Grant Funding
ChildcareTennessee administers grants to child care programs licensed with the Tennessee Department of Human Services to support early childhood education in Tennessee.
Launch Grant
A Launch Grant may be awarded to a new child care agency that is currently in the Pre-Licensure process and moving towards a Provisional License. Specific requirements must be met for an agency to qualify for this grant.
Compliance Establishment Grant
A Compliance Establishment Grant may be awarded to a child care agency that has previously received a Launch Grant and has now moved to a Continuous License. Specific requirements must be met for an agency to qualify for this grant.
Compliance Expansion Grant
A Compliance Expansion Grant may be awarded to an existing child care agency that is expanding to increase capacity. Specific requirements must be met for an agency to qualify for this grant.
Support and Enhancement Grants allow any child care provider licensed with the Tennessee Department of Human Services to apply for at least $4,000 to enhance equipment, programs, including supplies, and consultants and coaches.
Programs participating in the Child Care Certificate Program (CCCP) are eligible to apply for an additional $1,000.
Child care agencies in economically distressed counties identified in by the Governor’s office may apply for an additional $1,000. These counties are Lake, Hardeman, Perry, Clay, Bledsoe, Scott, Hancock and Cocke.
Licensed child care programs with the TDHS seeking to enhance safety and security in their programs can apply for up to $4,000.
Licensed child care programs may be eligible to apply for one-time $1,000 Supplemental Grants. Providers must have applied and have been approved for the current Support and Enhancement Grant cycle, as well as meet other eligibility requirements.
Supplemental Grants are available in five categories:
- Accreditation
- Family and Group Child Care Specialization
- Infant/Toddler Specialization
- Mental Health Endorsement
- Preschool/Pre-K Specialization
- Remediation
- Tennessee Early Childhood Education Administrator Credential (TECPAC)
Applications are by referral-only through the appropriate partner organization for each grant.
New child care programs in good standing with the TDHS pre-licensing program may apply for an Establishment Grant in any amount up to $1,000 per licensed slot, up to maximum of $100,000.
These applications are invitation-only after providers have completed the required steps with pre-licensing.
Existing TDHS-licensed child care agencies who participate in the Child Care Certificate Program may apply for an Expansion Grant in any amount up to $1,000 per licensed slot, up to maximum of $100,000.
For a complete list of eligibility requirements, licensed child care providers should visit ChildcareTennessee.com.
“Having Establishment Grant funds available to Little Wonders was absolutely essential. We needed everything. This grant allowed us to offer really high quality from the get-go.”
Zarabeth Davis, Little Wonders Early Learning Academy, Nashville, TN
This project is funded through a grant with Tennessee Department of Human Services and Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
