The V.I. Department of Human Services is offering working parents and guardians relief during the COVID-19 pandemic via a Federal Block Grant program that provides a child care subsidy for children up to 12 years old.
At Tuesday’s Senate Finance Committee hearing,Human Services Assistant Commissioner Michal Rhymer-Browne said the department is waiving income requirements for child care assistance for parents who need to return to work amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The department is utilizing a federal child care grant in the amount of $3.3 million awarded to provide assistance to families and child care providers.
Since many daycare providers are still closed or have reduced hours,the department is providing financial assistance for “informal child care providers,” like family members,friends and neighbors. These informal providers must not live in the child’s home,and the department will compensate for the cost of care provided for up to two children.