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HomeMy WebLinkAboutATTACHMENT 7 2025 Priority Grant Framework and DescriptionsPriority Grant Program This noncompetitive subsidy provides funding to licensed providers to increase staff wages, offset costs for staff benefits such as healthcare and paid leave, and assist with costs associated with licensing or staff training, housing and transportation for staff, and capital site improvements. Childcare Facility and Capital Funding Grants are dedicated to supporting new facilities and facility improvements that are designed to create nurturing and stimulating environments to enhance early childhood development. Out-of-School Funding Grant supports the expansion of existing programs serving children 0- 13 years old when school is out of session. Funds must be used to increase capacity and serve more children in the Estes Valley after- school and when school is out of session. Application open May 1- July 1 Distribution of funds by August 1 Annual Early Childhood Workforce Subsidy Childcare Facility and Capital Funding Grant Out-of-School Funding Grant Application open June 15- September 1 Distribution of funds by November 15 Application for School-year programming is open July 15- October 1 for Distribution of funds by December 15 Application for Summer programming is open March 15- May 1 Distribution of funds by July 15 2025 Priority Grant opportunities offer grant funding to address specific childcare challenges in the Estes Valley by targeting objectives and outcomes presented in the Annual 6E Funding Plan, including but not limited to, tuition assistance programs, out of school program expansion, capital projects and facilities, and addressing early childhood workforce challenges. Grant Opportunities: Priority Grant Program Annual Workforce Subsidy Childcare Facility & Capital Grant Tuition Assistance $100,000 $200,000 $250,000 Year three of the Annual Childcare Workforce Subsidy and Infant/Toddler Incentive Include a plan to increase minimum wage to $25/ hour for teachers and $19/hour for assistants by 2027 Funding grants for childcare providers specific to Facility and Capital funds Awards will prioritize infant and toddler care, and new or expanding home providers Funding agreement will include additional requirements specific to long-term planning for facilities Prioritize funding low-income families during the Colorado Childcare Assistance Program (CCAP) funding freeze Expand assistance to include middle-income, working families 2025 Out-of-School Funding Grant $100,000 Grant funds for the expansion of programming when school is not in session Awards will prioritize the expansion of existing after-school and summer programs to meet capacity targets 6E Funding Allocations: Childcare Facility & Capital Fund Grant Objective The Childcare Facilities and Capital Funding (CFCF) grant is available for the expansion and development of additional childcare facilities to ensure adequate space and resources to meet the current and future demand for quality early childhood care. The funds are dedicated to supporting new facilities and facility improvements that are designed to create nurturing and stimulating environments to enhance early childhood development and increase capacity to serve more children in the Estes Valley. The application is open annually from June 15- September 1, and the funds are distributed by November 15. All teachers must receive a living wage of $23/hour, and assistants or paras must receive at least $18/hour. Provide care for children 0-5 years old that is consistent, regular, ongoing care that aligns with working parents’ schedules. Demonstrate that funds will be used to increase their capacity to serve children in the Estes Valley. Own, rent, or intend to own/rent a childcare facility in the Estes Valley. A complete list of eligibility requirements can be found at the website below, and is not limited to the following: Eligibility More information about 6E funding available for childcare providers can be found at www.stes.org/workforcehousingandchildcare. Funds may be used for capital improvements and learning environment materials, including but not limited to: Facility costs associated with renting or owning a facility. Capital improvements that are more permanent such as construction, flooring, etc. and major and minor renovations or improvements. Equipment, supplies, and materials required to support the expansion of a new program. 2025 Childcare Fund Priority Grant Program Childcare Facility and Capital Funding Grant The Childcare Facility and Capital Funding Grant is a competitive grant opportunity available through the Town of Estes Park’s Childcare Fund Priority Grant Program. This grant opportunity is available for facility and capital projects that increase capacity for childcare in the Estes Valley (Estes Park R-3 School District). Childcare Facility and Capital Funding (CFCF) Grant supports new facilities and facility improvements that are designed to create nurturing and stimulating environments to enhance early childhood development and increase capacity to serve more children in the Estes Valley. Funding requests to serve infants and toddlers, and new or expanding home providers, will be prioritized. Eligible entities seeking grant funding must apply from June 15- September 1, with distributions of funds by November 15. Town Policy 225: Childcare Funding Guidelines and the application for Priority Grants can be found online at www.estes.org/workforcehousingandchildcare. 