Applications open to pay $1,000 bonuses to eligible Michigan child care workers

Detroit Free Press - 11/8/2021

LANSING — Applications opened Monday for a state program intended to pay a $1,000 bonus to each full-time child care professional in Michigan.

The $350-million Child Care Stabilization Grant program was part of a bipartisan state budget agreement.

"Child care is the backbone of a strong economy and childcare professionals and programs go above and beyond every day to care for our kids, helping them learn and grow in a safe environment," Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a news release.

"By bringing both parties together, we were able to put Michiganders first and deliver every child care professional a $1,000 bonus in recognition of their incredible sacrifices over the last 18 months, expand low or no-cost care to 105,000 kids, and help providers improve their programs."

More: Gov. Whitmer unveils $1.4 billion plan to expand affordable child care with federal funds

Licensed child care providers are eligible to apply and can get more information at Michigan.gov/childcare. Child care professionals will be awarded bonuses directly from their employer and do not need to apply, the release said.

Laurie Clark-Horton, owner of L.A.C.C. Child Care Academy in Detroit, said she has worked in the field for more than 24 years and the past 18 months have been the most challenging of her career.

"Funding from the Child Care Stabilization Grant will help me thank my hard-working staff and continue providing high-quality care 24 hours a day," she said.

Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @paulegan4. Read more on Michigan politics and sign up for our elections newsletter.

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