COLUMBUS, Ohio — The governor has announced more details regarding the state’s Child Care Access Grant program meant to increase child care availability.

The details came via a press release from the governor’s office, which laid out the following three program objectives:

• Increase capacity by creating new programs or expanding existing programs
• Complete building repairs
• Provide additional training to staff and families to support children with special needs

“To better prepare our youngest Ohioans for school, and in order to ensure Ohio’s economy can continue to grow and thrive we need to ensure our working families have access to quality early care and education,” Gov. Mike DeWine said in the release. "Quality child care helps prepare children for kindergarten and encourages them to develop the skills they will need to succeed."

• Various grants are available, including:
• New center start-up grant – Up to $500,000
• Program expansion grant - Up to $50,000
• Program repairs grant – Up to $100,000
• Family child care type B to Type A Grant – Up to $25,000
• Increase capacity for children with special needs grant – Up to $100,000

“This competitive grant opportunity will help us ensure parents have access and a choice to where they send their child when they are working or going to school,” said Kara Wente, Department of Children and Youth Director, in the release. “Awards will be granted in five categories to ensure more providers have opportunities for funding. Applications will be reviewed based on the number of families that will be impacted by age group; the star-rating level of the provider; providing non-traditional care (including evenings and weekends); providing infant and toddler care; and programs with Inclusive Child Care Program designations.”

The applications close at 5 p.m. on April 26, and those receiving awards will be notified in early May, according to the release.