At the end of September, the last check went out from a federal pandemic-relief program that sent 24 billion dollars to childcare centers around the country. Tena Evans runs Tena’s Day Care with her husband, Rick, out of their Lewis County home. She said the end of that federal program could affect her operating hours, which were extended during the pandemic.
“It's gonna make a difference with the children that I have some of my families I'm able to keep later in the day. This does help fund that, as well as the extra supplies and groceries and utilities involved.”
Evans said it’s also possible she’ll have to raise fees and that they’d used the federal funds for a variety of expenses.
“It’s utilities, car, house payment insurance, all of those things, plus groceries and supplies for your center. You know, we're talking toys, we're talking pencil and paper, everything involved.”
Evans said says she’s applied for a grant through the state that would use money from another federal program to help pay for new office equipment.
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