2025 Capital and Facility Priority Objective Provide grant funding for the expansion and development of additional childcare facitliies to ensure adequate space and resources to meet the current and future demand for quality early childhood care. Process Applications will be processed by Town staff, and awards will be allocated based on the proposal's ability to support the Town’s long-term goals, the objectives outlined in the Annual 6E Funding Plan, and the desired outcomes for each Priority Grant Program. Applications will not be reviewed until the application window closes and will not be accepted after that date. The applying entity will be notified of their award status no more than one month after the application window closes. Grant requests exceeding $50,000 require approval by the Town Board. This may extend the timeline for the distribution of grant awards. Eligibility An eligible applicant must be one of the following types of entities: ● Nonprofit, IRS-designated 501(c)(3) agencies in good standing. ● For-profit childcare providers. ● Libraries, museums, education institutions or other governmental entities that offer eligible programs, services, or activities. Eligible entities must: ● Demonstrate that all teachers and lead staff receive at least $23/hour, and assistants or paras receive at least $18/hour; and, • Documentation to show all teachers and staff are receiving this wage is required upon request and/or in the final report • A plan for implementing a livable wage for staff is required and will be outlined in a Funding Agreement, if staff are not currently receiving these wages. ● Provide care for children 0-5 years old that is consistent, regular, ongoing care that aligns with working parents’ schedules, and; ● Provide care for at least four children who are unrelated to the caregiver, and; ● Be in compliance with state and local health and safety requirements, and; ● Provide a certificate of insurance (once annually), and; Recipients of the Childcare Facility and Capital Funding Grant must also: ● Requests over $20,000 are only available to Childcare Centers, due to the increased capacity requirements of this grant. ● Demonstrate that funds will be used to increase their capacity to serve children in the Estes Valley. ● Operating a childcare program with a permanent or provisional license. ○ Existing programs that are under the adverse licensing process must meet the licensing process requirements before a grant application can be eligible for funding. ○ Child Care Licensing Specialists and County/Town nonprofit organizations may provide support and consultation to prospective programs on how to become licensed and assist with existing childcare programs to expand their license capacity. ● Demonstrate they own, rent, or intend to own/rent a childcare facility in the Estes Valley. The Details Funds shall go toward new facilities or improvements to a facility to create a nurturing and stimulating environment to enhance early childhood development and increase capacity to serve more children in the Estes Valley. Grant funds may be used for capital improvements and learning environment materials, including but not limited to: ○ Facility costs associated with renting or owning a facility. ○ Capital improvements that are more permanent such as construction, flooring, etc. and major and minor renovations or improvements. ■ For individual purchases over $5,000, the program must submit at least two bids. ○ Equipment, supplies, and materials required to support the expansion of a new program. Application Grant funding request must reflect how the project/purchase will support the expansion of the program by adding slots, increasing capacity, and/or enrollment in childcare. Requests that include capital improvements or purchases over $5,000 require at least two bids. Applicants will be required to submit a project proposal describing in detail how the funds will be used if granted, including supporting documentation that may include, but are not limited to: ● Business Plan ● Pictures ● Letter of Support (required if renting space) ● Licensing/insurance/bonding Capital projects and renovations will require additional supporting documents, ● Provide a letter of support or approval from the landlord, if renting. ● Demonstrate adherence to the Estes Valley Development Code, permitting, construction, inspection, and licensing requirements for Larimer County and the Town of Estes Park. ● All work is compliant with all local public health, fire, and safety regulations. A financial statement showing the most recent fiscal year-end financial statement reflecting the applicant's beginning and ending balances for the year is required. This may include the most recent financial statement as approved by your board, an audited statement or review by an outside