NJEDA to Host Child Care Facilities Improvement Program Information Sessions

Attendees will learn how their licensed child care centers can apply for grants of up to $200,000 to make facility upgrades

TRENTON, N.J. (September 12, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced that it will host virtual information sessions on September 15 and September 19 for applicants interested in applying to NJEDA’s Child Care Facilities Improvement Program. Funded at $54.5 million, this program builds upon Governor Phil Murphy’s comprehensive strategy to support New Jersey’s child care sector, which plays a vital role in our state’s long-term economic recovery.

Through Phase 1 of the Child Care Facilities Improvement Program, the NJEDA will provide nearly $15 million in grants between $50,000 – $200,000 to licensed child care centers in New Jersey to cover the costs of facility improvements that will contribute to high-quality early childhood learning environments. These interior and exterior improvements could include, but are not limited to, installing energy efficient windows, creating additional classroom space, purchasing new playground equipment, replacing flooring, remediating environmental hazards such as lead or mold, or putting in child-height sinks or toilets. A complete list of eligible uses can be found here.

During the sessions, attendees will receive a program overview, a walk-through of the application, and information on how to best prepare to apply.

The information sessions will take place at the following times:

• September 15 – 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Registration link: http://tinyurl.com/njeda-childcarecenterimprove
  
• September 19 – 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Registration link: http://tinyurl.com/NJEDA-ChildCareCenterInfo  

Eligible applicants are child care center providers licensed by the Department of Children & Families as of June 4, 2021 that have enrolled in the last 12 months prior to the date of application at least one child receiving assistance through NJ Department of Human Services’ (NJDHS’s) Child Care Assistance Program. A complete list of eligibility requirements can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/child-care-improvement-program/.

To help ensure that child care providers serving low-income children through the NJDHS’s Child Care Assistance Program receive the funding they need to survive and thrive, 40 percent of the Phase 1 funding will be set aside for child care providers in Opportunity Zone-eligible census tracts.

The application for the Child Care Facilities Improvement Program is expected to launch in October.

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 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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