Skagit Employer-Based Child Care Pilot Project
The Center for Retention and Expansion of Child Care, Northwest (C-RECC, NW) a division of the Early Learning and Family Services Department (ELAFS) at the Opportunity Council (OC) has partnered with Skagit County and Population Health Trust to allocate Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by FAIN number SLFRP3431, awarded to Skagit County by the U.S Department of the Treasury.
In addition to funding for Family Child Care (FCC) business start-ups, Skagit County has allotted $75,000 to support one or two employers who want to expand child care availability for their employees. Increasing accessibility to high-quality child care cultivates economic opportunities for families and businesses today and into the future.
The lack of child care within a community impacts families, employees and employers in a variety of ways such as missed work, lost wages and in some cases, employees exiting the workforce altogether.
The Skagit Employer-Based Child Care Pilot Project will be a two-step process. Beginning December 15, 2023 a Letter of Interest (LOI) form will be open for employers who are interested in creating employer-driven opportunities for their employees to access child care. Upon completion of the LOI, funding applications for the Skagit Employer-Based Child Care Pilot Project will be sent to selected candidates. C-RECC will be available to offer technical assistance and answer questions for employers unfamiliar with the various methods of expanding child care opportunities. A committee will review the applications and select one or two employers to receive funding from the Skagit Employer-Based Child Care Pilot Project. The intended date of contract execution is March 2024.
Applicant Qualifications:
- Business must be located within Skagit County
- Business must be in good standing with Washington Secretary of State
- Business cannot be behind on any local, state or federal taxation
- Child Care providers are not eligible for The Skagit Employer-Based Child Care Pilot Project
Example of Eligible Uses (include but are not limited to):
- One-time start up investments
- Minor renovations of facility to meet licensing requirements
- Facility materials, child size furniture, etc
- Outdoor early learning equipment
- Permit costs (with spending cap)
- Rent/lease (with spending/timeline cap)
- Professional fees (with spending cap)
Example of Ineligible Uses (include but are not limited to):
- Acquisition of land/real estate
- Feasibility studies/staff surveys
- HR wages for project, travel for project
- Access to current child care capacity
If you have any questions please email childcarebiz@oppco.org
