Strengthen Indy Child Care Grant

Strengthen Indy Child Care Grant is sponsored by Child Care Answers (in partnership with Glick Philanthropies). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

Strengthen Indy Child Care Grant - Child Care Answers Strengthen Indy Child Care Grant The Strengthen Indy Child Care Grant has now concluded. Read below to learn more about our work, in partnership with Glick Philanthropies.

White paper – Beyond the Grant: A Replicable Model for Strengthening Local Child Care Systems Frequently asked questions A Replicable Model for Strengthening Local Child Care Systems How flexible local investment and trusted implementation support turn funding into sustainable child care capacity Increasing the quality and capacity of early care and education The Strengthen Indy Child Care Grant, in partnership with Glick Philanthropies, aims to serve emerging or existing providers in Marion County within the following zip codes: 46107, 46220, 46221, 46224, 46227, 46235, 46240, 46241, 46250, 46254, 46260 Child Care Answers aims to support child care providers to increase their capacity and quality in order to serve more families and children.

We connect programs to financial assistance, develop community partnerships, and facilitate access to an abundance of resources.

To provide support and resources for existing and emerging providers, increase the availability of early child care and education, and create equitable child care opportunities for families in our community In partnership with Glick Philanthropies , Child Care Answers is creating opportunities for aspiring providers to start their child care programs and for existing providers to expand through this grant program.

Increase funding available to emerging and existing child care programs Increase child care capacity in Marion county Increase quality in child care programs in Marion county New or existing programs must be in one of the following zip codes: 46107, 46220, 46221, 46224, 46227, 46235, 46240, 46241, 46250, 46254, 46260 Become a licensed or registered provider if you are opening a new program Currently open child care programs must be in good standing with the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning Accept infants and toddlers Participate in monthly group network meetings (April-November) Join Paths to QUALITY OR work towards level 3-4 Paths to QUALITY if already enrolled Strengthen Indy Child Care Grant Need to print the above?

Use this guide for a quick one-stop-shop to see all allowable expenses in one spot. Frequently Asked Questions What is the highest amount of funds that can be awarded to my program? Each program can receive up to $25,000 , which can be used across any of the four categories.

If I have more than one program in a qualifying zip code, can each program apply for the grant? Yes…if each program has a unique license or registration number. Can this grant be used to add seats, as well as to improve the quality of my program?

Can the money be used to purchase a facility for a program? Purchasing a facility is not an approvable expense, however, you can use funds to purchase items to put in a new facility. Why did I hear about this grant but others did not?

This grant is not offered to everyone in Marion county, which is why some providers may not know about it. Why does my program have to be in one of the zip codes listed even if I’m located in Marion County? Through data and research this grant is funded with philanthropy dollars to support specific child care desserts in Marion County.

“Child care deserts” are defined as an area where there are too few spots available for the amount of children listed in the area. How long is the application available? The application is now closed.

When will grants be awarded? CCA notified recipients in March and announced to the public in April. Do I have to be enrolled in Paths to QUALITY or be at level 3 Paths to Quality before applying?

No; however, we hope to see progress towards that goal from month to month as awardees commit to participating in monthly coaching and on-site visits from April 2025 through November 2025. If I am not on Paths to QUALITY, am I expected to reach level three within a year?

No; however, we hope to see progress towards that goal from month to month as awardees commit to participating in monthly coaching and on-site visits from April 2024 through November 2024. Can grant funds be used towards a previous loan from a renovation project for my program? Grant funds cannot be used to repay loans.

However, if new renovation projects are needed, grant funds can be used for the new renovation project. If English is not my first language, are there supports to help me during the application and grant process? Yes, Lucy Intriago, our Multicultural Program Resource Navigator, can support with translating and interpreting information into Spanish or provide support with other languages.

The Strengthen Indy Child Care grant is provided with generous support from Glick Philanthropies. The Glick Family Foundation invests in organizations that enhance education, self-sufficiency and quality of life in central Indiana and beyond. Established in 1982 by Indianapolis philanthropists Eugene and Marilyn Glick, the Foundation is one of the most active family foundations in Indiana.

We are thrilled to recognize the Strengthen Indy Child Care Grant recipients for their dedication to increasing child care capacity and quality in our community. Through their commitment and innovation, they are strengthening the foundation for families and shaping a brighter future for Indy’s youngest learners. Congratulations to all our grant recipients!

Promise Town Childcare Ministry Jesus Fellowship Kidz & Family Ministry Stephia & W Daycare For Childcare Services The Academy for Young Achievers Calvary Christian Child Care Jewish Community Center’s ECE Program Skool Kidz Early Education Academy Learn more about the Strengthen Indy Child Care grant and our partnership with Glick Philanthropies: Stronger child care. Stronger communities. Supporting child care professionals.

Strengthening programs. Connecting communities and families. Child care is essential infrastructure for a healthy workforce and thriving community.

Through Rise Forward, Child Care Answers is strengthening central Indiana’s early care and education system by supporting child care professionals, strengthening programs, and connecting partners around shared solutions. Action steps for child care programs affected by flooding Recent flooding across central Indiana has affected homes, businesses, and child care programs alike.

For child care professionals, a flood can mean damaged facilities, disrupted care, and difficult questions about what to do next. We’re here to connect you to information, support, and connections you need to respond, recover, and keep serving children and families.

