NASHVILLE (AP) — The Department of Human Services has announced that it will once again partner with The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to provide support to help keep the state's child care agencies open during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a news release, $15 million in grant assistance will be available to licensed agencies. The grants will be used for cleaning and sanitation, and operating expenses.

"Availability of quality child care is critical to Tennessee communities and continuing economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic," said Commissioner Clarence H. Carter. "These grants will support child care providers with the financial assistance they need for expenses like cleaning, salaries, and (protective personal equipment) so they can continue delivering care that is safe, healthy, and educationally rich."

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee will administer the grants in collaboration with TDHS. The two organizations had previously administered grants to child care agencies throughout 2020.