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

  1. Contact the county licenser to schedule an orientation and request information about local ordinances.
  2. Call Child Care Aware® consultant to discuss and schedule a time to meet and review the following
    a. Start-up and operational budgets that illustrate a viable and adequate cash flow
    b. Floor plans and square footage (see square footage chart on page 10 of Center Development Guide)
    c. List of planned equipment and furnishings
  3. Provide one on-site visit of proposed facility to Child Care Aware® Consultant
  4. 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