WCI’s Child Care Education Capacity Grant is now Open

The West Central Initiative (WCI) Child Care Education Capacity grant program is now open and accepting applications from non-profits and units of government to build, remodel and expand child care, located in the nine-county region of WCI’s service area.

The available funds are from a collaborative project grant received from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and WCI’s program grants.  Because DEED dollars are involved, there are also some limited grants available for for-profit, Rule 3 Child Care Centers, but it is advised to contact WCI before applying.

The Child Care Education Capacity Grant Program is a blend of West Central Initiative’s (WCI) Early Childhood Initiative and its economic work.  The objective of the Child Care Education Capacity Grant program is to retain and expand Rule 3 center, and Rule 2, non-residential, multiple-provider pod model child care facilities.

Grant awards may be issued up to:

• $37,500 for full-day, year-round Rule 3 Centers.
• $25,000 for full-day, year-round non-residential, Rule 2 multiple-provider pod model.
• $10,000 for a before/after-school and summer care center

This grant program is a direct response to the need for high quality, early care education for the children in west central Minnesota.  WCI has heard the struggles parents have when trying to find quality care for their young children.  The Child Care Education Capacity Grant is designed for centers and multiple-provider pods to create a care environment, without the building or remodeling cost burden.

For more information, please contact child care coordinator Marsha Erickson at [email protected] or call 218-998-1628. Potential applicants can also learn more and download an application from the WCI website at www.wcif.org.