The New Jersey Economic Development Authority has announced that it will close applications for Phase 1 of its Child Care Facilities Improvement Program on October 20.

However, due to an overwhelming interest in, and demand throughout, Phase 1 of the program the NJEDA plans to open applications for Phase 2 in 2024.

This second phase will provide grants to Registered Family Child Care Homes (FCCs) to address facilities improvements.

Since launching in November 2022, the NJEDA has received 528 applications from child care centers across New Jersey that serve over 43,000 children and employ nearly 11,000 members of the vital early childhood workforce.

To date, the NJEDA has already approved 79 of those applications for a combined $14.1 million in funding and expects to approve more applications in the coming weeks and months.

The first 79 centers approved through the program are located in 19 counties, serve almost 7,000 children – including more than 3,300 infants and toddlers – and employ over 1,800 teachers and administrators.

Phase 1 of the Child Care Facilities Improvement Program provided grants of $50,000 to $200,000 for child care centers to make interior and exterior upgrades and purchase furniture, fixtures, and equipment that will benefit both the children and program staff.

A complete list of eligible uses and details on the program can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/child-care-improvement-program/.