While child care is primarily regulated at the state level, counties play a significant role in administering child care assistance to low income residents and providing local funding to help build the supply of child care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, counties are expanding child care services by repurposing public facilities such as community and recreational centers and providing child care services to first responders and essential workers. To support child care businesses, counties are extending COVID-19 relief and increasing local funding in the form of grants and loans to pay for rental costs and other operational expenses. For child care facilities remaining open, counties are reducing classroom sizes and heightening public health and sanitation standards to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The health and safety of residents are paramount for counties. County human services staff are on the frontlines providing essential medical, nutrition and financial assistance and economic supports to children, families and older adults at a critical time in our country and helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19.