond to COVID-19, expenses to maintain or resume child care services, and past pandemic-related expenses.

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