Funds must be used before September 30, 2023. Allowable uses of grant funds include the following:
A. Facilities Maintenance – Allowable facility maintenance and improvements may include, but are not limited to, building or upgrading outdoor play area, renovating bathroom(s), installing railings or ramps to make the home more accessible, and removing non-load bearing walls to create additional space for social distancing.
B. Personal Protective Equipment, Cleaning, and other Health and Safety Equipment and Practices – Personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning and sanitization supplies and services, safety equipment, training and professional development related to health and safety practices.
C. Equipment and Supplies – This category includes purchases of or updates to equipment and supplies to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency. So long as the equipment and supplies are in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, they may include indoor and outdoor equipment and supplies that facilitate practices consistent with safety protocols and developmentally appropriate prac- tice, as well as items needed to respond to new challenges, such as software and upgrades. This also includes technological upgrades that programs can use to collect data and report to lead agencies.
D. Goods and Services – This category includes any material good or service necessary for the operation of a child care program. Examples of goods that might be necessary to maintain or resume child care services include food and equipment and materials to facilitate play, learning, eating, diapering and toileting, or safe sleep. Examples of services that are allowable include business automation training and support services, shared services, child care management services, and food services.
E. Mental Health Services – Infant and early childhood mental health consultation (IECMHC), an evidence-based, prevention-based strategy that teams mental health professionals with people who work with young children and their families to improve their social, emotional, and behavioral health and development in the settings where children learn and grow, is one example of an allowable mental health support.
* DPHSS & GEDA reserves the right to include additional conditions and requirements.
MAXIMUM AWARD AMOUNT
Total award amount shall not exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00). Additional consideration will be offered for applicants who are caring for children with special needs and will be on a case by case basis.