MINNESOTA, USA — On Sept. 30, a federal program that helped childcare centers stay open during the pandemic will end and some experts say the loss of federal funding could force thousands of daycares to close.

The American Rescue Plan, a pandemic aid package, included around $40 billion for the childcare industry, which included Child Care Stabilization Grants.

These grants helped providers pay their workers to prevent them from leaving the profession.

"This had been a really important lifeline to keep their doors open, keep them operating,” Child Care Aware Minnesota Executive Director Ann McCully said.

That federal funding is set to expire on September 30th as the program comes to an end. Read more.