Accessing Child Care Expansion and Sustainability Supports (ACCESS)

Accessing Child Care Expansion and Sustainability Supports (ACCESS) is sponsored by Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

Accessing Child Care Expansion and Sustainability Supports (ACCESS) — Reinvestment Fund Grants and resources available for Early Childhood Education projects HBCU Brilliance Initiative Targeted financial support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities Food justice grants serving Philadelphia and the national HFFI program PA Coronavirus Small Business Assistance Program Social Determinants of Health Initiatives including national Invest Health and regional Building Healthier, More Equitable Communities in NJ Early Childhood Education Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) Investing in projects that are both targeted and transformative Financing for a variety of project needs Financing for a broad variety of projects from solar to energy-efficient retrofits Financing that supports small scale housing developers New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) Leveraging private-sector equity and loan capital investment Aligning public investment and high impact services Lending & Investment Team Early Childhood Education Historically Black College & University (HBCU) A commitment to build strong, healthy, more equitable communities National reach with offices in Atlanta and Philadelphia What guides us as an organization Our founding, history and our industry Current career opportunities Meet our Board of Directors Concrete and measurable results Invest with us Nationally Options for individuals starting at $1,000 Invest with us in Philadelphia Investments towards enhancing the Philly region Supporting data-driven, strategic decision-making and investment to strengthen communities An analytic tool to guide neighborhood revitalization and equitable development strategies Limited Supermarket Analysis A tool to understand and address inequitable access to fresh and healthy food Housing Research and Analysis Quantitative and qualitative analyses on topics such as fair housing and eviction and foreclosure prevention Early Childhood Education Analytics Data-driven approaches to reducing gaps in access to high quality early learning Find our latest field-building research and reports Accessing Child Care Expansion and Sustainability Supports (ACCESS) Accessing Child Care Expansion and Sustainability Supports (ACCESS) offers resources to STAR 1 and 2 providers in Philadelphia to invest in their facilities and move up in the STARS system.

Accessing Child Care Expansion and Sustainability Supports (ACCESS) ofrece recursos a los proveedores de STAR 1 y 2 en Filadelfia para invertir en sus instalaciones y ascender en el sistema STARS. Para información en español, haga clic aqui . ACCESS is a partnership between Reinvestment Fund and Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), with funding from Vanguard Strong Start for Kids Program™.

The program aims to increase the number of children receiving care in positive learning environments in Childcare Map (CC Map) persistent high-need neighborhoods by supporting STAR 1 and 2 providers with longstanding community backing to invest in their facilities and move up in the STARS system. The program offers facility grants along with coaching and technical assistance supports.

STAR S Movement Facility Improvement Grants These grants support STAR 1 and 2 childcare providers in Philadelphia currently involved in quality improvement initiatives and looking to make facility improvements, such as purchasing additional furniture or completing minor renovations. Applications for the next two cohorts will be available in January 2026 and January 2027.

The next applications will be in early 2027 Planning Supports: If accepted into the program, participants receive personalized facility scans to co-develop quality improvement/sustainability plans, and then, create a capital investment plan. Cohort participants meet together regularly for peer learning and receive ongoing individualized support from ACCESS project staff.

Capital Supports: Projects supported are with a $30,000 capital grant based on identified facility needs. Grants of up to $50,000 may be considered for facilities with critical needs. Projects are professionally monitored through construction inspection.

Licensed STAR 1 and 2 child care programs in Philadelphia Small business/nonprofits In good standing with DHS Serving their community for 2+ years Site ownership or lease for three years from ACCESS application date Demonstrated strong community backing Programs with promising business practices, aligning with best practices in child care financial management No delinquent business taxes owed or tax liens on property (if owned) Priority consideration will be given to sites in CC Map persistent high-need neighborhoods, and to centers with a licensed capacity of 40+.

The Coaching to Success (C2S) community of practice offers a free resource open to providers city-wide. Providers who are interested in participating in a broader community of practice are invited to participate in this peer learning group to connect to sustainable resources.

The Expansion Accelerator (TEA) This intensive 9-week program prepares providers to navigate a high-quality facility expansion and includes immersive workshops with expert consultants and one-on-one coaching. You’ll learn how to identify the right location for growth, assess the pros and cons of renting vs. buying, and develop a strategic business plan that reflects your strengths and goals.

Whether you’re planning to expand soon or preparing for future opportunities, this program will give you the tools and confidence to move forward with clarity and purpose. Stay tuned for a next cohort in 2026. Childcare Map Persistent High-Need Neighborhoods High-need neighborhoods were identified as areas with clusters of high family poverty rates and consistent lack of access to licensed childcare on CC Map over the past seven years.

This analysis identified eleven high-need zip codes: 19120, 19123, 19124, 19131, 19132, 19133, 19139, 19140, 19141, 19142, and 19151 . Please review this map for further details. Fund for Quality – high quality expansion and facility resources and tips City of Philadelphia: Child Care Facility Fund Please reach out if you think you may be eligible and are interested in these opportunities: ACCESS@phmc.

org Reinvestment Fund Program Staff Director, Early Childhood Education Senior Program Manager, Early Childhood Education Quality Funds Implementation Manager at PHMC ECE Quality Initiatives Director at PHMC