STATEWIDE — Gov. Ralph Northam has extended the expanded Child Care Subsidy Program in Virginia until the end of the year.
The program was created to help families struggling to find affordable child care.
In April, Gov. Northam signed legislation that would expand eligibility for affordable child care to families earning up to 85 percent of the state median income with a child under five years of age, or not yet in kindergarten, while they return to work or are in search for employment.
RELATED: Northam signs historic legislation expanding affordable child care
This expansion was originally set to last until July 31, but Northam has directed the Virginia Department of Education to use existing federal funding to continue the program through December 31.
“Access to high-quality child care is not only critical to the health and safety of Virginia’s children, but it is also important for advancing a strong, equitable recovery,” Gov. Northam said. “Extending these resources through the end of 2021 will help close the affordability gap for parents and providers, allowing thousands of Virginians to return to work, support their families, and grow our economy.”
According to the Governor’s office, more than 1,000 additional Virginia families were receiving child care assistance through this program as of July 1.
