Specifications include, but are not limited to: 1. Develop policies and procedures to be used in implementing the Program, in consultation with the CDD to include: a. Creation of a Program menu of business support options and strategies for assessing business strengths and needs, consulting, coaching, and training on topics related to child care business development. b. Creation of Program marketing strategies for targeted outreach to child care programs and other resource support systems. c. Development of trainings offered around sustainable business models for Vermont child care businesses. d. Processes and methods for delivering offered services to child care programs/businesses throughout Vermont. e. Development of ongoing support and monitoring for participating child care programs/businesses. 2. Create and submit a Program timeline to be fully operational by August 15, 2022 to CDD for approval. Include benchmarks for Program sustainability throughout the grant period. 3. Provide individualized consultation, assessment, and coaching services to both prospective and existing regulated child care programs, or their managers, regarding the following topics, at a minimum: child care start up or expansion, business assessment, financial assessment, and business improvement. 4. Promote the use of a shared services model, which encourages a collaborative business structure that utilizes centralized services across individual small businesses, to child care programs/businesses who may need similar resources or who may benefit from existing collaborative relationships. 5. Provide resources for child care programs/businesses’ managers in accessing a variety of professional development supports through technical assistance or offered trainings. Develop quarterly quantitative benchmarks, in consultation with the CDD, for each type of professional development resource provided. Topics shall include, but are not limited to: a. Business plan management b. Budget development and assessment c. Financial record-keeping and cash flow management d. Child care services expansion e. Enrollment and marketing improvement f. Human resources management g. State and federal requirements, including policy development in compliance with applicable laws h. Retirement and ownership transition i. Capital improvement and financing access j. State and federal funding and supports k. Grant writing and application guidance
