How are grant award amounts determined?
Providers’ grant award amounts were determined at time of application for the grant award and were based on licensed capacity and monthly operating expenses.
How are additional funding amounts determined?
In addition to the final payment of the ARP Stabilization Grant award amount, providers will receive additional funds based on licensed capacity. All eligible Family Child Care (FCC) Providers will receive additional funds in the amount of $3,000.
How will I know how much I should expect to receive?
Providers’ Recertification Questionnaire will display amounts of final payment of the ARP Stabilization Grant award as well as amounts of additional funds to be received, as long as the provider remains eligible and has successfully completed the Recertification Questionnaire. Child care programs can expect to receive additional funds ranging between $15,000 and $75,000. Head Start and Early Head Start programs can expect to receive additional funds which will equal fifty percent (50%) of your total grant award. Family child care providers can expect to receive an additional $3,000.
Licensed Child Care Centers
|
Licensed Capacity
|
Initial Payment
|
Final Payment
|
Additional Funds
|
Total Grant Award
|
|
Under 50
|
$20,000
|
$25,000
|
$15,000
|
$45,000
|
|
51-100
|
$40,000
|
$50,000
|
$30,000
|
$90,000
|
|
101+
|
$80,000
|
$115,000
|
$75,000
|
$195,000
|
Family Child Care Providers
|
Initial Payment
|
Final Payment
|
Additional Funds
|
Total Grant Award
|
|
$2,000
|
$2,000
|
$3,000
|
$7,000
|
Can I choose to get a paper check instead of direct deposit?
Direct deposit is the preferred payment method.
Will Grow NJ Kids programs receive more money than programs that are not participating in Grow NJ Kids?
No. Grow NJ Kids is not a factor in determining grant awards amounts.
What is the deadline to spend grant funds?
All funds must be spent by August 31, 2023.
Am I required to repay or return funds if my program closes after receiving funding?
Yes. If a program closes during the grant period (December 2021 through August 2023) the provider will be required to return grant funds.
Are child care stabilization grants taxable?
The American Rescue Plan Act does not exempt child care stabilization grant funding from taxation. State tax rules apply. Regarding federal tax rules, please visit the Internal Revenue Service website for guidance.
Can grant funds be used entirely on payroll?
Funds may be used toward personnel expenses, such as salary, wages, payroll and benefits of child care center staff employed at the facility location for which the grant was awarded. A separate Recertification Questionnaire must be completed for each facility. All supporting documents must be on file to support approved spending. NOTE: 50% of the additional funding amount must be used for increased staff wages, bonuses and/or increased staff benefits (must not substitute for or supplant a staff member’s regular wages/benefits).
Can I apply all received grant funds towards 401k expenses, employer match and/or safe harbor expenses?
Funds may be used for child care center staff wages and benefits. 401k contributions made by the provider to the employee’s account are considered benefits. NOTE: 50% of the additional funding amount must be used for increased staff wages, bonuses and/or increased staff benefits (must not substitute for or supplant a staff member’s regular wages/benefits).
Can grant funds be used to pay staff wages while staff are attending professional development?
Yes. Personnel and professional development-related expenses are approved uses of ARP Stabilization Grant funds. NOTE: 50% of the additional funding amount must be used for increased staff wages, bonuses and/or increased staff benefits (must not substitute for or supplant a staff member’s regular wages/benefits).
Can grant funds be used for capital improvements?
No. ARP Stabilization Grant funds may only be used for minor improvements. NOTE: 50% of the additional funding amount must be used for increased staff wages, bonuses and/or increased staff benefits (must not substitute for or supplant a staff member’s regular wages/benefits).
The Economic Development Authority (EDA) has announced nearly $15 million in grants of up to $200,000 to licensed child care centers in New Jersey to cover the costs of facility improvements. Please visit the NJEDA website for more information.
Can grant funds be used to pay contractors for expenses (i.e. plumber, electrician, etc.) to make repairs in the facility?
Grant funds may be used to pay for minor repairs to the facility. Grant funds may not be used for facility improvements defined as capital improvements. NOTE: 50% of the additional funding amount must be used for increased staff wages, bonuses and/or increased staff benefits (must not substitute for or supplant a staff member’s regular wages/benefits).
Can grant funds be used to install a CCTV or other type of security system in the facility?
Equipment to maintain operation and related to child care operational cost are approved expenses. NOTE: 50% of the additional funding amount must be used for increased staff wages, bonuses and/or increased staff benefits (must not substitute for or supplant a staff member’s regular wages/benefits).
Can grant funds be used to pay property taxes?
Funds may be used for wages and benefits, insurance, rent, mortgage, utilities, cleaning and sanitizing, professional development related to health and safety, mental health services, and other operational expenses to remain open and operating. Funds may be used for either past (September 2021) or planned purchases or expenses. NOTE: 50% of the additional funding amount must be used for increased staff wages, bonuses and/or increased staff benefits (must not substitute for or supplant a staff member’s regular wages/benefits).
Can a family child care provider use grant funds to pay condo or HOA fees?
HOA and insurance fees fall under mortgage and rent expenses category, which are allowable. NOTE: 50% of the additional funding amount must be used for increased staff wages, bonuses and/or increased staff benefits (must not substitute for or supplant a staff member’s regular wages/benefits).
As a family child care provider I do not have an assistant and/or alternate. Do I have to direct 50% of the additional funding amount to my substitute even if I rarely or never use the substitute?
You must set aside 50% of the additional funding amount for personnel expenses if you operate 24 hours a day or if an alternate or substitute is used before August 31, 2023.
We've had to close due to exposures in the past, in doing so we have not charged or reimbursed parents that pay privately. Is that something that can be included?
Using ARP Stabilization Grant funds for parents’ fees and costs is an approved expense from September 2021 to August 2023. NOTE: 50% of the additional funding amount must be used for increased staff wages, bonuses and/or increased staff benefits (must not substitute for or supplant a staff member’s regular wages/benefits).
Can we submit receipts for mental health services that will be provided in the future if they are already billed?
Yes, if they fall within the ARP-covered time frame of September 2021 to August 2023.
Will I need to maintain documentation and receipts detailing how I used the grant funds?
Yes. You must keep a record of all receipts/invoices for items or services purchased with grant funds. Your business, center or home may be subject at any time to monitoring and/or audit to determine whether the grant funds are being spent properly and according to the provisions set forth herein. By spending grant funds, you hereby agree to permit, DHS/DFD, the State of New Jersey, and/or the federal government to audit your business, center or home and agree to cooperate to the fullest extent possible.