A cross-county collaboration delivering financial support to our child care industry and families in Humboldt County.

Humboldt Child Care
Stabilization Fund

Silhouette Painting of Parent Holding Child

Supporting Families.
Stabilizing Child Care. Strengthening our
Economy.

Humboldt County’s success depends on a strong and supported child care network. Not only is early childhood education critical to establishing a healthy foundation for our future generation, but reliable child care is essential for working parents with young children. Documented research has shown that investing in early childhood education and child care has a ripple effect of good on our families, our workforce, and our economy.

That’s why North Edge—formerly known as the Arcata Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)—and the County of Humboldt, in partnership with the Humboldt Child Care Task Force, are proud to announce the Child Care Stabilization Fund, a series of programs offering financial support to those in the child care industry. For child care providers in Humboldt County, these programs are designed to offer tangible help where you need it most.

Current Child Care Stabilization Programs At a Glance

(CLOSED)
Employee & Facility Retention Bonuses

GOAL: Decrease turnover rates for child care professionals who were operating during the pandemic.

Amount for Employees: $2,000 - $3,000
Amount for Providers: $4,000 - $6,000

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Facility Improvement Forgivable Loans

GOAL: Improve efficiency, safety, and learning for existing child care facilities.

Amount: Up to $10,000

APPLY

Hiring
Bonuses

GOAL: Increase certified providers and more access to care, especially in our most rural communities.

Amount: $500 +

APPLY

Parent Subsidy Program

GOAL: By providing $1,200 per child to offset the cost of child care for eligible families we hope to alleviate some of the cost burden felt by families.

Amount: $1,200

APPLY

Why Invest in Child Care?

Child care is an essential component of a strong and supported workforce. A small licensed family child care home with 8 children can help enable each of those parents to find or keep a job, providing the necessary workforce for local businesses and generating additional earned income, which ripples out in expanded economic growth. A staggering 80% of Humboldt’s working families struggle to find licensed childcare—and that was before the pandemic.

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Two children holding hands looking at the ocean.

Our Partner Organizations

This program is a collaborative effort across several organizations in our County.

Meet Kelly McGowan

Child Care Stabilization Administrator

In my role as the Child Care Stabilization Fund Administrator, I am thrilled to help out our community with their childcare needs. I've already learned so much in my short time in this position. I'm excited to continue to learn more about our great childcare providers and the wonderful ways they contribute to the community. Being able to help such a nice group of people brings me joy. I will do my part to assist those in need and help however I can.