A new grant program called the NJ Child Care Stabilization Grant was announced by Governor Murphy on August 28th. This grant will offer providers that are open or will open by October 1st with stabilization grants to manage added operational costs due to new COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. This grant will be available to nearly 6,000 licensed child care centers and registered family child care homes in New Jersey. Grant money will help cover increased COVID-19 related costs, such as purchasing PPE and other supplies and materials, cleaning and sanitation and other operational needs related to COVID-19.
GRANT DETAILS
The Department of Human Services, Division of Family (DHS/DFD) is making grants available to support programs and providers participating in the state’s Child Care Subsidy Program to comply with the federal law (Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Reauthorization Act) requirements. This grant is designed to improve the quality of programs beyond basic health and safety requirements and standards. Quality improvement should align with the Environment Rating Scales, (ECERS 3, ITERS 3, FCCERS R), or other evidence-based improvement assessments when considering age-appropriate material and supply purchases All programs and providers will be required to comply with all CCDBG requirements. All grants are subject to the requirements of the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) Program.
Grants are available to eligible child care providers and programs participating or that are interested in serving families and children in the NJ Child Care Subsidy Program and that have not had a serious injury or death that occurred due to a substantiated health or safety violation. Child care providers and programs must register with the
NJ Workforce Registry.
Child care providers and programs interested in applying for any of the grants must submit an application with all the required documents. All grants are subject to an application review process and some may require a site visit. Grants are based on available funds and released by priority.
AVAILABLE FUNDS
Up to $500 Registered Family Child Care Programs
Up to $2,000 Licensed Child Care Centers
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
Licensed child care centers and registered family child care providers who are enrolled in Grow NJ Kids and have completed the Self-Assessment and Quality Improvement Plan.
TO APPLY
Programs interested in applying for this grant must contact their regional Grow NJ Kids Technical Assistance center for further instruction. Only complete application packages, which include any required documentation, will be considered. Once the application is reviewed and approved, the agency will receive an award letter.
KEY THINGS TO KNOW