Specifications include, but are not limited to: The intent of the RFGA is to support one or more new start up and/or expansion child care programs. The ability of families to access quality, affordable early care and education opportunities is limited in the Colorado River Indian Tribes Region. This strategy supports the start up or expansion of high quality early learning programs that provide in person early childhood education services to children birth through 5 who may not otherwise have access due to a lack of regulated child care providers. Start Up programs are those in which there is currently no existing program and a brand new program will be started. Upon completion of the startup activities when a space is licensed and children are enrolled, the program must apply for and enroll in Quality First and has 3 years to achieve a Quality First Rating of 3 or higher. Expansion programs are those in which the early care and education program is currently participating in Quality First and has a rating of 2 stars or higher. Upon completion of expansion activities, the program has 3 years to achieve a Quality First Rating of 3 or higher. This grant opportunity will provide partial funding for multiple start up and/or expansion of child care programs that serve children birth through age 5. Funding from this grant opportunity can only be applied to providing child care for children ages birth through 5 and to programs serving CRIT families with child care. The child care program can be center based and/or regulated home based centers.
