NJEDA Opens Applications for Phase Two of Child Care Facilities Improvement Program

TRENTON, N.J. (September 24, 2024) - Last week, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) opened applications for Phase II of the Child Care Facilities Improvement Program. The $5 million program will provide grants of up to $20,000 to registered Family Child Care homes (FCCs) to purchase furniture, fixtures, and equipment, supporting the improvement of health, safety, accessibility, and quality in the child care environment.

WHAT: Phase Two of the Child Care Facilities Improvement Program supports the enhancement of New Jersey's 1,300 registered FCCs, an essential component of the state's child care mixed delivery system. To expand access to the positive effects of early child care, the NJEDA aims to provide FCCs with support that promotes long-term stability and ensures that the child care environment that they provide is safe, healthy, accessible, and conducive to high-quality early learning.

Phase Two of the Child Care Facilities Improvement Program builds on the success of Phase One, which has awarded over $80 million in funding to 400 child care centers to date. Child care centers approved through the first phase of the program are located in 20 counties, serve more than 33,000 children, and employ over 8,200 teachers and administrators.

WHO: Eligibility for Phase Two of the program is limited to registered FCCs that have enrolled at least one child receiving support from the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Assistance Program. Up to 40 percent of grant funding will be reserved for eligible applicants in Opportunity Zones. Child care centers are not eligible for Phase Two funding. For more information on eligibility, click here.

WHEN: Applications for the program are open and will be accepted until funds have been exhausted. To apply, visit https://www.njeda.gov/child-care-facilities-improvement-program-phase-2/.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State's principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey's long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA onFacebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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