The American Rescue Plan Act was created to stabilize the child care market during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of the ARP Act is to continue access to affordable child care for families, and support child care facilities and employees, so they can continue to serve the community. How grant funds can be spent will be determined by Kenaitze Indian Tribe based on categories outlined in the ARP Act. Eligible providers are able to apply to Kenaitze for an ARP Act sub-grant.
An eligible provider defined by the ARP Act is either:
- A provider who meets CCDF-eligibility, and all CCDF health and safety requirements, at the date of application submission, or
- A provider who was licensed, regulated, or registered and met all applicable state/local health and safety requirements at the date of enactment of the ARP Act on March 11, 2021.
Grantees will be required to keep record of expenditures throughout the cycle of the grant. Further information on record requirements will be published once grants are awarded. The Kenaitze Child Care Coordinator will contact providers to inform them of their grant award status and any additional guidelines.
All providers submitting an application are agreeing to meet the terms and conditions of the grant throughout the entire life cycle of the grant. These requirements are listed under certification A, B, and C.
Please complete all sections of the application to the best of your ability. If you need the application translated into another language, please call 907-335-7616.
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Alaska Time, Oct. 1, 2021.
Submit your completed application to heschaefer@kenaitze.org .
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I am an eligible provider?
Center-based child care, group home child care, family child care, in-home care, or providers of child care services for compensation that are:
- Licensed, regulated, or registered under applicable state and local law
- Meeting local, state, and Child Care and Development Fund health and safety requirements
How do I know if I meet Child Care and Development Fund health and safety requirements?
You are:
- Currently receiving subsidies from the Kenaitze Child Care and Development Fund Program, or
- are licensed by the State of Alaska
If you do not meet either of the above requirements, call 907-335-7616 to inquire about the CCDF certification and inspection process.
What if I have never received subsidies from the Tribal CCDF program?
Regardless of participation in the tribal CCDF subsidy system, you are still eligible as long as above eligibility requirements are met.
What if my facility closed due to COVID-19 pandemic?
Providers closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic are still eligible to apply. Self-attestations as to why a provider is unable to offer child care services at the time of submission due to COVID-19 must be included on the application.
If I received money from CARES or CRRSA, am I eligible for the APR Act?
Yes, this is a separate funding stream. Providers must apply for the APR Act to be eligible to receive a sub-grant award.
What if I cannot submit my application electronically?
Please call 907-335-7616 or email heschaefer@kenaitze.org
Does applying mean I am guaranteed a grant?
No, grants will be evaluated and grants will be awarded as funds allow. All providers must apply and meet other eligibility criteria. This is not a lottery system or based on first come, first served.
Will the grants be taxable income?
Any grant funding will need to be reported as income. Providers are encouraged to speak with a tax professional to determine the amount to set aside from other sources for taxes.
Is this funding for reimbursement costs only?
Reimbursement may be approved for expenses accrued Jan. 31, 2020 – March 11, 2021. All other sub-grants will be awarded for on-going expenses.
What if providers cannot spend all the money? When does the money need to be spent by?
Providers need to contact the Child Care Coordinator at 907-335-7616 if they cannot spend any awarded funds.
What documentation will providers need to submit with the application?
- Expense records – rent/mortgage statements, utility statements, payroll/benefits records
- A completed W9 if provider is not currently registered for CCDF subsidies from the Kenaitze Indian Tribe
What documentation will providers need to track and submit after awarded a sub-grant?
- Keep receipts of payments and purchases that you make in the grant term
- Expense records – Monthly reporting for rent/mortgage statements, utility statements, payroll/benefits records
- Receipts for any purchases approved for reimbursement
- Tracking how funds were used and documentation that shows funds from different grant sources were not used to pay for the same things
- Documentation for coverage of tuition, late fees, or co-pay reimbursements
Are business loans, student loans, or other debits eligible for sub-grant funding?
Rent, mortgage, and utilities payments are eligible. Other loans are not permitted for the use of funds.
What should we do if we are receiving bonuses for staff and an employee leaves?
Please contact the Child Care Coordinator at 907-335-7616.
Will my program receive one payment or multiple payments?
Sub-grants will be awarded monthly as funds allow.
Is this a loan or a funding that needs to be repaid?
Grants do not need to be repaid unless they are spent on ineligible expenses. Providers who do not comply with grant terms and conditions may be required to return funding. All providers receiving funding will need to report this as income. Providers are responsible for tracking how funds were used and documentation that shows funds from different grant sources were not used to pay for the same things.
Certification A:
Follow any licensing agreements, follow the laws of your state, and follow any additional requirements for the tribal CCDF program.
Certification B:
Keep all documents related to employees’ pay and benefits, time card records, if applicable keep record of cause for termination and document the process followed. Maintain consistent levels of benefits and pay throughout the life cycle of the grant.
Certification C:
Keep records of payments you receive for providing child care throughout the period of the child care grant. Document all amounts of tuition forgiveness you provide.
Disclaimer:
Information provided does not constitute legal, accounting, tax, or finance advice.
