The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) has opened the application process for a new cycle of child care bonuses.

Applications opened on April 17 and will continue through May 22, offering licensed child care providers the opportunity to apply for these grants, according to a news release.

The grants offer a bonus of $3,000 for full-time employees and $1,500 for part-time staff. These Child Care Workforce Stabilization grants, similar to previous awards, aim to aid child care providers in recruiting and retaining workers, especially as the industry grapples with recovery following the pandemic.

"In reviewing and validating expenditures for the previous round of federal grants, we found that we had funding to issue additional grants," said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner in the release. "Our goal from the beginning was to utilize all the funding we had available. Therefore, we are extremely pleased to offer another round of bonuses as child care workers continue serving their important role in Alabama."

The previous round saw over 12,700 employees receiving bonuses, marking a 26% increase from the first round. The two-year grant period, mandated by federal law and funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, is scheduled to end in September.

To be eligible, providers must hold a valid license and operate in good standing with DHR both at the time of application and upon receiving the grant. Furthermore, recipients must commit to remaining in operation for at least one year following the award.

Interested parties can access application forms, grant schedules and additional eligibility criteria at www.dhr.alabama.gov/child-care.