The City of Sun Prairie has announced the launch of the Childcare Supply-Building Grant (CSBG) program, a revolving grant initiative aimed at bolstering the availability and quality of childcare slots within the Sun Prairie community. This initiative is made viable by the allocation of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act and grants secured from the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. The CSBG program has been strategically crafted to provide robust support to our local childcare providers.
The CSBG program provides current and future eligible childcare providers with the opportunity to secure financial assistance for projects that will enhance their services and facilities. With a total budget of $75,000, grants will be awarded on a limited basis, covering up to 100% of project expenses, with a maximum grant amount of $10,000. The CSBG program seeks to add or retain childcare slots in Sun Prairie, as an effort to ensure that the community’s childcare supply can keep up with its increasing need for more slots.
“As we confront the complexities of childcare accessibility in Sun Prairie, we remain committed to exploring creative solutions to address the issues,” said Kristin Grissom, Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry. “We are fortunate to introduce this program as a proactive step towards mitigating obstacles that accessing childcare is creating for the families in our community.”
The CSBG program is open to regulated childcare providers (certified or licensed), as well as non-regulated providers seeking certification or licensure. All applicants must comply with applicable laws, licensing, and permitting processes for their proposed projects.
Eligible projects for the CSBG program include, but are not limited to:
- Materials and supplies for enhancing the program environment and curriculum, as required for licensure and/or YoungStar requirements.
- Radon, water, and/or lead paint testing (and mitigation systems, if necessary).
- Minor capital projects or repairs such as fencing, HVAC improvements, playground/play space area enhancements, and more.
- Costs associated with WIDCF’s “Procedure for Obtaining an Initial License to Operate a Family Childcare Center” checklist which will lead to licensure (Reference: (https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/publications/pdf/4066.pdf)
- Support for professional development and staff training to ensure the highest standard of care for children.
The application process for the CSBG program is now open and will continue on a rolling basis until the allocated funds are exhausted. Applications will be reviewed by the city’s CSBG project team and further evaluated by the Sun Prairie Youth & Families Commission. Following approval by the Youth & Families Commission, applications will be forwarded to the Committee of the Whole for the final decision.
“Sun Prairie is committed to supporting our childcare providers in their efforts to offer exceptional services to our community’s families,” said Mayor Paul Esser. “We encourage all eligible providers to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for the Childcare Supply-Building Grant.”
Information and application materials can be found at www.cityofsunprairie.com/childcare
For additional questions about this grant program, please contact Kristin Grissom at kgrissom@cityofsunprairie.com