By Leada Gore
Alabama childcare workers are now eligible for bonuses of up to $3,000 a quarter, double the amount initially announced, according to the Alabama Department of Human Resources.
The Childcare Workforce Stabilization grants will pay up to $3,000 for full-time employees and $1,500 for part-time employees for all five remaining quarterly grants. Applications for the next quarter will be accepted Aug. 22-Sept. 16.
“Child care workers have doubled down on their commitment to children and families throughout the pandemic, so we’re thrilled to further compensate these extremely valuable employees who care for Alabama’s children every day,” said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. “In addition to rewarding their hard work, our goal is to give child care providers an extra edge as they recruit new workers in today’s highly competitive job market.”
DHR has awarded more than 4,000 grants to help childcare providers recruit and retail staff. An average of 10,337 workers have received by the bonuses each quarter. Eligible employees could have received eight quarterly bonuses before the two-year grant period ends in September 2023; five opportunities remain.
To qualify, providers must be licensed, operating and in good standing with DHR when they apply. They also must remain in operation for at least one year after receiving a grant.
Applications, grant schedules and additional eligibility requirements are available at https://dhr.alabama.gov/child-care/.
