Child Care Program Facilities Improvement Grants

The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood administers the Child Care Program Facilities Improvement Grants as part of its broader mission to support high-quality early care environments across the state. The Office of Early Childhood serves as the state agency responsible for licensing, regulation, and quality improvement of child care programs, and this funding initiative reflects its commitment to ensuring that physical environments meet safety, compliance, and quality standards. The program was informed by feedback gathered through a Request for Information conducted in fall 2025, which received nearly 400 responses from providers highlighting widespread facility improvement needs. The primary purpose of this grant opportunity is to fund capital improvements that enhance the health and safety of licensed child care environments. Eligible projects include renovations or upgrades necessary to meet current licensing regulations, correct compliance deficiencies, or improve overall program quality. These improvements are particularly important in light of regulatory changes that took effect on October 1, 2024 for child care centers and group homes. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, meaning applicants must incur eligible costs before seeking repayment through the grant. The total funding available for this opportunity is up to three million dollars, which will be distributed among qualifying applicants. While individual award amounts are not explicitly defined, the program establishes a key financial condition: any award of fifty thousand dollars or more must be secured through a lien on the property, whereas awards below that threshold do not require such security. This condition reflects the capital nature of the funding and ensures accountability for larger investments in facility infrastructure. Eligibility is primarily limited to child care programs licensed by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, including centers, group homes, and family child care homes. Some license-exempt programs may also qualify; however, the program explicitly excludes child care sites operated by municipal Boards of Education. This distinction reinforces the program’s focus on independently operated or non-municipal child care providers that are subject to OEC licensing and oversight. Applications are evaluated through a structured scoring process designed to prioritize programs with demonstrated need and readiness. Evaluation criteria include enrollment of children receiving Care4Kids subsidies, accreditation status through recognized bodies such as NAEYC or NAFCC, participation in the Elevate+ program, and the submission of at least one quote from a licensed and insured contractor. Additional points are awarded for projects that directly address licensing compliance issues and for programs located in areas identified through the Child Opportunity Index or with limited child care access. The application process is managed through an online submission portal, with applicants required to adhere to specified deadlines and communication protocols. All questions must be submitted to a designated email address, and responses are published publicly through a frequently asked questions document according to a set schedule. The application period opened on April 9, 2026 and closes on May 26, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. A pre-bid conference was scheduled for April 20, 2026 to provide additional guidance to applicants. This grant opportunity represents a targeted investment in strengthening the physical infrastructure of child care programs to support safe, compliant, and high-quality environments for children.

Focus on projects that directly address licensing compliance issues and provide strong supporting documentation such as contractor quotes and accreditation status to maximize scoring.