August 31, 2001 - Child care grants available for public or non-profit agencies, and private employers seeking to establish child care for employees

The Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) is accepting applications for grants under the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) for quality child care related activities. Separate grant components include: (1) start up or expansion of child care centers by agencies or private employers; (2) special projects involving public-private partnerships; (3) professional development initiatives; and (4) local advisory groups.

Eligible applicants must be public or non-profit agencies, or private employers seeking to establish child care for employees. The Request for Proposals (RFPs) and application forms are available on the internet at www.srskansas.org under the heading of ‘Publications,’ and the subheading ‘Grant Application Kit – grant components.’ Application for the grants have varying deadlines for submission, specified for each of the four components.

The grants are designed to increase the availability and accessibility of child care in Kansas; develop regional systems for quality improvements in child care, which involve private businesses with public and non-profit agencies; improve the knowledge and skills of child care teachers; and help local groups interested in improving the quality of care in their communities. For further information on the grant program, check the website or contact Kent Munzer at 785-368-8127 or kjm@srskansas.org

Child care offered by persons in their own home, called ‘Family Day Care Homes’ are not eligible for these grants. However, Family Day Care Home providers are encouraged to access another grant program, which is funded by CCDF funds through SRS and administered by the Kansas Association of Child Care Resources and Referral Agencies (KACCRRA) in Salina. In the past four years, SRS has made $2 million available. Nearly 1,600 grants have been awarded to Family Day Care Homes. For more information on Family Day Care Homes grant program, contact Gloria Duffey at KACCRRA toll-free at (877) 678-2548.