Funding to Stabilize Childcare Centers, Support Working Families, and Economic Recovery

Hagåtña, Guam – In a virtual ceremony today, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio awarded $17.2 million in grant funding to 43 local childcare centers through the Guam Childcare Assistance Program-Stabilization 2021 (CAPS2021). 

“The significance of childcare centers in our community cannot be overstated,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “We trust childcare providers to support parents who are working to earn a living for their families. They nurture the minds of our children at a crucial time in their development, and they do so with loving care and kindness. Their dedication to molding Guam’s future through the care of our young ones has not gone unnoticed. Our island is incredibly grateful.”

“With this landmark investment in childcare, our administration honors our commitment to investing in Guam’s future,” said Lt. Governor Tenorio. “By providing this funding, we are removing barriers that parents face in financing childcare and making this support system a reality for our island’s families. Now, our childcare centers begin the work of improving their facilities, reimagining quality programs, and helping working families secure their employment.”

The childcare industry experienced a loss of $2.9 million or 29% due to interrupted operations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio administration provided financial assistance through various grant programs administered by the Guam Economic Development Authority, which reported a total of $5 million awarded to childcare providers throughout the pandemic. These financial awards supported childcare centers facing a forecasted 80% revenue loss in 2020. In support of childcare, Governor Leon Guerrero issued Executive Order 2021-28, establishing the Guam Childcare Assistance Program-Stabilization 2021 (CAPS2021) on October 31, 2021. All Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) providers licensed by the Department of Public Health and Social Services applied and were awarded funding under this program. The investment of $17.2 million or $400,000 per childcare center will stabilize the industry over the next 18 months, of which, approximately $9 million will be invested in childcare facility improvements to protect the health of children and caregivers. 

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