Cooper touts grants benefitting child care workers

Governor Roy Cooper visited High Point on Thursday to draw attention to enhanced funding for child care facilities. 

The governor was joined by Congresswoman Kathy Manning on a tour of the Kid Appeal Learning Center. They were there to highlight the NC Child Care Stabilization Grants, created to boost compensation for early care teachers and staff.

According to a news release, more than $655 million has been allocated to facilities across the state since the program was initiated, using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Manning said that the grants have supported 2,000 child care jobs in Guilford County alone.

Bruce and Angela Davis are the owners of Kid Appeal Learning Center. They say the facility was facing the prospect of cutting hours and sending teachers home, but the funding allowed them to boost pay and offer bonuses to staff.

In September, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced it would extend the grant eligibility through December of next year.

The program is being monitored by auditors from the state Division of Childhood and Early Education to ensure the funds are being properly managed.