Child Care
Provider Grant
Grant opportunities available to support early childhood development
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About the Grant
Will County has allocated $225,000 in grant dollars to support the important work of early child care providers in Will County. Child care providers pursue grant funding for educational materials, developmental support services, and/or improvements to physical space and technology.
The “Elevate Will County – Child Care Provider Grant” represents a key priority for Will County: Supporting and empowering early childhood development throughout the county. The grant is funded in the FY2024 budget, utilizing allocated dollars from the State of Illinois Cannabis Sales Tax. Will County is partnering with Birth to Five Illinois to administer the grant. Grant awards will range from $2,000 to $10,000. Providers can submit multiple applications for award through the grant.
Child Care providers have until May 22, 2024 to apply! Only DCFS Licensed Child Care providers within Will County are eligible. A technical assistance workshop was held with prospective applicants in April to answer questions. A recording is available at the link below.
Key Dates
May 10, 2024 | 12:00 AM
Last Day to Submit Questions
May 22, 2024 | 11:59 PM
Application Closes
June 14, 2024
Grants Awarded
Requirements
All applicants must be a DCFS Licensed Child Care Provider located in Will County serving children ages 0-5.
R3 Areas
Providers located within the Will County Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Areas will receive priority.
Targeted Population
Providers who serve the following populations will also receive priority:
DCFS Licensed childcare providers in the Will County R3 Zones who serve children ages birth to five years of age
DCFS Licensed Providers who receive Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funds
DCFS Licensed Providers who serve children 0-5 years of age whose families speak English as a Second Language (ESL)
DCFS Licensed Providers who qualify for the Early Intervention program (program serves children birth to 2 years 11 months with developmental delays)
DCFS Licensed Providers who serve children with a developmental or medical diagnosis (children birth to five years)
DCFS Licensed Providers who serve children with an active Individually Education Plan (IEP) in the public school system (ages 3-5 years)
Use of Funds
Child care providers can pursue grant funding for educational materials, developmental support services, and improvements to physical space and technology. Allowable use of funds include, but are not limited to, the following:
Educational Materials
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Books, paper, crayons, art supplies, fine motor toys, STEAM/STEM resources, etc.
Physical Environment
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Safety and sanitation (e.g. kitchenware, baby gates, outlet covers, door locks, safe cleaning supplies, gloves, changing tables, cubbies, etc.); Furniture, rugs, inviting child friendly environment; Paint, air filtration, water filtration; Signage; Gross motor materials/safe playground/fencing
Technology
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Security system(s)-Inside/Out & installation; Computer software to enhance services/tracking, enrollment, meals, waitlists, parent communication, screenings for children, etc.; Hardware for faculty (smartboard, tablets, laptops, projector/screen); Upgrading parent communication systems; Webpage software/updates
Developmental Supports
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Developmental Screening Tools; Hiring consultant(s)/trainer(s) to meet the needs of workforce, families, children; Social emotional program enhancement; Sensory related program enhancements (e.g. soundproofing, weighted blankets, etc.); Health screenings (mobile dental/health van, hearing and vision, medical checkup, remote services); Hiring remote services that target children’s needs (gross motor, language, fine motor, dramatic play, etc.); Healthy meal programming; Staff Recruitment/Hiring (hiring/retention bonuses NOT permitted)
Will County is partnering with Birth to Five Illinois to administer this grant.
Please contact Angela Hubbard, Birth to Five Illinois Grants & Relationship Manager with questions at grants@birthtofiveil.com by May 10th, 2024.
Additional Info
Scoring Criteria
| Technical Program Scoring Criteria | Possible Points |
| Targeted Population | 30 |
| Applicants attest to serving targeted high risk, high needs populations | |
| Budget Detail | 10 |
| Budget is complete | |
| Budgeted items are cost-effective in relation to the proposed | |
| Narratives are completed for all line items, clearly detailing how applicant arrived at and calculated the budgeted amounts, including procurement details as applicable | |
| Impact | 10 |
| Statement of Need | 10 |
| Program Narrative | 5 |
| Applicant Experience and Risk Factor | 5 |
| TOTAL | 70 POINTS |
More Resources
- Additional information can be found on the Notice of Funding Opportunity
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- Traducción al español disponible
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