ALL REGIONAL AND COUNTY FSD/CD OFFICES

FREDRIC M. SIMMENS, DIRECTOR
CHILDREN’S DIVISION
DENISE CROSS, DIRECTOR
FAMILY SUPPORT DIVISION

START-UP AND EXPANSION GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR CHILDCARE PROVIDERS

The purpose of this memorandum is to inform staff of a grant opportunity for people who wish to start-up a new or expand an existing child care facility serving children birth to age 3 years. The funding for this program comes from Missouri Revised Statute Chapter 313, Section 313.835. Its purpose is to build capacity, to increase access, and to improve the quality of early childhood care and education programs to promote positive child development. County offices may receive calls with questions on this application.

The application was posted on the internet on March 4, 2005, and can be submitted on-line. A link to the grant application will be available at the Department of Social Services web site, at http://dss.missouri.gov/cd/early/ . There is a pre-bid conference scheduled on March 15, 2005 in room 490/492 of the Harry S. Truman Building at 301 W. High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65101 at 1:00 pm. This is open to anyone who is applying for the grant, or is assisting someone in applying for the grant, and provides a chance to clarify any questions regarding information contained in the application.

For assistance with writing grants, applicants may be referred to their local Resource and Referral Agency or an Educare program in their area.

The application should be submitted on-line. If the applicant is not able to apply on-line they may contact the Children’s Division Contract Management Unit for a paper copy by calling (573) 751-2075 or by e-mailing Dirk.Elrod@dss.mo.gov . It should be noted that those people with a paper copy of the application would not have access to certain edits that are available when using the on-line version. If inquiries are received they should be encouraged to use the on-line version and referred to places in the community where they can access the internet (ie. local Libraries and Community Action Agencies).

• Review this memorandum with all CD/FSD staff

• Refer inquiries about grant writing to the resources identified in this memorandum.

• Additional questions regarding the application should be referred to Dirk Elrod, Children’s Division Contract Management Unit at (573) 751-2075.

FMS:DC:CS