ARPA Childcare Assistance Fund Frequently Asked Questions

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The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Child Care Assistance Program was approved by the Hyattsville City Council to support organization's ability to offer additional childcare and aftercare spaces to low- and moderate-income households in the City of Hyattsville. 

 The program includes $100,000 to support eligible organizations to support the provision of childcare services to residents in the City of Hyattsville, with awards up to $25,000 per organization.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Who is eligible to apply? 
Any organization, for-profit or not-for-profit, who provides childcare and aftercare services may apply. Non-profit organizations will be required to provide their IRS determination letter.

2. Can an individual resident apply for assistance under this program?
No, this program is to help providers offer more childcare spaces in childcare programs within the City. Individuals can apply for up to $5,000 of relief per household from the Individual Emergency Relief Program, which is expected to be online in October 2022.

3. How is the Child Care Assistance Program funding allocated?
Funding will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to organizations that meet the criteria and submit convincing proposals, while funding is available.  

4. Does the program have to be located inside the City of Hyattsville?
No. This program is designed to support childcare programs serving residents of the City of Hyattsville, and to support the expansion of childcare and aftercare spaces available to Hyattsville residents. Those seats are not required to be located within the City of Hyattsville, but Child Care Assistance Program funds are to be used exclusively for the benefit of residents of the City of Hyattsville.

5. What documentation is required for each application
Each applicant will be required to submit a Form W-9, a copy of their IRS non-profit status letter, proof of general liability insurance, and narrative descriptions of their program proposal, including a proposed project budget.

6. Can I apply for funds to become a certified childcare provider, including for physical renovations, training, supplies, application fees, etc?
Yes, however funds for becoming a certified childcare provider will be provided on a reimbursement basis after the provider has become a certified childcare provider. The applicant should submit their materials, including a detailed explanation of the feasibility of and any steps they have taken toward becoming a certified childcare provider. The applicant should submit their application, and if awarded the grant will be conditional upon completing all certification requirements and providing receipts of eligible expenses within one year of the award date.

7. What are other likely eligible programs this fund could support?
Eligible uses “can include new or expanded services, increasing access to services, efforts to bolster, support, or preserve existing providers and services, and similar activities.” (SRFLF Final Rule, at p. 96-97) Examples of likely eligible projects include:  

• Staff training costs for employees to become trained as licensed childcare providers, including staff salaries during training and onboarding. 
• Temporarily subsidizing seats in childcare centers for low-income families.  

8. What are the selection criteria the City will apply to review of applications?
Applications will be reviewed by a three-member committee of City staff and decisions will be made based on the application materials provided and the application criteria outlined. Proposals will be reviewed on various criteria related to their ability to provide childcare programs to Hyattsville residents, including:

• Organization’s ability to provide adequate childcare and aftercare service programs, weighing factors such as their past experience conducting childcare  or similar activities and their staffing capability and expertise to execute their proposed programs.
• The feasibility of the program – does the proposal indicate how effective the organization will be at starting a program and ensuring its completion? 
• Program efficiency – does the proposal provide cost-effective means of providing childcare services to Hyattsville residents? Are the staffing, overhead, and other costs reasonable?

9. If I applied for a previous grant from the City of Hyattsville, do I have to apply again?
Yes. This is a new grant program. Applications do not roll over to later programs. You must submit a new application to be considered for funding.

10. Can organizations submit applications for both the Child Care Assistance Program and other Emergency Relief programs, such as the Food Assistance Program, Non-Profit Emergency Relief Program, or Small Business Emergency Relief Program? 
Yes, each program is independent and subject to the qualifications outlined on the applications and FAQs. Applications are reviewed independently. A non-profit organization may be eligible for emergency relief under the Non-Profit Emergency  Relief Program, and may also apply for program grants to support food assistance or child care assistance, if they are eligible and offer programs eligible for support under program guidelines established by the Council.

11. Will I be required to file grant reports?
Yes, quarterly grant reports to the City of Hyattsville will be required from each awardee. Reports will include a summary of program operations, accounting of expenses under the program, information about the number of residents served, etc. 

12. Where can I get an application?
Apply online here! You may also pick up a printed copy at the Hyattsville City Building, 4310 Gallatin Street, during normal business hours. Call (301) 985-5000 to request a copy. Applications are available in English and Spanish.

13. How do I submit my completed application?
Online applications can be submitted here. Printed applications can be emailed to ppaschall@hyattsville.org or delivered to 4310 Gallatin St., Hyattsville, MD 20781 ATTN: Patrick Paschall.

14. When can I expect to hear back about my application?
Please allow up to 30 calendar days in processing time. Applicants will be notified of their status by the email address provided on the application form.

15. How will funds be delivered?
Payments will be made by check and mailed to the address listed on the application.

16. Where can I direct further questions?
Please contact Patrick Paschall at ppaschall@hyattsville.org or 301-485-6924.