[…] Professional Development for Early Childhood Educators Develop yourself as a professional Meaningful professional development for child care professionals is essential to both advancing your career in early childhood education and boosting your personal growth and development.

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Feel free to use the below information to share with families via newsletters, emails, or other opportunities to support them as caregivers themselves.

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Licensing standards and Paths to QUALITY indicators […] Sometimes, families may come to your child care program that you are unable to serve, whether due to tuition costs, limited enrollment availability, or because your program is not the best fit for their child or family. Feel free to share the below information with families to support their continued child care journey.

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We encourage you to consider the information below and submit a comment to make […] Invest in Stronger Child Care Financial support of Child Care Answers Your investment in Child Care Answers is an investment in stronger child care across central Indiana.

We equip child care professionals, support sustainable child care programs, and bring partners together around solutions that help children, families, employers, and communities thrive. Every gift helps strengthen the early care and education system […] Celebrating wins together: Strengthen Indy Child Care Grant To say the past six months have been tumultuous for the early education system in Indiana is an understatement.

The ever-present issues of staffing, enrollment, and budgeting continue to plague early care and education programs around the state. Recently, new regulations, reduced CCDF reimbursement rates, and reduced supports and resources for child care professionals have […] Financial and Social Assistance As a child care professional, families may look to you for advice about their child both inside and outside of the classroom.

Feel free to use the below information to share with families via newsletters, emails, or other opportunities to support them as caregivers themselves. Indiana 2-1-1 is also an easy way to connect families to local organizations to meet their unique needs. […] Key child care bills to watch in the 2026 Indiana General Assembly The 2026 Indiana General Assembly session kicks off on January 5.

With it comes a fresh wave of bills that could shape the future of early childhood education in our state. At Child Care Answers, we believe that staying informed is the first step toward building a stronger community for our children and families. To […] As a child care professional, families may look to you for advice about their child both inside and outside of the classroom.

Feel free to use the below information to share with families via newsletters, emails, or other opportunities to support them as caregivers themselves. Indiana 2-1-1 is also an easy way to connect families to local organizations to meet their unique needs. […] As a child care professional, families may look to you for advice about their child both inside and outside of the classroom.

Feel free to use the below information to share with families via newsletters, emails, or other opportunities to support them as caregivers themselves. Indiana 2-1-1 is also an easy way to connect families to local organizations to meet their unique needs.

[…] Early Childhood Mental Health Your guide to early childhood mental health resources in Hamilton County, Indiana We’re proud to partner with A Healthier Hamilton County: Systems of Care to introduce you to some of the necessary resources to access and navigate behavioral and mental health services.

Whether you are a parent of a young child or a child care […] As a child care professional, families may look to you for advice about their child both inside and outside of the classroom. Feel free to use the below information to share with families via newsletters, emails, or other opportunities to support them as caregivers themselves.

Indiana 2-1-1 is also an easy way to connect families to local organizations to meet their unique needs. […] Sometimes, families may come to your child care program that you are unable to serve, whether due to tuition costs, limited enrollment availability, or because your program is not the best fit for their child or family. Feel free to share the below information with families to support their continued child care journey.

Indiana 2-1-1 is also a good place for them […] Sometimes, families may come to your child care program that you are unable to serve, whether due to tuition costs, limited enrollment availability, or because your program is not the best fit for their child or family. Feel free to share the below information with families to support their continued child care journey.

Indiana 2-1-1 is also a good place for them […] Your Guide to Understanding Indiana's CCDF Voucher Changes You’ve likely been hearing a lot in the news lately about the crisis surrounding CCDF vouchers and its effect on Hoosier families and child care programs. There are many moving parts and complicated pieces – we hope the below information makes things clearer for you. What is CCDF?

Let’s start with the basics.

The federal […] Introducing the Central Indiana Child Care Alliance Child Care Answers, United Way of Central Indiana launch new initiative to increase sustainability of family child care homes The Central Indiana Child Care Alliance will support 10 Marion County family child care homes in its first year INDIANAPOLIS – A new initiative from Child Care Answers and United Way of Central Indiana will support […] Central Indiana Child Care Alliance Central Indiana Child Care Alliance The Central Indiana Child Care Alliance (“the Alliance”), in partnership with United Way of Central Indiana, supports family child care home programs across central Indiana.

This regional shared services initiative gives members access to personalized coaching, business resources, and centralized tools that strengthen their operations, reduce costs and administrative tasks, […] Stepping in the Future: A New Chapter for Child Care Answers For nearly 40 years, Child Care Answers (CCA) has walked alongside families, child care professionals, and community partners across central Indiana.

Our work is now at a crossroads. With major changes happening in the early care and education system, there is lots of work ahead. As an organization, CCA is prepared and ready to move […] Last Day Q&A: What does CCA mean to you?

It’s a deeply bittersweet moment for all of us staff, alumni, board and friends of Child Care Answers as we step into a new chapter of change.

While CCA will remain open and committed to its mission, we have had to say goodbye or will bid farewell soon to many beloved colleagues and friends who […] Support changes for families of young children Support Changes for families of young children It was an honor to serve you last year as you searched for child care for your family or requested connections to broader supports.

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