Grant applications are now being accepted from public and non-profit agencies across Kansas for child care related activities, including the establishment of new child care centers or the expansion of existing centers.

Administered by the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, the grants are aimed at increasing the amount of quality child care available to Kansans. Increasing the capacity of the child care system for low-income Kansans is especially important now as welfare reform and the welfare-to-work movement creates a vastly increased need.

Funded by the Child Care and Development Block Grant and the Child Care and Development Fund, components to be funded include:

*Center-based and school age child care program establishment; *Expansion or quality enhancement of existing center programs;

*Family resource center establishment or expansion;

*Provider recruitment and retention programs;

*Employer child care campaigns;

*Provider training and technical assistance; and

*Local child care advisory groups.

Instructions for completing the grant application are described in the Request for Proposal (RFP), which is available upon request from SRS offices located in Pittsburg, Winfield, Garden City, Hays, Hutchinson, Kansas City, Lawrence, Junction City, Olathe, Salina, Topeka, and Wichita. Information about the grants can also be obtained by contacting Jane Erwin, SRS Child Care Unit, 915 SW Harrison, Docking State Office Building, 651-West, Topeka, 66612, (913) 296-3349.

Child care grant applications must be postmarked no later than Friday, January 17, 1997. Applications will be reviewed at local and state levels. Final approval of all recommendations for funding will be made by the Deputy Secretary of SRS.

It is anticipated funding from the grants will be available to grantees by May, 1997.

Page Last Updated: May 29, 2001