UC Allocated $1 Million In New Childcare Creation Program

A new grant program coming to the Upper Cumberland will fund renovation projects for childcare facilities.

UCDD Economic Development Director Megan Choate said the region has been allocated $1 million of federal COVID money coming through the state.

“The Childcare Creation Program is a new program that is going to be putting grant dollars into the region to help create additional childcare slots,” Choate said. “This is going to help our employers and our employees. It’s a major need across the state especially here in the Upper Cumberland.”

Choate said counties or cities apply for the grant funding. Choate said communities would then distribute the money to established and licensed daycare facilities.

“They’re not allowing the construction of new facilities, but we expect to be able to use the funds for things like upgrading playground equipment, fencing, HVAC, plumbing, electric, kitchen appliances, renovating unused space and anything that ensures the facility stays in compliance,” Choate said.

Choate said the money cannot be used for new construction or supplies. Choate said letter of intents to apply are available at the UCDD offices. Choate said several local governments have already expressed interest.

“We will accept sub applications which we score individually and then use that information to formulate the full application at the local level,” Choate said. “We need responses from interested or potentially interested communities by February 25th.”