expert, or the most recent filed IRS Form 990. Town staff reserve the right to: • Request additional bids and supporting documentation to supplement an application, • Require stipulations regarding the use of funds in the Childcare Fund Agreement on a case-by-case basis as deemed necessary, and/or • Hold funds until previous grant reports are received, as outlined in Policy 225. The application window is June 15- September 1, with distribution of funds by November 15. Due to the nature of capital funding needs, requests outside of this application window may be considered. Please contact Carlie at cbangs@estes.org or (970) 577-3894 for more information. Apply Now Objective The Early Childhood Workforce Subsidy is an annual funding opportunity through the Workforce Housing and Childcare Lodging Tax (6E). The subsidy is based on the childcare provider’s Colorado Shines rating level and the size of the program. The subsidy is available to licensed childcare providers in the Estes Valley (Estes Park R-3 School District). This noncompetitive subsidy provides funding to licensed providers to increase staff wages to a Larimer County livable wage, offset costs for benefits such as healthcare and paid leave, and assist with costs associated with recruitment bonuses or retention stipends, licensing or staff training, housing and transportation for staff, and capital site improvements. The application is open annually from May 15- July 1, and the funds are distributed by August 1. All teachers must receive a living wage of $20/hour, while paras and aids must receive a wage of at least $16/hour A required livable wage is in every funding agreement for 6E funds and will increase to $23/hour and $18/hour in 2026 Colorado Shines Quality Rating Level 2, or higher Accept tuition assistance from CCAP, LCCF, and EVICS Family Resource Center, or have sliding scale tuition. At least on parent or guardian of each of the children served by these positions must work full- time within the Estes Park R-3 School District. A complete list of eligibility requirements can be found at the website below, and is not limited to the following: Infant and Toddler Bonus Eligibility Beginning in 2024, eligible recipients of the Early Childhood Workforce Subsidy are also eligible to receive a bonus for serving children under age 3. More information about funding for childcare providers at estes.org/workforcehousingandchildcare or contacting cbangs@estes.org Early Childhood Workforce Subsidy This program will sunset after 2025 distributions and be replaced by the Childcare Stability Fund Subsidy. 2025 Early Childhood Workforce Subsidy The Childcare Workforce Subsidy is an annual funding opportunity through the Workforce Housing and Childcare Lodging Tax (6E) based on Colorado Shines rating level and size of the program. This subsidy is available to licensed childcare providers in the Estes Valley (Estes Park School District). The application process is open from May 15- July 1, and the distribution of funds occurs by August 1. Eligibility requirements include: ● Licensed provider ● Providing $20/hour minimum wage for all teachers and staff (excluding aides) ○ Documentation to show all teachers and staff are receiving $20/hour will be required ○ 2025 Application requires a plan to increase minimum wage to $25/hour for teachers and $19/hour for assistance by 2027 ● CO Shines Rating Level 2 or above ● Accept tuition assistance from CCAP, LCCF, and EVICS Family Resource Center; or Universal Preschool, when applicable. ● At least one parent or guardian of each of the children served by these positions must work full-time within the boundaries of the Estes Park R-3 School District The Details ● 75% of funds must be used to support the workforce ○ Provide a living wage to all teachers, staff, and aides ($20/hour in Larimer County) ○ Help pay or offset costs for benefits such as healthcare and paid leave. ○ Provide recruitment bonuses or retention stipends. ○ Assist with costs associated with licensing and/or staff training. ○ Assist with costs associated with housing staff. ○ Assist with costs associated with the transportation needs of staff and/or children. ● The remaining amount may be used for capital site improvements and learning environment materials. If unsure if a purchase qualifies, contact the Housing and Childcare Manager at cbangs@estes.org. ● Purchases must align with the program’s Colorado Shines Quality Improvement plan, which should be updated annually. ● The subsidy amount is calculated based on the Provider’s Quality Rating at the time of application. ● The applications must be completed online by visiting our website at www.estes park.colorado.gov/childcare. Application support is provided by the Housing and Childcare Manager at cbangs@estes.org Large Center Defined as: less than 24-hour programs of care defined in Section 26-6-102 (1) C.R.S., and provides care for 16 or more children between the ages of 2 ½ and 16 years. This may include: ● Infant nursery: provides care for children between the ages of 6 weeks and 18 months, ● Toddler nursery: provides care for children between the ages of 12 months (when walking independently) and 