The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has initiated the second phase of its Child Care Facilities Improvement Program. The program, with a budget of $5 million, aims to provide grants up to $20,000 to registered Family Child Care homes (FCCs). These funds are intended for the purchase of furniture, fixtures, and equipment to enhance health, safety, accessibility, and quality in child care environments.
The initiative is designed to support New Jersey’s 1,300 registered FCCs, which play a crucial role in the state's child care system. By offering this financial assistance, NJEDA hopes to promote long-term stability and ensure that these facilities offer safe and conducive environments for early learning.
Phase Two follows the success of Phase One of the program. To date, over $80 million has been awarded to 400 child care centers across 20 counties. These centers serve more than 33,000 children and employ over 8,200 teachers and administrators.
Eligibility for Phase Two is limited to registered FCCs that have at least one child enrolled in the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Assistance Program. Additionally, up to 40 percent of grant funding will be reserved for eligible applicants located in Opportunity Zones. Child care centers are not eligible for this phase.
Applications are currently open and will be accepted until the funds are depleted. Interested parties can apply by visiting https://www.njeda.gov/child-care-facilities-improvement-program-phase-2/.
