LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Perhaps no one's been hit harder by this pandemic than parents. Between finding work and keeping up with the kids' distance learning, many are struggling to make ends meet.
But, there is help out there if you need it, in the form of millions of dollars in federal funding.
"There’s some families who maybe haven't lost their jobs due to COVID, but who are having to work remotely and also help their students with distance-learning. Some parents have multiple children in multiple classrooms in multiple parts of their home. We also have other parents who were out of work for some time, a lot of people who are struggling, financially, to make ends meet and childcare is very expensive," said Denise Tanata, Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of Southern Nevada.
She knows, all too well, the financial struggles facing parents during this pandemic. That's why United Way of Southern Nevada is trying to get the word out about its new Cares Childcare Assistance Program (C.H.A.P.). "We have about $1.7 million for this. So, we are anticipating being able to help between 750 to 1,000 kids through the end of the year," said Tanata.
The program will provide Clark County families with up to $100 dollars per child per week for children 12 years old and younger, to help them cover the cost of childcare. All you have to do is prove you've suffered some kind of financial hardship from COVID-19. "This is really meant for anyone who’s been financially impacted in anyway due to COVID-19, which is most of our population," said Tanata. This money won't just help parents. Licensed childcare providers have to handle the application and paperwork on behalf of families. But in return, if they're approved, childcare providers will be reimbursed for their service, plus some additional expenses that come with caring for kids during a pandemic, which can be a big help. At last check, 13 childcare facilities throughout the valley have been approved to receive this C.H.A.P. funding, but United Way of Southern Nevada is accepting applications for more. Whether you're a parent or provider, click this link for everything you need to know to apply for this childcare assistance through United Way of Southern Nevada.
