✳️Purpose:

Child Care Mini-Grants are designed to support child care providers in our region by reducing barriers, strengthening programs, and increasing access to quality care for families.

These grants are part of the Child Care Zone initiative, which invests in local solutions to improve child care availability, workforce support, and program quality across Kansas communities .

Read more here: Child Care Zones Grants Awarded to Several Kansas Counties • KDHE, KS

🎯 What These Grants Support

Mini-grants may be used for:

• Program improvements (materials, supplies, learning environments)

• Health and safety enhancements

• Professional development and training participation

• Business supports (policies, startup needs, sustainability tools)

• Expanding or maintaining child care capacity

📌 Kansas child care initiatives prioritize expanding access, improving quality, and supporting workforce retention.

Read more here: https://allinforkansaskids.org/communities/child-care-initiatives

👩‍🏫 Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants may include:

• Licensed child care providers (home or center-based)

• Individuals actively working toward licensure

• Early childhood professionals participating in Child Care Zone activities

• Providers engaged in Early Years Village or regional trainings

💵 Funding Details

• Grant amounts vary based on need and project type

• Funding is limited and may be awarded on a rolling basis

• Priority may be given to providers actively participating in trainings and Early Years Village

📌 Mini-grants are commonly used across Kansas to support innovative, community-based solutions and workforce development in early childhood systems

Read more here: https://kccto.org/career-pathway-mini-grant-highlights

🤝 What We Ask in Return

Participants agree to:

• Engage in at least one training or learning opportunity

• Stay connected through Early Years Village

• Share feedback and outcomes

• Help strengthen the regional child care network

• Return the money in full if not used for accepted purpose

👉 This is about building a system together, not just receiving funds.

🧩 Why This Matters

Child care is essential to families, workforce stability, and community health.

Communities across Kansas are investing in local solutions because access to affordable, quality child care remains a significant challenge for families and employers alike

These mini-grants are one way we:

• Support providers

• Reduce barriers

• Strengthen the local child care system