This funding initiative is designed to support new childcare providers and start-up programs by offering up to $40,000 in start-up funding. The program aims to facilitate the establishment of either a Certified Family licensed home or a commercial childcare program, ensuring that emerging providers have the necessary resources to create high-quality care environments from the outset.

Funding Purpose and Impact

The up to $40,000 in start-up funding is intended to:

  • Facilitate Market Entry: Enable new providers to establish a robust childcare service with the proper infrastructure, training, and regulatory compliance.

  • Enhance Quality of Care: Ensure that start-ups have the foundational resources to deliver high-quality, culturally responsive childcare services from the beginning.

  • Support Diverse Models: Encourage both family-based and commercial childcare models, thereby expanding the options available to families and contributing to a diverse childcare landscape.

  • Build Long-Term Capacity: Through mandatory training and participation in quality initiatives like SPARK, the program aims to build long-term capacity among new providers, ultimately benefiting the broader community.

By meeting these comprehensive eligibility criteria, new providers and start-ups can access critical funding and support to launch and sustain high-quality childcare programs. This initiative not only aids in overcoming the initial financial and operational hurdles but also ensures that emerging providers are well-prepared to offer culturally responsive and effective care to infants and toddlers.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

To qualify for the start-up funding, providers must adhere to the following conditions:

  1. Program Type:

    • Applicants must be willing to open either a Certified Family-licensed home or a commercial childcare program. This flexibility allows for a range of childcare service models to be supported.

  2. Childcare Central Background Registry (CBR) Registration:

    • Providers must become registered in the Childcare Central Background Registry (CBR), ensuring that all involved personnel have undergone required background checks and meet safety standards.

  3. Employment Related Daycare (ERDC) Acceptance:

    • Upon obtaining a license, providers must be willing to accept Employment Related Daycare (ERDC). This condition supports broader access to quality childcare by integrating providers into a recognized program network.

  4. Pathways Training Program (Step 8 Requirement):

    • Owners and providers must participate in a pathways training program if they are not already meeting Step 8 standards. This ensures that new entrants are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality care.

  5. Business License:

    • Applicants are required to obtain a business license, thereby formalizing their operations and ensuring compliance with local business regulations.

  6. SPARK Participation:

    • Providers must participate in SPARK, an initiative designed to enhance the quality and consistency of childcare services through structured support and resources.

  7. Infant and Toddler Slots:

    • The program requires that providers offer dedicated slots for infants and toddlers. This requirement underscores the commitment to early childhood care and the unique developmental needs of the youngest children.