Child Care
Provider Grant

Grant opportunities available to support early childhood development

Applications Now Closed

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.

The application period is now closed. Grants will be awarded on June 14, 2024.

Of the 267 DCFS-Licensed Child Care Providers in Will County, 113 applied for this grant with a total request number of $1,205,132.78. This 42% application rate reflects the importance of this investment into early childhood development. The Will County Executive Office thanks all providers who took the time to apply for this grant opportunity.

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

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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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