Caring for MI Future Pre-Licensure and Start-Up Grants Overview
"Discover the comprehensive details of the Caring for MI Future pre-licensure and start-up grants in 2022. Unveil the goals, eligibility, requirements, applications, expenses, award details, and technical assistance offered in this initiative to support Michigan's future."
- Michigan Future Grants
- Start-Up Support
- Pre-Licensure Assistance
- Grant Eligibility
- Technical Guidance
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Pre-Licensure and Start-Up Grants Caring for MI Future 2022 7/11/2024
Caring for MI Future and Our Strong Start Goals Eligibility Grant Requirements Applications Allowable Expenses Grant Award Technical Assistance Overview
Caring for MI Future is a statewide effort to help child care entrepreneurs open 1,000 new or expanded child care programs by the end of 2024. What This initiative, led by the Michigan Departments of Education and Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (MDE & LARA) is focusing on what entrepreneurs need most to open and expand child care businesses help finding and renovating space, startup funding, help recruiting staff, and support creating a business plan. is Caring for MI Future?
Our Strong Start (OSS) is a critical part of Caring for MI Future. A program focusing on recruiting new child care entrepreneurs and helping current child care entrepreneurs expand. What is Our Strong Start? OSS supports child care professionals with a team of trained navigators who connect them with grant opportunities, troubleshoot any barriers in the licensing process, and address any concerns about starting or expanding their business.
Our goal is to open 1,000 new or expanded child care programs by the end of 2024. Program Goal Program Goal
What are These Grants? Pre-Licensure grants are available for child care entrepreneurs who have not yet completed the process of becoming licensed. The grant funding is available to help cover the costs such as securing a location, fire and health inspections, and items necessary for opening their business. There is a maximum of one grant per person available. Start-Up grants are available for child care entrepreneurs who received their original license on or after September 9, 2022 to help with classroom supplies, staff recruitment, and other costs associated with opening a new business. There is a maximum of one grant per license.
Grant applications are being administered/reviewed by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Child Care Licensing Bureau (CCLB), Our Strong Start (OSS) unit. Administering vs. Distributing Grant funds are being distributed by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), Child Development and Care Office (CDC).
Pre Pre- -Licensure Grants Licensure Grants
Child care entrepreneurs who are working on starting their business but have not yet completed the process of becoming licensed by the Child Care Licensing Bureau. Eligibility: Who Can Apply for Child Care Pre Pre- -Licensure These grants are not available for GSRP or Head Start classrooms or 21st CCLC program. Licensure Grants? A provider with a history of fraud or misrepresentation is not eligible. **Before applying, a child care entrepreneur must have completed a comprehensive background check through LARA s Child Care Background Check Unit and complete an approved business plan with Wonderschool.
Process for Pre-Licensure Grant Submission 1. Go to the Our Strong Start Website and review materials about the grants. 2. Start the child care licensing process by completing and submitting: A. An online child care licensing application. We know you may not have all the information to complete the entire application- that's OK! B. Complete a background check through LARA s Child Care Background Check Unit 3. Complete an approved business plan with Wonderschool. 4. Eligible child care entrepreneurs must upload completed documents (#2- #3), in order to submit an online grant application available at www.michigan.gov/OSS. There will be a maximum of one Pre-Licensure Grant per child care entrepreneur.
1. Fill out a Child Care Licensing Application with as much information as you have! It s ok if you re just getting started. To Complete Comprehensive Criminal Background Check 2. Once you complete your child care application and pay the application fee, there are no other steps for you to take for your background check, until you receive your launch letter. 3. Our child care application system automatically connects to our comprehensive background check system, so approximately 10-15 days after your child care application submission, you will receive a launch letter from the CCBC unit with more information on how to complete comprehensive background checks and fingerprints. More information can be found at www.michigan.gov/ccbc
What is the cost of the application for licensing and the background check? Applicants will need to pay their application fee to the Child Care Licensing Bureau, these fees are non-refundable. Child Care Center Application Fees Based on center capacity Child Care Home Application Fees Child Care Family Home (1-6 children) $50 1-20 $150 Child Care Group Home (7-12 children) $100 21-50 $200 51-100 $250 101+ $300
Background Check Information After you submit your licensing application, you will automatically trigger a comprehensive background check. The Child Care Licensing Bureau is providing free background checks for you! Coupon codes will cover the cost of the comprehensive background check for you, the child care provider. Coupon codes will appear in your account on the CCBC website and they may be used when scheduling fingerprinting. The bureau does not mail out coupons or reimburse applicants if you do not utilize your coupon code at the time of scheduling your fingerprints.
