Strengthen Indy Child Care Grant

Examples of these expenses include:

• Fencing
• Bathrooms – Installing or renovating classroom bathrooms
• Room additions – Additional wall or room, permanent room separators, doors
• Permanent installations – Permanently-installed cabinets, counters, sinks, or toilets
• Playground equipment – Permanently-installed playground equipment
• Utilities – New or replaced lighting, heating, or other building utility equipment
• Fire detection – Fire alarm, hard-wired smoke detector additions

Examples of these expenses include:

• Staff training and development
• Teambuilding
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
• Onboarding and staff requirements – Examples include CPR, first aid training, tuberculosis (TB) testing, drug screens, etc.
• Computer or technology needs
• Child care management services – examples include Quickbooks, online payroll systems. etc.

Examples include:

• Furniture such as tables, chairs, cubbies, cots, and strollers
• Diapering and toileting such as stools, gloves, diaper changing paper, or barrier
• Feeding materials – materials for eating, such as plates, and cooking utensils
• Consumables such as soap and cleaning supplies
• Health and safety supplies such as first aid kits and thermometers
• Appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, or other necessary items for food preparation

Examples include:

• Curriculum
• Curriculum tool kits
• Trainings on curriculum
• Curriculum management services – online progress tracking for students
• Play and learning materials such as blocks, musical instruments, and art easels

• First & last name
• Phone number
• Email address

If yes, provide the name of the grant name, funder, amount awarded, and and list of how the funds were spent.(ex. materials, staff bonuses, etc.). 

If you have received funds, this does not exclude you from the grant opportunity.

You will be asked to upload transcripts or proof of your CDA credential.

Include teaching and/or leadership experience.

• Business Name
• Hours of Operation
• Capacity of program
• Current/intended number of full time staff
• Ages served

If expanding, what will be the increase in capacity? How many of these seats will be designated for infants/toddlers (Six weeks to three years)?

• Licensed child care center
• Licensed child care home, class II home
• Registered child care ministry
• Legally licensed exempt program

Do you currently accept CCDF vouchers?

If you do not currently accept CCDF vouchers, you will be asked which of the following statements best describes your knowledge and interest in CCDF:

• I am NOT familiar with CCDF but am interested in learning more about the benefits for children & families as well as how it would benefit my program.
• I am familiar with CCDF but am hesitant to offer this as a part of my program.
• I am familiar with CCDF and would like to offer this as a part of my program in the future.

Is your program currently on Paths to QUALITY?

If not, you will be asked which of the following statements best describes your knowledge and interest in PTQ:

• I am not familiar with PTQ but interested in learning more about the benefits for children & families as well as how it would benefit my program.
• I have some knowledge of PTQ and how it can benefit my program.
• I am knowledgeable of PTQ and the focus of each level but would like to know more about the specific requirements for each level.

• Building Improvements
• Education/Professional Development
• Equipment
• Curriculum/Materials

You will be asked to upload specifics of your budget using the budget template.

For example, your timeline may look like this:

• April – connect with FSSA, complete Orientation 1 and Orientation 2 courses, schedule fence installation
• May – fence installation and onsite visit with CCA
• June/July – licensing inspection, open my program
• August – enroll children and join Paths to QUALITY
• October – enroll in online CDA course

What do you hope to accomplish with these funds?

How will these funds move your program forward?

Each program can receive up to $25,000, which can be used across any of the four categories.  

Yes, if each program has its own licensing number. 

Yes!

Purchasing a facility is not an approvable expense, however, you can use funds to purchase items to put in a new facility.  

Yes, however, it is not offered to everyone in Marion County which is why some providers may not know about it.  

This grant is funded by a private funder, so they can make requirements and qualifications that support their organization’s initiative. Because of that, these are the zip codes that they have selected.

The application will be available through December 15, 2023. 

The application will close December 15. We will notify applicants in December after we have finished reviewing all applications. 

Zoom interviews will conclude by the new year. We will notify applicants in January if they are proceeding to onsite visits or not.  

The goal is March 2024 upon final review and approval from our funder. 

No; however, we hope to see progress towards that goal from month to month as awardees commit to participating in monthly coaching and on-site visits from April 2024 through November 2024.  

You should receive an email within 24-48 hours confirming your submission. If you have not, please contact Julie Carey.