Start-Up Equipment Grant for Child Care Centers
To support the growth of child care spaces in North Dakota, Child Care Aware® invites individuals starting a licensed child care center or significantly expanding capacity for infants and toddlers to apply for a Child Care Equipment Grant. These grants will be awarded on an on-going basis until all grant dollars are expended or until June 30, 2017.
Grants will be calculated based on anticipated licensing capacity @$200 per space (maximum of $10,000 and can be used to purchase equipment required for licensing. This may include items such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, cribs/mats/cots, high chairs, low shelving, cubbies, books, and adequate amount of play equipment. Child Care Aware® will assist you with purchase of items through select vendors.
How to Apply for a Start-Up Equipment Grant
- Contact the county licenser to schedule an orientation and request information about local ordinances.
- Call Child Care Aware® consultant to discuss and schedule a time to meet and review the followinga. Start-up and operational budgets that illustrate a viable and adequate cash flowb. Floor plans and square footage (see square footage chart on page 10 of Center Development Guide)c. List of planned equipment and furnishings
- Provide one on-site visit of proposed facility to Child Care Aware® Consultant
- Submit information form, budgets, floor plan, and a list of planned equipment and furnishings to the Child Care Aware® consultant listed below any time within 90 days before anticipated opening date.
Child Care Aware® will review your documents and send an award or denial letter within 2 weeks. If you are awarded a Start-Up Grant, Child Care Aware® will assist you with the purchase of items through select vendors and arrange for direct shipping.
Need Help Starting a Licensed Child Care Business?
The guide Start Licensed Child Care | Center License will lead you through the steps. You can also contact Child Care Aware® if you have questions about starting a child care business or applying for a start-up equipment grant.
Contact Child Care Aware® for start-up assistance.
StartChildCare@lssnd.org | 800-997-8515