All Pre-Licensure Grant applicants are required to complete and submit a short Business Plan for approval, outlining key components of their child care business. Support is available, free of charge, for all Pre- Licensure Grant applicants that are creating their required Business Plans, from the Caring for MI Future partner, Wonderschool through regularly scheduled webinars and individualized coaching. To Complete an Approved Business Plan The link to access this information is also available on the Our Strong Start website. Once Business Plans are completed, they must be submitted to Wonderschool for review and approval prior to submission of the Pre-Licensure Grant application.
Business Plan Template Wonderschool Business Plan Help Sessions are held via Zoom on Mondays from 6:00PM-7:00PM, or Wednesdays from 12:00PM- 1:00PM. Links can be found at www.Michigan.gov/OSS to sign up. For additional assistance completing the Business Plan, please reach out to Wonderschool at teammichigan@wonderschool.com
Don't forget! Submit your Documents You are required to submit proof of an approved comprehensive criminal background check from LARA s Child Care Background Check unit and proofof an approved business plan from Wonderschool. Documents must be submitted at time of grant application. Please note: You only need to submit the approval notice, additional documents such as the full background check or detailed business plan are not needed.
Certifications to Receive Pre-Licensure Grants I have passed a criminal history background check through Our Strong Start and the Child Care Licensing Bureau and have uploaded the results. I have an approved business plan. Immediately after opening my business, I agree to work with a business coach to complete a Tier 2 business sustainability plan. Spend your funds within 90 days of the date your funds were issued. Spend grant funds on allowable expenses, keep receipts and complete grant spending report. Complete and submit an impact story. Participate in monitoring activities and provide proper documentation.
Failure to Open, Close, or Not Submit an Application for Failure to Open, Close, or Not Submit an Application for Licensure After Receiving Grant Funds Licensure After Receiving Grant Funds If you do not complete and submit a child care application or complete the licensing process within six months of receiving funds, you may be required to pay back the funds. Pre-Licensure funds must be spent within 90 days.
Grant Award Types: Pre-Licensure Grant Offers a flat amount depending the type of business you would like to open: Family or Group Child Care Home: $5,000 Child Care Center: $10,000
ALLOWABLE EXPENSES ALLOWABLE EXPENSES Allowable Expenses
Eligible Expenses: Pre-Licensure Grants Child Furniture Office Furniture Curriculum Health and Safety Supplies Training and Professional Development Classes Marketing Efforts Legal Fees for Business Start-Up, Professional Tax Consultation Administrative Fees Salary and Benefits Support Child Care Facility Support Business Supplies Software Child Development Learning Supplies Moveable Outdoor Play Area Supplies and Equipment
Pre-Licensure Grants are not for reimbursements. Funds have to be spent going forward. Construction and major renovations are specifically not allowed. Major renovation means: (1) structural changes to the foundation, roof, floor, exterior or load- bearing walls of a facility, or the extension of a facility to increase its floor area; or (2) extensive alteration of a facility such as to significantly change its function and purpose, even if such renovation does not include any structural change. Important to Note! Improvements to a facility that are not considered major renovations may be considered minor renovations, facility maintenance, or improvements are allowed.
Expense Reporting Providers will be required to report how they spent the funds. Reporting will occur through the same system the application is submitted by. Contact your Our Strong Start Navigator or email LARA-CCLB-OSSGrants@michigan.gov for assistance with reporting. Keep receipts and reports for five years in case of audit. Funds must be fully expended within 90 days of receiving award.
Start Start- -Up Grants Up Grants
Child care entrepreneurs who received an original license on or after September 9, 2022. Be open and willing to enroll children on the date of application. Eligibility: Who Can Apply for Child Care Start Start- -Up Up Grants? These grants are not available for GSRP or Head Start classrooms or a 21st CCLC program. A provider with a history of fraud or misrepresentation is not eligible. Licensed exempt providers are not eligible until they become licensed through the Child Care Licensing Bureau.
Process for Start-Up Grant Submission 1. Eligible child care entrepreneurs must complete and submit an online grant application. Visit www.Michigan.gov/OSS to complete the application. There will be a maximum of one Start-Up Grant per child care license.
Certifications to Receive Start-Up Grants Spend grant funds on allowable expenses by July 15, 2023. Understand that this funding is subject to the same tax rules as regular CCDF funding. Any unspent funds must be returned to the Department by no later than July 15, 2023. Participate in monitoring activities and provide proper documentation. Notify MDE of any changes to the information provided in this application including the permanent program closure of a family/group home or a center within one year. If the program experiences permanent closure, you may be required to pay back those funds. Immediately after opening, agree to work with a business coach to complete Tier 2 business sustainability plan and understand that you may be asked to submit the plan. Submit a report for each grant payment received. All reports will be required no later than July 15, 2023.
