Phase 2 of Child Care Facilities Improvement Program Planned

On Sep 19, 2023

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will close applications for Phase 1 of its Child Care Facilities Improvement Program on Oct. 20. Following overwhelming interest in, and demand throughout, Phase 1 of the program, the NJEDA plans to open applications for Phase 2 in 2024. This second phase will provide grants to Registered Family Child Care Homes (FCCs) to address facilities improvements.

Since launching in November 2022, the NJEDA has received 528 applications from childcare centers across New Jersey that serve over 43,000 children and employ nearly 11,000 members of the vital early childhood workforce. To date, the NJEDA has already approved 79 of those applications for a combined $14.1 million in funding and expects to approve more applications in the coming weeks and months. The first 79 centers approved through the program are located in 19 counties, serve almost 7,000 children – including more than 3,300 infants and toddlers – and employ over 1,800 teachers and administrators. More than 200 contractors registered with the New Jersey Department of Labor have expressed interest in providing work for awarded childcare centers. Departments of Labor Registered Public Works Contractors can learn more about the program and submit an interest form here.

No action is needed from the remaining applicants before Oct. 20; their applications are continuing to undergo review. Applicants that have not yet started, or submitted, an application are encouraged to complete the application process by that date.

Phase 1 of the Child Care Facilities Improvement Program provides grants of $50,000 to $200,000 for childcare centers to make interior and exterior upgrades and purchase furniture, fixtures, and equipment that will benefit both the children and program staff. A complete list of eligible uses and details on the program can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/child-care-improvement-program/.

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