Clark County and the United Way of Southern Nevada (UWSN) are offering tuition assistance of up to $100 a week for families who have experienced financial hardship during the pandemic and need child care while the school district is in full-time distance learning.

Funding for the UWSN Cares Child Care Assistance Program, announced on Wednesday, comes from the county's $1.7 million CARES Basic Needs Assistance grant from the CARES Act.  

“Many families are struggling to make ends meet because of job losses and cutbacks in work hours and simply can’t afford child care and expenses,” said Clark County Commissioner Jim Gibson, who is part of the regional subcommittee aiming to support working families during the pandemic. “We are working collaboratively with all the local jurisdictions to ensure families most in need of this support can get it.”

To qualify, families must demonstrate financial need stemming from the pandemic and have a need for child care, including a need from a parent working or attending school. Eligible families will receive up to $100 a week in financial assistance for each child — from newborns to 12-year-olds — in a child care facility. Children older than 12 may also qualify for the program if they meet the program's criteria. 

UWSN is also offering limited support for child care providers with recipient children to help cover costs during the pandemic. 

Families can apply for assistance through their child care provider, and providers may apply to become approved for the program on the UWSN website.

Financial assistance through the program is available until December 30.