Permanent Closure, Failure to Open or Not Complete an Permanent Closure, Failure to Open or Not Complete an Application for Licensure After Receiving Grant Funds Application for Licensure After Receiving Grant Funds No funds may be spent after the closure of the license. Closure of a family home/group home or a center within one year will require the return of all unspent funds within 30 days after the closure. All closed licenses will be monitored.
ALLOWABLE EXPENSES ALLOWABLE EXPENSES Allowable Expenses
Eligible Expenses: Start-Up Grants Personnel costs Rent or mortgage payments, utilities, facilities maintenance, and insurance Personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning and other health and safety practices Equipment and business supplies Goods and services needed to provide care Mental health supports for children and early educators Minor renovations, facility maintenance, or improvements
Start-Up Grants are not for reimbursements. Funds have to be spent going forward. Construction and major renovations are specifically not allowed. Major renovation means: (1) structural changes to the foundation, roof, floor, exterior or load- bearing walls of a facility, or the extension of a facility to increase its floor area; or (2) extensive alteration of a facility such as to significantly change its function and purpose, even if such renovation does not include any structural change. Important to Note! Improvements to a facility that are not considered major renovations may be considered minor renovations, facility maintenance, or improvements are allowed.
Expense Reporting Providers are required to report by no later than July 15, 2023, on how they spent the funds and current enrollment information. Reporting will occur through the same system used to apply for the grant. Contact your Our Strong Start Navigator for assistance with reporting or email LARA-CCLB-OSSGrants@michigan.gov Keep receipts and reports for five years in case of audit. Funds must be fully expended by July 15, 2023.
Applications for Pre Applications for Pre- -Licensure and Start and Start- -Up Grants Up Grants Licensure Allowable Expenses
Applications open on November 7, 2022 at 9:00AM EDT and will remain open until funds are depleted. Applications will be processed on a first come, first serve basis. When Can I Apply? The application will be available at www.Michigan.gov/OSS
Eligible child care entrepreneurs must complete and submit an online grant application at www.michigan.gov/OSS If you need help applying, we re here to support you! Please complete the short inquiry form to be connected to an Our Strong Start Navigator. How Can You Apply? Please use care in completing all required elements on the grant application to avoid processing delays. Providers successfully completing a grant application will receive a confirmation of receipt.
Checking Application Status You can check the status of your application by logging into your public profile page. Here s what each status means: Pending for Submission: This means you have started your application but not submitted your application. Pending for Review: This means you have submitted your application and it is ready for review. Approved: Your application has been approved! You will receive a notice via email with instructions. Denied: Your application was not eligible for funding. You will receive a notice via email. If you can t find your status in the application portal, please call your navigator or email us at LARA-CCLB-OSSGrants@michigan.gov
Eligible providers must register in SIGMA to receive payment. If you do not have a SIGMA vendor code, visit www.Michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS to register to receive payment. If you need assistance, please contact the SIGMA Help Desk at 888- 734-9749 or email SIGMA- Vendor@michigan.gov Application Facts Please review your application to confirm all information is correct before clicking the submit button, revisions cannot be made once submitted. Multiple application submissions will not be accepted. Paper applications will not be accepted.
FOR HELP or ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE 1. Connect with your OSS Navigator or preferred community-based organization. They will help you through the grant application process. 2. If you do not have a navigator and would like one, fill out the short inquiry form. 3. If you are having trouble connecting with someone, email LARA-CCLB- OSSGrants@michigan.gov 4. For additional questions about child care or the child care application you may call the Child Care Licensing Bureau at 517-284-9730
Funding is awarded on a first come, first serve basis. Not everyone that applies for a grant will receive awarded funding. Grant Award Notification & Follow-Up If your application is denied and you have questions about the denial, email LARA- CCLB-OSSGrants@michigan.gov for more information.
If you would like to connect with Our Strong Start to troubleshoot, reach out to your navigator or fill out a short inquiry form found on www.Michigan.gov/OSS Who Can You Trouble Shoot With? A local partner or community based organization whom you normally work with that will be willing to assist with your application.
Contact Information 1. Our Strong Start Website www.Michigan.gov/OSS 2. Navigator Short Form Our Strong Start - Home (site.com) 3. OSS Email LARA-CCLB-OSSGrants@michigan.gov 4. Child Care Licensing Bureau Main Line (517) 284- 9730
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