How are grant award amounts determined?
Licensed Centers Grant Awards
Year 1 Initial Award: Approved providers will receive an initial minimum grant award of $3,000 per new infant or toddler child care slot created, of which $1,000 must be directed for teacher-related expenses (i.e., bonus or incentive). This is available to all eligible providers.
Year 2 Award: Additional minimum grant of $1,200 per infant or toddler slot (awarded 12 months following the date of the initial grant award) of which $400 must be directed for teacher-related expenses (i.e., bonus or incentive). If you are already rated three-, four-, or five-stars in Grow NJ Kids at the start of Year 2 you are not eligible for the $1,200 per slot grant award, however, to support and promote equitable access to high-quality programs you will receive $200 per infant or toddler slot created.
Additional funds in Year 2 are contingent on providers’ active engagement in Grow NJ Kids. During the second year, providers must:
- Complete a Grow NJ Kids Self-Assessment
- Complete a Grow NJ Kids Quality Improvement Plan
- Submit a Grow NJ Kids Rating Readiness form to initiate the rating process
- Have all the newly created slots filled by end of Year 2
Year 3 Award: Additional minimum grant of $1,200 per infant or toddler slot (awarded 24 months following the date the initial grant award) of which $400 must be directed for teacher-related expenses (i.e., bonus or incentive). If you are already rated three-, four-, or five-stars in Grow NJ Kids at the start of Year 3 you are not eligible for the $1,200 per slot grant award, however, to support and promote equitable access to high-quality programs you will receive $200 per infant or toddler slot created.
At the time of the Year 3 Award, the provider must:
- Be actively participating in the Grow NJ Kids rating process; and
- Continue to have all of the newly created slots filled.
Please note: The provider MUST upload a CURRENT W-9 in the file cabinet in NJCCIS in order to receive payment. A Thriving by Three Grant for registered family child care providers will be available later this year.
What can I use the grant funds for?
Thriving by Three grant funds may be spent on the following approved categories:
Equipment/Furniture
Including evacuation cribs, changing tables, strollers, mats, tables, high chairs, rocking chairs, toddler size tables/chairs, outdoor equipment, sinks, refrigerators, etc.)
Materials/Toys/Supplies
Including curriculum, sensory, learning, exploration, fine/gross motor skills, etc.
Staff/Recruitment/Hiring
Including advertisement, hiring bonus, salary, benefits, etc.
Other Needs
Including professional development, technical assistance – room arrangement/spacing, regulatory technical assistance, quality improvement technical assistance, etc.