SFA’s Early Childhood Laboratory receives funding

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s Early Childhood Laboratory was awarded $650,827 through the 2022 Child Care Relief Fund. The funding will be received in four installments and will be used for professional development, supplies, personnel, equipment, facilities and food services programs.  

The funding was designed to help child care centers recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“We are extremely grateful the Texas Workforce Commission has allocated funds to Texas child care centers and particularly to SFA’s childhood lab,” said Crystal Adams, lab director. “Unfortunately, many child care centers were forced to close their doors during the pandemic.”

Last year, the Texas Workforce Commission approved the distribution of $2.45 billion in American Rescue Plan Act funds for direct relief to child care programs. In February, the commission dedicated an additional $1 billion, bringing the total available amount to $3.45 billion.

“Keeping our doors open is imperative to our economy and community,” Adams said. “This financial advancement will allow us to offset losses incurred during the pandemic but most importantly build a brighter future for our students.”

To learn more about SFA’s Early Childhood Laboratory, visit sfasu.edu/echl.