SUMMARY
The Department of Human Services, Division of Family (DHS/DFD) is making grants available to support programs and providers participating in the state’s Child Care Subsidy Program to comply with the federal law (Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Reauthorization Act) requirements. The grants include a specific emphasis on expanding centers’ capacity to serve infants and increasing children’s access to quality programs and providers.
These grants also provide a great opportunity to help programs and providers bring their facility into compliance with health and safety requirements and support the workforce’s ability to participate in the required trainings.
To be considered for any of the grants, child care programs and providers must serve families receiving a subsidy, or commit to accept infants receiving a subsidy, if applying for the infant expansion grant. All programs and providers will be required to comply with all CCDBG requirements.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- All grants are subject to the requirements of the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) Program.
- Grants are available to eligible child care providers and programs participating or that are interested in serving families and children in the NJ Child Care Subsidy Program and that have not had a serious injury or death that occurred due to a substantiated health or safety violation.
- Child care providers and programs must register with the NJ Workforce Registry.
- Child care providers and programs interested in applying for any of the grants must submit an application with all the required documents.
- All grants are subject to an application review process and some may require a site visit.
- Grants are based on available funds and released by priority.
KEY THINGS TO KNOW
Applications will be accepted starting November 5, 2018
- These grants are available to support children, families and child care providers participating in the NJ Child Care Subsidy Program.
- Grant funds cannot be used for capital improvement purchases, i.e. building construction, renovations or major repairs.
- The Program and Classroom Quality Enhancement Grants offer priority assistance to providers with limited resources that have not previously received quality incentives.
- Only complete application packages, which include any required documentation, will be considered.
- Once the application is reviewed and approved, the agency will receive an award letter.
- Some grants require a pre- and post-onsite visits.
- Initial funds should be released within 30 days after receipt of award letter.
If you have questions or need help – please email dfd.childcare@dhs.state.nj.us or call 1-877-522-1050
I. Health and Safety Small GrantsAvailable Funds:
Up to $2,000 Registered Family Child Care Programs and Schools
Up to $10,000 Licensed Child Care Centers
Grant Details:
This grant is designed to help with the purchase of items and/or make minor repairs to abate documented health and safety violations. Approved purchases can include bedding mats and/or cots, classroom sinks, protective covers/locks and emergency preparedness kits.
These funds also can be used to meet pre-service health and safety training requirements, including costs incurred for staff to attend Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) required pre-service health and safety trainings.
Who is Eligible:
Licensed child care centers, registered family child care providers and schools. You must participate in the NJ Child Care Subsidy Program.
To Apply:
Go to www.NJCCIS.com. If you are eligible for this grant, you will see a Health and Safety Grant quicklink on the Facility page. If you need help with the Health and Safety Small Grant – contact the NJ Workforce Registry at 1-877-522-1050.
II. Program and Classroom Quality Enhancement GrantsAvailable Funds:
Up to $500 Registered Family Child Care Programs
Up to $2,000 Licensed Child Care Centers
Grant Details:
This grant is designed to improve the quality of programs beyond basic health and safety requirements and standards. Quality improvement should align with the Environment Rating Scales, (ECERS 3, ITERS 3, FCCERS R), or other evident-based improvement assessments when considering age-appropriate material and supply purchases.
This grant also supports continuous professional development in the areas of Professionalism and Leadership and Program Administration and Management, including business management software and activities, technology support, workshops and conferences.
Who is Eligible:
Licensed child care centers and registered family child care providers who are enrolled in Grow NJ Kids and have completed the Self-Assessment and Quality Improvement Plan.
To Apply:
Programs interested in applying for this grant must contact their regional Grow NJ Kids Technical Assistance center for further instruction.
III. Infant Expansion Quality Initiative GrantsAvailable Funds:
$100 monthly per infant*
Grant Details:
There are two types of grants available – Infant Expansion and New Infant Slots – both are aimed at increasing families’ access to quality programs and building capacity in access to infant child care.
Who is Eligible:
Infant Expansion: This grant is designed for licensed child care centers committed to quality and interested in increasing their infant capacity. Programs are required to enroll in Grow NJ Kids.
New Infant Slots: This grant is ONLY available to licensed child care centers that are currently not serving infants of families who receive a subsidy. Programs are required to enroll in Grow NJ Kids.
To Apply:
Download application here.
*The $100 monthly rate is per infant enrolled beginning December 2018 for a one (1) year period of service in addition to the subsidy rate.. The additional $100 monthly rate per new infant is intended as a bridge until the center becomes fully rated by Grow NJ Kids and is eligible for new enhanced rates under the Grow NJ Kids program.