36 months, ● Preschool: is a part-day child care program for 5 or more children between the ages of 2 ½ and 7 years. Large Centers providing School-age child care qualify for this subsidy if they hold a child care license with the State of Colorado. School-age child care center: is a child care center that provides care for 5 or more children who are between 5 and 16 years of age. The center's purpose is to provide childcare and/or an outdoor recreational experience using a natural environment. The center operates for more than one week during the year. The term includes facilities commonly known as day camps, summer camps, summer playground programs, before and after school programs, and extended day programs. This includes centers operated with or without compensation for such care, and with or without state educational purposes. Colorado Shines Rating Level Amount Small Center Defined as: less than 24-hour programs of care defined in Section 26-6-102 (1) C.R.S., and provides care for 5 through 15 children between the ages of 2 and 6 years. This may include: ● Infant nursery: provides care for children between the ages of 6 weeks and 18 months, ● Toddler nursery: provides care for children between the ages of 12 months (when walking independently) and 36 months, ● Preschool: is a part-day child care program for 5 or more children between the ages of 2 ½ and 7 years. Colorado Shines Rating Level Amount Level 4 $14,000 Level 5 $15,000 Family Home Childcare Provider Defined as: “Family Care Home” defined in Section 25-6-102(4). C.R.S. and a type of family care home that provides less than 24-hour care for 2 or more children regularly in a place of residence. Children in care are from different family households and are not related to the head of household. Colorado Shines Rating Level Amount 2024 Infant and Toddler Care Bonus Defined as: “Infant and Toddler Care” is defined for this bonus, as care provided to children under the age of 3 years old. Licensed providers that are eligible for the 2024 Early Childhood Workforce Subsidy, are also eligible for the Infant and Toddler Care Bonus. Home providers are eligible for $5,000 if they serve at least two infants or toddlers (two children under 3 years old). Small and Large Centers are eligible to receive the bonus based on the number of classrooms (6-10 kids per classroom) for infants or toddlers. The Infant and Toddler Care Bonus does not have to directly go back to infant and toddler teachers or programming. ● Home Provider eligibility is based on infant and toddler attendance in the year before subsidy application. ● Center-based care eligibility is based on the number of classrooms per age group in the year before subsidy application (pro-rated based on months at least 80% capacity). Type Amount 2025 Infant Room $15,000 Objective The Out-of-School Program Funding Grant is available for the operation and expansion of capacity in after- school programs and care when school is out. The Town seeks to provide funds that support long-term planning and collaboration with existing local organizations to strategically address the diverse needs of the workforce. This grant is available to entities that offer childcare services for children 0-13 years of age whose parents work within the Estes Valley (Estes Park R-3 School District). Eligibility More information about funding for childcare providers at estes.org/workforcehousingandchildcare, or contacting cbangs@estes.org School-year Program Funds (Programming offered August-May) Application is open July 15- October 1 for Distribution of funds by December 15 Summer Program Funds (Programming offered May-August) Application is open March 15- May 1 Distribution of funds by July 15 Award funds must go toward employee wages and/or benefits, capital improvements, or materials and equipment. The competitive grant process will prioritize applications from existing entities that demonstrate increased capacity, the organizations ability to meet capacity targets, and/or provide programming for an underserved population. Out-of-School Program Funding Grant All teachers must receive a living wage of $23/hour, and assistants or paras must receive at least $18/hour. Provide care for children 0-13 years old that is consistent, regular, ongoing care that aligns with working parents’ schedules. Provide care for five (5) or more children. Operate for more than one week during the year. A complete list of eligibility requirements can be found at the website below, and is not limited to the following: 2025 Childcare Fund Priority Grant Program Out-of-School Program Funding Grant The Out-of-School Funding Grant is a biannual, competitive grant opportunity available through the Town of Estes Park’s Childcare Fund Priority Grant Program. This grant opportunity is available to entities that offer childcare services for children 0-13 years of age whose parents work within the Estes Valley (Estes Park R-3 School District). Out-of-School Program Funding Grant supports the expansion of existing programs serving children when school is out of session, to increase capacity and serve more children in the Estes Valley. Eligible entities seeking grant funding must apply for school-year programming July 15- October 1, and for summer programming March 15- May 1. Distribution of funds occurs by December 15 or July 15, respectively. Town Policy 225: Childcare Funding Guidelines and the application for Priority Grants can be found online at www.estes.org/workforcehousingandchildcare. 