News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Childcare programs in the Upper Cumberland have an opportunity to apply for grant money to enhance their program.
Marketing Coordinator for Child Care Tennessee Whit Gardner said programs licensed with DHS can apply for the Support and Enhancement grant. Gardner said these grants can be used for new equipment, program enhancement, and consultants to keep the program going.
“Without childcare it’s difficult for parents to work but also, early childhood education is very important to get children the best start they can in life,” Gardner said. “In turn, that also is going to end up supporting the economy and education down the road.”
Clay County was identified as an economically distressed county and childcare providers there can received up to $5,000. Gardner said providers need to visit childcaretennessee.com and register as members.
“Providers who receive these grants, they always emphasize how important the morale boost is,” Gardner said. “To be invested in, in this way, to be seen for the work they’re doing and to have the opportunities to boost quality in their program.”
He said DHS has made the membership free and will provide access to its grant tool kit and regional coordinator contact information. Gardner said that once members are in the site they can make their grant dollars go further.
“Providers will also find over 2,000 administrative resources to save them time and money on childcaretennessee.com,” Gardner said. “As well as the saving money feature, where they’ll find exclusive discounts on products and services they use.”
Gardner said that Childcare Tennessee is an initiative of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. He said that all childcare providers are eligible for up to $4,000 in grants, if they have not been deemed an economically distressed county.
