Washington, D.C. — This week, it was announced that the state of Georgia will use funding from the American Rescue Plan to expand the Childcare and Parent Services program through September of 2024. The Childcare and Parent Services program currently subsidizes childcare costs for about 50,000 Georgia families. The expanded funding will open access to this program to another 10,000 families by raising the income threshold from families with incomes at 50% of the state median to 85% of the median starting next month. 

“Georgia families are still reeling from the pain of the COVID-19 pandemic, and childcare costs are a huge part of families’ financial burdens,” McBath said. “I am so pleased that the state of Georgia is putting the federal dollars that my colleagues and I voted to send to Georgia earlier this year to good use. This will truly be a lifeline to families who are in critical need of childcare services.”

In addition to expanded access for Georgia families, the changes announced by the state of Georgia and the Department of Early Care and Learning will also go toward paying higher quality childcare providers more money. Providers that have earned a “Quality Rated” designation based on state standards will see payment increases of 10% to 55% depending on their rating. 

Any family who wishes to learn more or apply for the Childcare and Parent Services program is encouraged to visit https://caps.decal.ga.gov/en/ApplicationProcess or call 1-833-4GACAPS (1-833-442-2277).