Early Learning Indiana invites communities across the state to apply for participation in its Indiana Child Care Deserts Competition. At least ten Access Grants will be awarded to communities that submit winning proposals focused on expanding access for children, from infants to age five, to quality early learning opportunities.
To support communities in better understanding the state of access, we are making available IBRC’s and Early Learning Indiana’s study, deserts and hubs: Child Care Access Indiana.
Competition goals include:
Reduce the number of childcare deserts in Indiana
Build awareness, at both the statewide and local level
Inspire local problem solving and solution development
All submissions should provide solutions that create early childhood seats specific to the needs of local communities in existing care settings and/or new programs. Additionally, proposals selected for advancement will be required to secure local match support (monetary or in-kind) representing 10 percent or more of the total cost of requested funds.
General submission considerations:
Proposals should be locally inspired and represent the thinking of diverse community stakeholders, including local early learning providers, local leaders, K-12 stakeholders and business leaders.
Priority will be given to submissions that address childcare deserts, increase infant and toddler access, build the capacity of existing high-quality providers, and/or feature innovative models of care.
Letter of Intent must be submitted by Sept. 13, 2019 at 5 p.m.
