Agency explains eligible uses, application tips for Family Child Care capital grants

Diana Figurew, program manager for the Family Child Care Capital Grant Program at the Department of Early Education and Care, told an online audience that the program supports physical improvements and capacity expansion for licensed family child care providers but has strict limits on eligible purchases and application requirements.

Figurew said the program is intended to "support child care in a home daycare setting for physical improvements and to expand capacity," and that the overall grant pool is limited, meaning not all applicants will receive funding. She said applications for the current review round were submitted in September of the previous year and that award notifications are expected in early summer, with a second application round to be opened in the summer.

The agency emphasized eligible and ineligible expenses. Figurew described eligible work as durable physical improvements and integrated equipment tied to the licensed child care space, including certain safety and accessibility upgrades and energy-efficiency equipment that is fixed and integrated into the building. She said non-durable items and certain day-to-day supplies are not eligible. The transcript lists examples of ineligible items as "chairs, toys, [and] electronic equipment." Figurew also said some interior renovations commonly requested—such as certain bathroom upgrades—may not qualify under the program.

She warned applicants that funds are intended for capital uses and that projects must demonstrate how the improvements will benefit children in care and increase enrollment or licensed capacity. The program allows grantees to use awarded funds over a three-year period, and Figurew said eligible projects must be designed to be completed within nine months to meet program requirements.

The presentation highlighted common application weaknesses: unclear statements of need, insufficiently detailed budgets, and use of unlicensed or expired-license contractors. Figurew urged applicants to provide an itemized budget showing each contractor or vendor, licensed credentials, and a clear implementation plan. She gave the example of several applicants who requested $50,000 without sufficient budget detail, which reduced their competitiveness.

Figurew recommended applicants use the SMART framework (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) when describing project goals and to explain how each requested item contributes to safety, accessibility, capacity, or quality. She also reiterated procurement restrictions: contractors must hold current licenses and applicants should not propose relatives as paid contractors for funded work.

The agency said award decisions and written recommendations will be emailed to applicants. The presentation included a contact reference but the phone number in the transcript was incomplete; the transcript indicates applicants should expect published resources and links on the agency website when the next round opens.

This webinar was informational; no formal actions or decisions were taken during the session.