May 11, 2022
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Phase 1 will begin summer 2022 and will provide $15 million in grants to licensed child care centers statewide
Trenton, N.J. (May 11, 2022) – Building on the Murphy Administration’s comprehensive strategy to support the state’s critical childcare sector and the critical role of childcare in the state’s long-term economic recovery, New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Today, we authorized the creation of $54.5 million. Nursery Facility Improvement Pilot Program For nurseries and family childcare homes. Through Phase 1 of the program, NJEDA will provide her nearly $15 million in grants of up to $200,000 to licensed child care centers in New Jersey to cover the cost of facility improvements.
“Investing in the childcare sector is an investment in our state’s economic future.” Governor Phil Murphy“Working families need reliable, safe, affordable, accessible, and quality child care. The program announced today will help child care centers across the state meet these needs. At the same time, it helps ensure long-term financial resilience.”
Childcare providers generally face very thin profit margins and are often forced to forego necessary facility upgrades, repairs and maintenance. Phase 1 of the Child Care Facilities Improvement Pilot Program will begin this summer, with grants of $50,000 to $200,000 for improvements that promote quality early childhood education environments. These interior and exterior improvements include installing energy-efficient windows, creating additional classroom space, purchasing new play equipment, replacing flooring, remediating environmental issues such as lead and mold, or reducing child height. A full list of eligible uses can be found at: https://www.njeda.com/child-care-improvement-program/.
Applicant can own or lease the space to be improved, is currently enrolled or has been enrolled 12 months prior to the date of application, and has at least one child with the New Jersey Department of Human Services (NJDHS). ) must be supported through Child Care. support program. This program provides a subsidy to offset childcare costs for a household below her 200% of the federal poverty line. The child care provider must also commit to enrolling her in Grow NJ Kids, the NJDHS quality assessment and improvement system. NJEDA plans to expand the Child Care Facilities Improvement Pilot Program to her NJDHS-registered home care providers in subsequent program phases, but this first phase will require approval by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families. Only open to licensed child care centers (NJDCF). Full eligibility criteria can be found here: https://www.njeda.com/child-care-improvement-program/.
“Reliable, high-quality childcare services are vital to New Jersey’s economic infrastructure. During COVID-19, parents and caregivers across our state and across the country bore the brunt of service disruptions caused by the global pandemic. It was done.” NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan“Under Gov. Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is making great strides to strengthen and invest in this essential sector, while also helping parents reenter the workforce and helping many people of color. We are supporting the employment of thousands of individuals, including women in
Sullivan said child care providers serving low-income children through the NJDHS Child Care Assistance Program have been hit hard by COVID. To ensure that these centers receive the funding they need to survive and thrive, his 40% of Phase 1 funding is set aside for childcare providers in eligible Census Districts in Opportunity Zones. increase.
As part of New Jersey’s whole-of-government approach to support the childcare sector, in June 2021, Gov. Murphy will contribute to the U.S. Relief Plan (ARP) Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, including $54.5 million provided by NJEDA. signed a bill allocating $100 million. Facility improvement grants and technical assistance to child care providers. Funding for Phase 1 of the Child Care Facility Improvement Pilot Program will be supported by ARP funds and an additional $4.45 million of his state funding.
“Child care providers enrich children’s learning experiences from an early age. We need to start children’s educational journeys right.” NJDHS Commissioner Sarah Adelman“The Child Care Facilities Improvement Pilot Program will complement existing grants for child care providers as it seeks to strengthen where New Jersey’s youngest people start.”
NJEDA Executive Vice President, Economic Security Tara Colton He emphasized the important role the program plays in moving New Jersey’s economy forward.
“We know that COVID-19 has hit orphanages particularly hard, both in terms of school enrollment and the impact employees have had on balancing the needs of their own families,” Colton said. says Mr. “By helping strengthen childcare facilities across the state, the program announced today will strengthen this vital sector and accelerate the state’s economic recovery.”
About NJEDA
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the state’s primary agency for promoting economic growth. NJEDA empowers New Jersey by focusing on key strategies to build strong, dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide a pathway to a stronger and just economy. We are committed to becoming a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development. Through partnerships with various stakeholders, NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to increase the state’s economic vitality and quality of life, and to strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.
For more information on state resources available to New Jersey entrepreneurs and early stage businesses, please visit: https://www.njeda.com Follow @NewJerseyEDA Facebook, twitter, InstagramWhen LinkedIn.
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