February 11, 2022
What is the Provider Retention/Incentive Payment? Governor Gianforte and the Health Advisory Commission approved $7 million in one-time-only funds for child care workforce retention and incentive payments through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Providers are eligible to receive $600 for Round 1 and those remaining in the child care field are encouraged to submit for a second payment of $1,000 in December 2022. New child care professionals are eligible to submit for one payment of $600 in December 2022.
When is this funding available? Round 1 is available now. Round 1 Completed Certification and Acceptance of Funds forms due to ECP by March 18th, 2022.Round 1 payments will be sent out in May 2022. Round 2 Completed Certification and Acceptance of Funds forms will be available in December 2022. Round 2 payments are anticipated to be sent out in February 2023.
Do I qualify for this payment? Eligible providers must be on the ECP Workforce Registry, currently employed in a licensed or registered Family, Group, or Center child care program, and an approved caregiver by Montana Child Care Licensing in one of the following positions:
- Early Childhood Teacher (Full and Part Time)
- Early Childhood Assistant Teacher (Full and Part Time)
- School Age Teacher (Full and Part Time)
- Director
How can I submit for this award? To apply, eligible Caregivers will need to complete the Certification form and a W-9:
Completion Instructions:
1. Providers must fill out all sections of the Certification and Acceptance of Funds form.
2. The Certification and Acceptance of Funds form and W-9 MUST be sent in together or it will not be accepted.
3. Completed Certification and Acceptance of Funds forms and W-9s may be sent to ECP via mail or fax.
o Fax number: 406-404-1627
o Mailing Address: PO Box 173540 Bozeman, MT 59717
Additional Information: For more information, contact Montana Early Childhood Project at 406.404.1624, ecp@montana.edu, or mtecp.org
