Child care works for all of us.
Cleveland Gets it!
The ARPA Bonus & Retention Program is generously funded by the City of Cleveland’s ARPA Rescue Plan.
Phase 3 Bonus & Retention Funds
As of November 24, 2025: Application is Closed.
Phase 3 Bonus & Retention Funds applications for Cleveland-based providers are closed.
New applications will be accepted, but approval is not guaranteed, as funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
We are currently processing a high volume of applications. If you have already applied, thank you for your patience. Please allow up to 30 days for your application to be approved. If your application is approved, you will be notified via email with details about the payment process and timeline.
Need more information on the ARPA Bonus & Retention Program? Jump to our FAQ section.
PHASE 3 - APPLICATION CLOSED
Eligibility & Applications
Child Care Center
Application
STEP ONE:
Employees must individually verify household income is under 300% FPL (see below for guidelines) and complete “Income Verification Form”. This includes owner/administrator if requesting bonus or retention.
STEP TWO:
Complete updated W9 Tax form.
STEP THREE:
Complete application and upload documentation
Eligibility
Child care programs will apply for retention and sign-on bonuses to be distributed to their employees. Eligible programs will:
- Operate an ODJFS licensed child care program in the City of Cleveland
- Have the ability to verify employee income; retention and sign-on bonuses may only be distributed to employees with household incomes under 300% of the federal poverty level (See below for guidelines)
Family Child Care
Application
STEP ONE:
Employees must individually verify household income is under 300% FPL (see below for guidelines) and complete “Income Verification Form”. This includes owner/administrator if requesting bonus or retention.
STEP TWO:
Complete updated W9 Tax form.
STEP THREE:
Complete application and upload documentation.
Eligibility
Family Child Care Type A Homes will apply for retention and sign-on bonuses to be distributed to their employees. Eligible programs will:
Operate a licensed program in the City of Cleveland
Have the ability to verify employee income; retention and sign-on bonuses may only be distributed to employees with household incomes under 300% of the federal poverty level.
Family Child Care Type B Homes will apply for retention and sign-on bonuses for the program owner. Eligible programs will:
Operate a licensed program in the City of Cleveland
Have the ability to verify your income; retention and sign-on bonuses may only be distributed to employees with household incomes under 300% of the federal poverty level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cleveland Bonus and Retention Program?
A Program funded by the City of Cleveland for ODJFS child care programs and Family child care homes in Cleveland are to receive bonus and retention funds for their staff and/or program owners.
What is 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)?
The Federal Poverty Line is income criteria set by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Income Levels for Households at 300% FPL:
| Persons in Family/Household | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3,912 | $46,950 |
| 2 | $5,287 | $63,450 |
| 3 | $6,662 | $79,950 |
| 4 | $8,037 | $96,450 |
| 5 | $9,412 | $112,950 |
| 6 | $10,787 | $129,450 |
| 7 | $12,162 | $145,950 |
| 8 | $13,537 | $162,450 |
Still need assistance?
Contact Beverly Murphy, at Beverly.Murphy@Starting-Point.org.
