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DCCA’s child care program is awarded $1.6M assistance
The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs’ Child Care and Development Fund program has been approved a total of $1.6 million to address expenses directly related to Typhoon Mangkhut (2018), Super Typhoon Yutu (2018), Typhoon Hagibis (2019), and Typhoon Bualoi (2019).
These supplemental funds will assist in the rebuilding and recovery efforts of the CCDF program and CCDF child care providers. Expenses covered will include: renovations of two CCDF buildings that were damaged during the typhoons, purchase of two vehicles, water tanks, generators, educational materials and supplies for providers, installation of typhoon shutters, and other quality improvement activities.
These funds are made available through the Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (Public Law 116-20), which made $30 million available to state, territory, and tribal Lead Agencies administering the CCDF programs. The supplemental disaster relief funds are CCDF funds and are subject to CCDF requirements and restrictions.
According to an Office of the Governor statement, disasters are stressful events for communities and families. Here in the CNMI, where typhoons are prevalent, “we must pay particular attention to the possible effects of these disasters on our children. After a disaster, children may develop symptoms of anxiety, depression, fear of dark places, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Children also often regress after a disaster, losing skills they have learned or return to behaviors they have outgrown. Common regressive reactions include bed-wetting, thumb-sucking, and greater fear of darkness and strangers, as was observed in children at CCDF day care programs after Super Typhoon Yutu. Through the supplemental funds, the CCDF Program will also be able to provide mental health consultations and support for children, providers, and families.”
For any questions related to the CCDF Supplemental Disaster assistance or the CCDF Program, contact Maribel Loste, program administrator, at 664-2576 or via email at mloste.cnmiccdf@gmail.com. (PR)