2025 Out-of-School Program Priority Objective Provide grant funding for the operation and expansion of capacity in after-school programs and care when school is out. The Town seeks to offer funds that support long- term planning and collaboration with existing local organizations to strategically address the diverse needs of the workforce. Process Applications will be processed by Town staff, and awards will be allocated based on the proposal's ability to support the Town’s long-term goals, the objectives outlined in the Annual 6E Funding Plan, and the desired outcomes for each Priority Grant Program. Applications will not be reviewed until the application window closes and will not be accepted after that date. The applying entity will be notified of their award status no more than one month after the application window closes. Grant requests exceeding $50,000 require a public hearing and a vote by the Town Board. This may extend the timeline for the distribution of grant awards. Eligibility A school-age child care center may include facilities commonly known as day camps, summer camps, summer playground programs, before and after-school programs, and extended day programs. It may include programs that operate with or without compensation for such care, and with or without state educational purposes. ● Nonprofit, IRS-designated 501(c)(3) agencies in good standing. ● For-profit childcare providers. ● Libraries, museums, education institutions or other governmental entities that offer eligible programs, services, or activities. Eligible entities must: ● Demonstrate that all teachers and lead staff receive at least $23/hour, and assistants or paras receive at least $18/hour; and, *Documentation to show all teachers and staff are receiving this wage is required upon request and/or in the final report ● Provide care for children 0-13 years old that is consistent, regular, ongoing care that aligns with working parents’ schedules, and; ● Provide care for at least four children who are unrelated to the caregiver, and; ● Be in compliance with state and local health and safety requirements, and; ● Provide a certificate of insurance (once annually), and; ● If unlicensed, must meet the State of Colorado guidelines for providing legally exempt care. Recipients of the Out-of-School Program Funding Grant must also: ● Provide care for five (5) or more children; and, ● Provide childcare and/or outdoor recreational experiences using a natural environment; and, ● Operate for more than one week during the year. The Details Funds shall go toward the expansion of out-of-school programs and school-age childcare that is consistent and reliable for children up to the age of 13, when school is not in session. Grant funds may be used in the following ways: ● Supporting childcare staff and workforce, including but not limited to: ○ New staffing positions that allow for increased capacity or enrollment. ○ Internships/fellowships, or paid programs and experiences that enhance the local childcare workforce pipeline. ○ Liveable staff wages. ○ Costs for benefits such as healthcare and paid leave. ○ Recruitment bonuses or retention stipends. ○ Costs associated with licensing and/or staff training. ○ Costs associated with housing staff. ○ Costs associated with the transportation needs of staff and/or children. ● Capital improvements and learning environment materials, including but not limited to: ○ Facility costs associated with renting or owning a facility. ○ Capital improvements that are more permanent such as construction, flooring, etc. and major and minor renovations or improvements. ■ For individual purchases over $5,000, the program must submit at least two bids. ○ Equipment, supplies, and materials required to support the expansion or a new program. Application Grant funding request must reflect how the project/purchase will support the expansion of the program by adding slots, increasing capacity, and/or enrollment in out-of-school care. Applicants will be required to submit a project proposal describing in detail how the funds will be used if granted, including a budget. Requests that include capital improvements or purchases over $5,000 require at least two bids. A financial statement showing the most recent fiscal year-end financial statement reflecting the applicants beginning and ending balances for the year is required. This may include a most recent financial statement as approved by your board, an audited statement or review by an outside expert, or the most recent filed IRS Form 990. School-year Program application is open July 15- October 1. Distribution of funds by December 15 Summer Program application is open March 15- May 1. Distribution of funds by July 15. Apply Now Tuition Assistance Funding Objective The Town of Estes Park has prioritized the distribution of 6E Childcare Assistance Funds