Eligibility |
Informational Webinars |
Application |
Innovative Approaches to Child Care Sustainability Grant
- Who: Licensed Child Care Providers in Whatcom County
- What: Grant opportunity
- When:The Innovative Approaches to Child Care Sustainability Grant first opened in December 2022 and will close February 29, 2024.
Contracts must be finalized by March 31, 2024. - Why: The goal of the funding is to help child care providers recover from the pandemic, keep their critical workforce employed, and maintain child care access for Whatcom County families.
The Center for Retention and Expansion of Child Care, Northwest (C-RECC, NW) a partnership between the Early Learning and Family Services Department (ELAFS) of the Opportunity Council and the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, requests grant proposals from licensed child care businesses located within all areas of Whatcom County.
The funding is provided to C-RECC, NW and is jointly financed by Whatcom County and City of Bellingham federal allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. Awarded grants will focus on assisting child care businesses with organizational and workforce stability as a means supporting the child care needs of local families.
The public health crisis of COVID-19 had a devastating effect on the child care industry. Whatcom County and City of Bellingham elected officials, using the federal government’s identification of the early learning and care sector as an impacted industry, have elected to make some of its ARPA dollars available to support open, licensed child care business owners/providers. Under this initiative, funding will provide both immediate and long-term benefits for the children, families, and employers throughout the county.
Qualifying child care business owners/providers impacted by COVID-19 may apply for financial assistance. To request assistance for the initial round of available funding complete the application, including required certification and submit to C-RECC, NW/Opportunity Council.
Provider Eligibility
- Licensed child care providers located in Whatcom County, currently open, and licensed prior to March 31, 2022.
- Suffered business losses (revenue) and business interruption (lower enrollment) due to COVID-19
- Business is not facing any pending litigation or legal action
- Business is not suspended or debarred from the use of federal funds
- Business is not delinquent on any taxes.
- Must demonstrate ability to accomplish the goals/plan submitted in application within the financial award range based on child care business size.
- This is a competitive application process and submitting an application is not a guarantee of assistance.
Use of Funding. Creativity Welcome and Encouraged!
Funding should be aimed at recovery and resilience of your child care business post-pandemic.
Eligible uses include but are not limited to:
- Staff innovation strategies such as extra hands/float staff, IEP teacher, etc
- Increased pay for employees, bonuses for employees
- Minor home/facility repair for licensing health and safety compliance
- Education Supplies including supports/assistance needed to care for children with special care needs and disabilities
- Personal Protective Equipment to protect staff and young children’s exposure to illness
Non-Eligible uses include but are not limited to:
- Large home/facility repairs and improvements
- Capital projects
- Start-up costs
- Credit Card debt, capital debt, business/personal loans
- Mortgage/rent debt
- Utility usage payments
Informational Webinars
Informational Zoom sessions were offered to providers in December 2022 and October 2023.
You may view the informational session and FAQ page via the power point link is below.
Innovative Approaches Info Session
Innovative Approaches to Child Care Sustainability Grant FAQs (English & Español)
Questions?
Please review the Information Session Power Point and the FAQ page above.
If your question is not answered please reach out to C-RECC at childcarebiz@oppco.org.
