WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Just days before the end of COVID-era funding, lawmakers have given the green light for nearly $68 million to go towards childcare facilities across North Carolina.

Cheryl Aguilar is the director of Precious Little Angels, a childcare home in Wilmington. She says this funding is coming at a time when it’s needed more than ever.

“Childcare right now is in a crisis. After COVID, a lot of things increased. The cost of living increased for everyone, including childcare,” Aguilar said.

Aguilar says thanks to the grant funding she has received since 2021, she hasn’t had to increase her rates.

She has also been able to take on projects such as bringing in a greenhouse to teach the kids about healthy eating.

“I would not have been able to provide the wonderful projects that we’ve been able to do at this point without the grant,” Aguilar said.

Kristi Snuggs with the Child Care Services Association says another benefit from these grants is that providers have been able to increase wages above.

Before the grants, she says many teachers were making just $12 an hour.

“With these dollars, childcare providers have been able to attract and keep teachers by raising salaries, providing benefits, which most childcare facilities have not been able to do,” Snuggs said.

However, she says it’s not a permanent solution.

“This stop gap measure, at least, will allow them to continue to hire and bring in staff with wages that are more commensurate with public school teachers. We’re still not there, but it does help. There’s still a chance that centers could close,” Snuggs said.

Aguilar says this is still just the first step to help end what she calls is a childcare crisis.

“We’re thrilled, really happy. But this is the beginning and not the end,” Aguilar said.

The grant funding will last for six months.

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