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Enhancing Childhood Quality Grants are currently available to child care programs in the Kansas City, KS area. These grants are for programs interested in improving the quality of programs for the children and families they serve. Who is eligible? - Programs must be licensed.
- Priority given to programs serving children subsidized by SRS.
- Programs must be located in Johnson, Leavenworth, Wyandotte, or Miami counties.
- Programs cannot be participating in KQRIS.
- Programs must be in operation for at least one year.
- Programs must be listed in The Family Conservancy’s Resource and Referral database.
What grants are available?
Eligible Family Child Care programs may apply for Professional Development, Special Needs or After School Grants. Eligible Centers may apply for Professional Development, Special Needs, After School and Center Grants. For the Children with Special Needs and After-School Grants, programs may apply for up to $2,000 per classroom for facility repairs and classroom learning materials. See below for more information on each type: Professional Development Grants – Family Child Care and Center Based
Professional Development Grants may be applied to training and/or education that leads to high quality practice and increased knowledge of child development and early childhood education. Providers can apply for grants to: attend professional development opportunities, such as trainings, conferences, and workshops.
Providers can also use Professional Development Grants for scholarships for early childhood development college coursework or for completion/renewal of a CDA certification. Scholarships will pay the full cost of tuition, fees and required books as the providers work to complete their credential or college coursework. Providers must enroll in an accredited college or program located in one of the four counties. Providers may also use Professional Development Grants to enroll in The Family Conservancy’s online program to obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. The online CDA program is provided by The Family Conservancy’s Early Education Professional Development department and offers CEUs and college credit. For additional information on the Professional Development Grants, please contact Laura Reinsel at lreinsel@marc.org or (816) 701-8312. Children with Special Needs Grants – Family Child Care and Centers
The grant is intended to assist programs currently serving special needs children. Half of the classroom staff will be required to complete 6 hours of professional development/training related to serving children with special needs. In addition, the program will receive a rating using the Environmental Rating Scale (ERS), participate in the Strengthening Families approach, and will receive up to 6 technical assistance visits from an experienced early childhood educator. After-School Grants – Family Child Care and Centers
The grant is intended to assist early learning programs currently serving school-age children. The director/owner must complete 6 hours of appropriate training with at least part of the training being related to nutrition/healthy eating. In addition, the program will receive a rating using the Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) and up to 6 technical assistance visits from an experienced early childhood educator. The program must agree to increase the nutritional level of the snacks it provides and the quantity and quality of the children’s physical activity. All programs requesting playground equipment will receive free playground safety audits from nationally certified playground inspectors. Centers Grants – Centers Only
The grant is intended to assist early childhood centers in increasing their overall quality. Half of the classroom staff must attend ASQ3 and ASQ-SE trainings; the program directors must complete the Directors Training Series. In addition, the program will receive a rating of half of its classrooms using the Environmental Rating Scale (ERS), participate in the Strengthening Families approach, and will receive up to 6 technical assistance visits from an experienced early childhood educator. All programs requesting playground equipment will receive free playground safety audits from nationally certified playground inspectors For additional information regarding the Children with Special Needs Grants and the After-School Grants, please contact Janelle Balarashti at jbalarashti@thefamilyconservancy.org or (913) 742-4188. Frequently Asked Questions and Facts
How do I get started?
Call today to reserve your seat at one of our FREE information sessions. During the information session, you’ll learn more about the grants available, receive application materials, and learn more about the services we offer!! - August 10, 2010 / 6:30-8:00 p.m. Hillcrest Christian Child Development Center, 11411 Quivira Road, Overland Park, KS 66210
- August 17, 2010 6:30- 8:00 p.m. Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1216 N. 79th Street, Kansas City, KS 66112
- August 19, 2010 6:30- 8:00 p.m. Leavenworth Public Library, East Room, 417 Spruce, Leavenworth, KS 66048
- August 24, 2010 6:30- 8:00 p.m. Miami County Extension Office, 104 S. Brayman, Paola, KS 66071
To sign up for one of the information sessions, call Janelle Balarashti at The Family Conservancy at jbalarashti@thefamilyconservancy.org or (913) 742-4188.
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