There has never been a better time to consider starting or expanding a family child care or center-based business! 4C for Children is recruiting new licensed child care programs and helping current programs expand in the counties and communities we serve in Southwest Ohio and the Miami Valley.
Although some areas are fortunate to have quality child care providers in their cities and counties, there are many areas where the overall need for child care is far greater than local child care programs can accommodate. County and city leaders and community partners recognize this need, especially as families are returning to work. They know a stronger workforce means a stronger community! But that can only happen if there are enough child care programs to meet the needs of working families.
That’s why 4C for Children, the region’s state-designated child care resource and referral agency, has developed resources to help increase the supply of available child care in these communities. Using federal American Rescue Plan Act funding, 4C for Children’s efforts are focused on stabilizing and preserving current child care programs, recruiting new programs and expanding the capacity of programs, including those that offer second- and third-shift child care.
Funding is available to support business startup costs in some areas. Examples of covered items include
- cribs, cots, furniture
- early learning materials
- technology
- safety equipment
- funding for application fees and background checks
In addition to funding, 4C for Children will help potential business owners navigate through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services licensing process. Coaching, training and video supports are also available through 4C for Children to assist child care providers with learning the fundamentals of successfully running a child care business.
The following cities and counties have provided funding to help with starting and expansion expenses.
- City of Cincinnati – new and expanding family child care homes
- Shelby County – new child care centers, new and expanding family child care programs
- Miami County – new and expanding child care centers, new and expanding family child care programs
- Warren County – new family child care homes
- Butler County, Clermont County, and certain areas of Hamilton County and Montgomery County – new family child care homes
In addition, the American Rescue Plan Act is making hundreds of thousands of dollars available to licensed programs through Stabilization Grants over the next year that will help strengthen programs’ finances and fund programs’ expansions.
It’s a great time to start a child care business! Begin the journey by exploring our resource library, funding opportunities and coaching options.