OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families announced a grant program last week to help child care providers dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The DCYF is offering the support through the Child Care Development Block Grant’s CARE Act. The grant is available to any licensed child care provider that is open on the date of the grant’s release.

DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter said the department recognizes the struggles care providers face in this unusual time.

“It’s important that we create a simplified process to provide support and stabilization for child care providers in our state in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Hunter said in a DCYF press release.

The one-time, flat amount grant will be based on a provider’s capacity using DCYF’s WA Compass and MERIT data. Small child care providers, with a licensed capacity of 49 or fewer, may receive $6,500. Care providers with capacity between 50 and 99 may receive $11,500, while large providers may receive $14,500.

The funds can be used for rent, personnel, utilities, health and safety, cleaning supplies or food, according to DCYF. An application for the grant will be available at the department’s web page. The application period closes on June 30 or when funds have been exhausted.

The DCYF also recognized National Foster Care Month for the month of May. In a press release last week, the department recognized the more than 8,100 children in out-of-home care, 5,100 licensed foster homes and more than 5,000 kinship caregivers across the state.

The department also recognized its staff and partners who remain committed to the department’s mission.

“You deserve that affirmation all year long and even more so during this pandemic,” Hunter said in a press release.