CAPS Bridge Program
On November 1, 2024, Nana Grants relaunched its CAPS (Childcare and Parent Services) Bridge Program in response to reductions in Georgia’s CAPS program coverage.
Nana Grants paused its CAPS Bridge Funding Program in 2020 when Georgia CAPS began covering 100% of childcare costs for eligible families using Federal pandemic relief funds that temporarily increased CAPS subsidies. The loss of these temporary subsidies triggered a reduction in coverage for low-income Georgia families at a time when childcare costs and inflation rates are hurting families most. Nana Grants’s CAPS Bridge Funding program will reinstate coverage of CAPS Family Fees and copays for Nana Grants recipients starting November 1, 2024.
Georgia’s CAPS program has undergone significant changes in 2024, making it harder for families to qualify for childcare assistance. These changes include:
End of Federal Relief Funding: Federal pandemic relief funds that temporarily increased CAPS subsidies and helped childcare providers remain open ended in September 2024. This has added instability to the childcare system in Georgia.
Lowered Eligibility Threshold: The income eligibility threshold for new CAPS applicants has been reduced from 50% to 30% of the state median income (SMI), limiting the number of families who can qualify.
Increased Family Financial Responsibility: CAPS families now face reinstated family fees and copays.
Additional State Funding: Despite a $9.3 million increase in state funding for CAPS, many providers continue to face challenges due to the loss of federal support.