The Department of Public Health and Social Services, Division of Children’s Wellness, Bureau of Child Care Services, announces the upcoming discontinuation of essential worker waivers beginning Aug. 1, 2025.  

These temporary waivers were introduced to support families during declared states of emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Typhoon Mawar. 

This measure allowed families to receive child care subsidies based on enrollment rather than attendance and covered out-of-pocket costs such as co-payments and overages.  

As Guam transitions from emergency response to standard operations, the temporary essential worker waivers will be discontinued. 

Essential worker waivers approved prior to Aug. 1, 2025, will remain valid for up to 12 months from the date of approval. While these waivers will not be reissued after their 12-month period ends, families can continue to renew their child care assistance based on standard Child Care and Development Fund eligibility criteria.

Families currently receiving assistance are encouraged to review these upcoming changes and plan accordingly.