ITEM TITLE:
Approval of the Childcare Start-Up Grant Program
SUBMITTED BY: Martha Barberio, Economic Development Director
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: 200,000
Unencumbered Balance: NA
Funding Source: THREAD GRANT
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The Economic Diversification Commission is requesting approval from the City Council for a new Childcare Start-Up Grant Program designed to support the expansion of licensed childcare providers in our community. This initiative is essential to address the growing demand for quality childcare services and to enhance early childhood education opportunities within the region.
Martha Barberio, Economic Development Director and Blue Shibler, with SEAAEYC, will oversee the administration of the grant program. Under this proposal, Blue will solicit Letters of Intent (LOI) from prospective childcare providers interested in expanding or starting new childcare services. The LOI process will serve as a pre-screening step, and all selected providers will be required to commit to becoming licensed by the State of Alaska within six months of receiving funding.
Once the initial screening and LOI process is complete, selected providers will be invited to submit formal grant applications. These applications will be evaluated based on criteria designed to support the establishment and sustainability of childcare businesses that contribute to the region’s economic and educational needs.
Attached Documents:
1. Childcare Start-Up LOI (Letter of Intent)
2. Start-Up Grant Application
3. Grant Evaluation Form
4. Personal Financial Self-Evaluation Form
We recommend that the City Council approve the Childcare Start-Up Grant Program, allowing SEAAEYC to move forward with the solicitation of Letters of Intent, and manage the selection process. The Economic Development department will have final approval and distribute the grant funds to qualified applicants who meet the necessary criteria for childcare licensure and business sustainability.
Approval of this program will play a crucial role in expanding accessible, licensed childcare options for families in our community, which in turn will contribute to the region’s economic and social well-being.