Child Care Quality Fund (CCQF)

Child Care Quality Fund (CCQF) is sponsored by City of Pittsburgh (managed by Trying Together). The Child Care Quality Fund provides grants to licensed child care programs within the City of Pittsburgh to increase the number of high-quality early learning programs.

Child Care Quality Fund - Trying Together Please note: applications for this grant are no longer being accepted. Licensed child care programs located within the City of Pittsburgh can now apply for grants through the Child Care Quality Fund (CCQF). The CCQF grants aim to increase the number of high-quality early learning programs in Pittsburgh.

The goal will be met by providing funds to support facility and/or program improvements. Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 and Trying Together will provide technical assistance to child care programs that apply, and Trying Together will manage the application process. During the first round, 11 licensed child care facilities received a total of $387,250 in grants.

To learn more about applying for CCQF grants, child care providers may read the details listed below. What can CCQF grants be used for?

CCQF grants can be used to cover the cost of facility and/or program improvements including: art, child safety, dramatic play, health and safety, curriculum, fine motor, gross, literacy, and STEM materials; child assessment instrument, mentor, and professional development costs; fencing or playground equipment installation; fire suppression systems/sprinklers; flooring, HVAC, plumbing, roof, and window repair/replacement; mobile hand-washing sinks.

mold and lead testing/remediation; painting repair/repainting; retrofitting areas to expand capacity of the facility; security cameras/systems.

Expenses that will not be covered by CCQF grants include: civic or social organization memberships; entertainment/social activities for staff that are not related to professional development; gift cards or legal tender; new construction or major renovations; mortgage or rent/lease for the child care facility; supplementing staff bonuses, compensation, or income; Are there funding limits for CCQF grants?

Yes, CCQF grant funds are limited by child care type and size including: Family Child Care and Group Child Care Homes – $12,500 Child Care programs licensed to care for less than 100 children – $25,000 Child care programs licensed to care for more than 100 children – $50,000 Funding requests that are more than the funding limits listed above may be considered on a case by case basis.

Such requests will require additional documentation, proof of matching funds, and/or explanation of extenuating circumstances. Is my child care program eligible to apply for a CCQF grant?

Programs eligible to apply for CCQF grants are/have: located within the City of Pittsburgh; in good standing with the City of Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI) and State Child Care Certification; current on their city, state, and federal taxes; written quotes for any materials/products to be purchased; written estimates of any facility renovations/repairs; and all required permits for facility renovations/repairs.

Are there additional considerations to apply for a CCQF grant?

Priority consideration will be given to child care programs that are: STAR 1 or 2 providers who have a written plan to move up to STAR 3 or 4; STAR 3 or 4 providers serving at least 50% of children whose families receive child care subsidy through Child Care Works, Early Head Start, Head Start, and/or free CACFP meal status; at risk of losing certification due to facility deficiencies; offer child care during non-traditional hours (evenings and weekends); and operating in areas of the City with a low number of high-quality providers.

How do I apply for a CCQF grant? Applications for this grant are no longer being accepted. The CRiB, CCQF, and Shared Services Pilot programs listed above are made possible by: Allegheny County Department of Human Services Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 Child care providers in the City of Pittsburgh can now receive financial and technical support.

Available for the next year, these supports are being offered as part of the economic recovery efforts associated with COVID-19. These supports include: low-interest loans, grants, educational training, technical assistance, and a tailored shared services pilot. To learn more about applying for these supports, child care providers may read the details in this news post or watch the following informational webinar: