LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — United Way of Southern Nevada (UWSN) has announced the launch of the UWSN Cares Childcare Assistance program thanks to a $1.7 million grant in CARES Act funding from Clark County.
Through this program, United Way of Southern Nevada will provide support to caregivers who need help paying for childcare while Clark County schools have moved to a distance-learning model due to COVID-19.
“We are passionate about helping parents and caregivers keep their children safe and secure so that they can continue to work and provide for their families,” said Ms. Kyle B. Rahn, President & CEO of United Way of Southern Nevada. “This funding comes right in time to help families impacted by COVID-19.”
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To help our community recover and rebuild, the grant funding will allow UWSN to provide financial assistance of up to $100 per week for childcare for children and youth ages birth to 12 through qualified childcare providers. Funding from the County’s CARES Basic Needs Assistance grant allows communities to provide financial assistance to families that have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19.
“Clark County is committed to working with our community partners to help our local families get through this pandemic, and one of the most basic needs many parents need is assistance paying for child care,” said Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones, chairman of a regional committee organized to provide support to working families weathering COVID-19. “We appreciate United Way of Southern Nevada’s assistance in helping us provide this support to families in need.”
Funding for quality education and childcare assistance for children is available through Dec. 30 for qualified applicants directly through childcare providers. UWSN Cares also provides limited support for providers, based on participating children, for additional expenses incurred for operations, maintenance, and support of school-age children while providing childcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Special exceptions may be made for older children who meet the criteria.
“Many families are struggling to make ends meet because of job losses and cutbacks in work hours and simply can’t afford childcare and expenses,” said Clark County Commissioner Jim Gibson, a member of the regional subcommittee. “We are working collaboratively with all the local jurisdictions to ensure families most in need of this support can get it.”
Childcare financial assistance will be provided directly through licensed childcare providers. To learn more about UWSN Cares and for a Parent or Provider Application, please visit uwsn.org/UWSNCares.
