News & Updates

Fee Coverage

The Department for Children and Families beginning September 2021 will cover 100% of the costs for applications and background check fees for approximately two years. Please note, the fees are not waived but covered though funds from Child Care & Development Block Grant supplemental funds allocated by American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021. After the period has expired, the facility will be responsible again for all fees.

• What does this mean?
  • All Initial, Renewal and SAP Amendment fees will be covered for the applicant. 
  • All comprehensive background checks fees will be covered for new applicants and new affiliates added.  
  • This information has been updated in the Provider Portal and will go into production for new applicants and renewals beginning 9/1/2021.
  • Start up stipend info (PDF)

FDA Warning About the Dangers of Hand Sanitizers With Methanol

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to consumers and health care providers about hand sanitizer products that are labeled as containing ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol) but that have tested positive for methanol contamination. Methanol (i.e., methyl alcohol or wood alcohol) is a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested and can be life-threatening when ingested. As per the FDA news update hyperlinked below, “Methanol is not an acceptable active ingredient for hand sanitizers and must not be used due to its toxic effects. FDA’s investigation of methanol in certain hand sanitizers is ongoing. The agency will provide additional information as it becomes available.”

FDA has identified more than two dozen hand sanitizers that are toxic when absorbed through the skin. It is urgent that this information be sent to child care providers, parents, state child care licensing offices, child care professional development agencies, and others who can disseminate this information.

Consumers who have been exposed to a hand sanitizer containing methanol and are experiencing symptoms should seek immediate treatment for the potential toxic effects of methanol poisoning, which can include nausea, vomiting, headaches, blurred vision, permanent blindness, and seizures. Although people of all ages are at risk for methanol poisoning, “young children who accidentally ingest these products and adolescents and adults who drink these products as an alcohol (ethanol) substitute are most at risk.”

Please see the full FDA news update on hand sanitizers with methanol for further information.