Pinellas CARES – Child Care Provider Grant Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of the Pinellas CARES Child Care Provider Grant?

The Pinellas CARES Child Care Provider Grant will help restore and sustain child care services that are essential to our community by providing financial support to child care organizations in Pinellas County whose business has been negatively impacted due to COVID-19. The program will provide one-time grants of up to $10,000 to cover expenses such as employee wages, vendor bills, rent, and health and safety investments.

What is the source of the funding?

The funds come from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Congress designated a portion of the funds to go to local governments to meet urgent financial needs within communities.

How do I apply?

Early Learning Coalition will contact all eligible providers.

When is the application deadline?

The Pinellas CARES Child Care Provider Grant will begin accepting applications on August 6, 2020. The application period will close Friday, October 2, 2020, at 11:59 p.m.

What additional documentation is required to apply for the Pinellas CARES Child Care Provider Grant?

Eligible providers will be required to complete a W-9 form and electronically sign an attestation that the applicant meets eligibility criteria.

What are the eligibility requirements?

The Pinellas CARES Child Care Provider Grant program is available to licensed child care providers throughout Pinellas County whose business has been negatively impacted by COVID-19. To qualify, facilities must be open and serving children at the time of application, licensed by the Pinellas County License Board, and have a physical location in Pinellas County.

  • Note that child care providers will not be eligible to apply for the other Pinellas CARES Local Business Grant programs as each local business may only receive one grant type from the Pinellas CARES Local Business Grant programs. If a child care provider previously received a Pinellas CARES Small Business Grant, the provider may be eligible for another grant that represents the difference between the previous award ($5,000) and the amount reflected below.
  • Grants up to $10,000 based on sliding scale:
  • Licensed Family Child Care Home (FCCH) – $4,000 per provider
  • Large Family Child Care Home (LFCCH) – $5,000 per provider
  • Child Care Facility
  • 10-20 capacity – $6,000 per provider
  • 21-49 capacity – $8,000 per provider
  • 50-99 capacity – $9,000 per provider
  • 100+ capacity – $10,000 per provider

Can our child care organization still qualify if we did not have to close during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Yes, child care organizations that did not have to close may still be eligible to apply if their business was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

What can I use the funds to pay for?

Examples of eligible expenses include employee wages, vendor bills, rent, and health and safety investments. The emergency relief is targeted specifically to help local businesses impacted as a result of COVID-19 within Pinellas County cover immediate financial needs. Funds can only be used to cover costs not paid by insurance or by another federal program.

What is the deadline for using the funds?

All awarded funds must be used by December 30, 2020.

Is reimbursement required?

No reimbursement is required.

If I’m approved, how quickly will I receive assistance?

Complete applications with all required documentation will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on the number of applicants, it may take several weeks from the date of application submission until eligible child care providers will receive the approved funding. Pinellas County is committed to helping our child care providers in need of aid as quickly as possible. Due to the widespread impact of the pandemic to our local community, we anticipate a high volume of requests.

Will my organization be required to report how we spend funds that are awarded?

At this time, there is no reporting requirement. However, the County or the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County will be entitled to access and audit such records as may be necessary to prevent fraud or ensure compliance with federal requirements.

Who is managing the grant approval and distribution process?

Pinellas County Government has partnered with the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County (ELC) for this program. The ELC and the County will manage the application review and approval process. Funds will be disbursed to grant recipients by the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller.

What if I have questions about the application or whether my organization qualifies?

If you have questions or need assistance completing the application, please contact the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County at 727-400-4436 or ceckrem@elcpinellas.org.