Hagåtña, Guam – The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration, in coordination with the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) and the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS), today announced the launch of the Child Care Assistance Program Support 2022 (CAPS 2022). This program, under Prugråman i Pinilan i Famagu’on Guåhan (Prugråman Pinilan), provides up to $200,000 in grant funding for local employers and existing child care providers to support the opening of new child care facilities and/or expand to a new location/branch in addition to covering personnel costs, rent, utilities, mental health services and more. 

There are approximately 48 childcare centers licensed by the Department of Revenue and Taxation (DRT) and DPHSS with a total capacity of 1,920 enrollees.  CAPS 2022 has been launched in order to achieve the goal set by the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration to enroll 3,500 children by the end of fiscal year 2023. CAPS 2022 awards will provide assistance and stability for the childcare industry with grant support 75% of total costs associated with opening the childcare facility, not to exceed $200,000 per location.

“Our administration continues to invest in Guam’s future with the most robust and comprehensive child care initiative in our island’s history. This program aims to address capacity challenges in the child care industry and increase accessibility for working families, while strengthening local business and our economy,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “We know that targeting access to affordable childcare will positively impact working families and local businesses, allowing them to build and expand today and thrive in the future.”

“We continue to expand Prugraman Pinilan to meet the needs of our working families and expand the capacity of our local businesses and community organizations,” said Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio. “I invite entrepreneurs, employers, and child care providers to apply for the CAPS grant and support our employees.”

Eligibility and allowable uses

Entrepreneurs and existing child care providers may  be eligible to apply for a CAPS 2022 grant, meeting the following criteria:

  • A DPHSS Licensed Child Care Facility, opened after January 1, 2022 or operational on the date of application or intends to open within 90 days of application (must submit application for Child Care Development Funding (CCDF) stamped by DPHSS).
  • Meet compliance with applicable health and safety requirements at the time of application
  • Open and fully operational in accordance with applicable child care rules and regulation on the date of application, and
  • Remain in good standing with Guam’s Child Care rules and regulations for licensed child care facilities.

Applications will be accepted via email to CAPS2022@investguam.com and the application submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022 (subject to the availability of

funds). These grant funds must be used within six (6) months following grant award or no later than September 30, 2023. Funding can be used to cover personnel costs, rent, utilities, facilities maintenance, insurance, personal protective equipment, supplies, goods, services and/or mental health services. 

To view full details and requirements of the CAPS 2022 grant, visit investguam.com or contact GEDA at 671-647-4332. 

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