Whitmer Gives 38,000 Childcare Workers a Bonus Using Money From American Rescue Plan

The Whitmer administration is also providing funds to nearly 6,000 childcare programs to help keep programs open, recruit new workers, and provide services to families who may not otherwise be able to afford the cost.

More than 38,000 childcare providers in Michigan are getting bonuses of up to $1,000, thanks to funding provided by Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan.

Nearly 25,000 full-time child care professionals received $1,000 from the state while more than 13,200 part-time workers received $500 bonuses, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced earlier this month. The Whitmer administration is also providing funds to nearly 6,000 childcare programs to help keep programs open, recruit new workers, and provide services to families who may not otherwise be able to afford the cost.

“Our economy cannot thrive without a strong childcare industry,” Whitmer said in a statement. “This funding helps keep our childcare businesses open, makes childcare more affordable for families, and delivers bonuses to childcare professionals.”

Tamie Stampfly, owner and operator of a childcare group home in Berrien County, said she planned to use the funds to offer free childcare to families and give workers a raise, 

“I’m so grateful for this grant,” Stampfly said. “I love this job, but it’s hard work. I work 18 hours a day. The pandemic makes it even more challenging. This grant makes it just a little bit easier to stay open and focus on teaching my kids.”