for childcare tuition assistance programs. Through braided funding and increasing eligibility for assistance programs, tuition assistance programs will support the affordability of childcare throughout the Estes Valley. The Town is eager to serve families with incomes up to 100% AMI with the development of a new assistance program, while also supporting local private assistance programs that serve low-income families. Funds may be directed by the Town Board or applied for by organizations and childcare entities, through the Childcare Funding Application. Assistance must be administered effectively and be accessible, affordable, high-quality, and culturally attuned to Estes Valley families. Funds must be equitably distributed based on a mutually agreed upon program framework Recipients must submit a report that includes both qualitative and quantitative data to the Town annually by November 1, as described on the following page. Conduct an annual program evaluation. Eligible organizations may apply for funds to subsidize tuition costs by providing affordable childcare for Estes Valley families through tuition assistance. Town staff, in consultation with partner agencies as appropriate, will review applications, make award decisions, and execute funding agreements in amounts up to $50,000. The Town Board retains decision-making authority over funding agreements in amounts greater than $50,000. Applications will be reviewed by Town staff who provide a recommendation for funding to the Town Board for consideration. Qualitative and quantitative data reports are required annually, no later than November 1. Program evaluation is required, as outlined in the executed funding agreement. Funding Requirements More information about funding for childcare providers at estes.org/workforcehousingandchildcare or contacting cbangs@estes.org 2025 Tuition Assistance Funding 6E Childcare Assistance Fund Reporting In preparation for the Annual 6E Impact Report, the Town of Estes Park requests the following qualitative and quantitative data no later than November 1. 1.Total unduplicated persons served 2. Race/ethnicity of recipient 3.Breakdown by age a. Infants (0-2 years old) b.Toddlers (2-3 years old) c. Preschool (3-5 years old) 4.Unduplicated individuals served by income level 5.Other childcare assistance utilized a.CCAP b.EVICS c.LCCF d.Other 6.Employment status of household a.Single-parent household, one parent working b.Two-parent household, one parent working c.Two-parent household, both parents working 7.Measurable outcomes: a.Outcome 1: 90% of parents receiving assistance will report that childcare is no longer a barrier to gaining or maintaining employment b.Outcome 2: 90% of parents receiving assistance will report that childcare expenses are no longer a barrier to affording essential needs, such as rent, utilities, and food. c.Outcome 3: 80% of childcare providers have increased their tuition rates to be equal to or greater than the actual cost of care d.Outcome 4: 80% of childcare providers are paying teachers and staff livable wages 8.Program Recipient Story More information about funding for childcare providers at estes.org/workforcehousingandchildcare or contacting cbangs@estes.org 2025 Goals Objectives Program creates a more equitable childcare system in the Estes Valley through improved policies and increased access to childcare assistance. 1. Develop and implement policies that promote diversity and inclusion in childcare settings. 2. Create a more sustainable early childhood workforce in the Estes Valley. 3. Decrease disparity in the availability of childcare resources for communities of color. 4. Increase the number of childcare slots in the Estes Valley. Improve financial stability for underserved communities by offsetting the cost of childcare for families. 1. Improve parents’ ability to gain or maintain employement 2. Improve housholds’ ability to afford essential needs. Tuition Assistance Funding Tuition Assistance Evaluation More information about funding for childcare providers at estes.org/workforcehousingandchildcare or contacting cbangs@estes.org 2025 The Town will engage in an annual evaluation of programs receiving 6E Childcare Assistance Funds for tuition assistance programs. Annual evaluation is required to be conducted by all programs receiving funds for tution assistance by August. The complete evaluation framework is included in the recipients Funding Agreement. Approval for the distribution of funds for tuition assistance will be presented in the Annual 6E Funding Plan and the evaluation will be shared in the Annual 6E Impact Report for the following reasons: To understand the program more deeply, including successes, challenges, learnings, and vision. Where appropriate, enter into conversation about providing additional support, when possible, in areas where the program may be facing challenges or are seeking to amplify a particular area of their work. Report back to community stakeholders, elected officials, and the Estes Valley 6E Lodging Tax constituents Work in close collaboration with the Town to advance our shared goal to support and expand quality early child care in the Estes Valley .