Will County has allocated $225,000 in grant dollars to support the important work of early child care providers in Will County.
Donor Name: Will County
State: Illinois
County: Will County (IL)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 05/22/2024
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Child care providers pursue grant funding for educational materials, developmental support services, and/or improvements to physical space and technology.
The Program will provide grants to eligible Applicants including, but not limited to, the following improvements:

Educational Materials

Books, paper, crayons, art supplies, fine motor toys, STEAM/STEM resources, etc.

Physical Environment

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

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

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/food purchases 

Funding Information

Award Ceiling: $10,000.00
Award Floor: $2,000.00

Project Period
The period of performance is expected to be June 14, 2024 through October 31, 2024, pre-award costs may be permitted with approval.
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
Physical Environment
Technology
Developmental Supports

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)

Eligibility Criteria
All applicants must be a DCFS Licensed Childcare Provider located in Will County.
For more information, visit Will County.