Grants for Daycares & Childcare Providers
Federal agencies, state childcare offices, and private foundations provide grants supporting daycare quality improvement, facility upgrades, equipment purchases, staff training, and program expansion. These grants fund licensed daycare centers, family childcare homes, Head Start programs, and nonprofit early childhood organizations serving infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children. Below are 0 verified funding opportunities for daycare providers and early childhood programs.
Types of Daycare Projects Funded
🏫 Facility Improvements
Renovations, expansions, new construction, playground upgrades, safety improvements, accessibility modifications, HVAC systems, energy efficiency, classroom reconfiguration, and outdoor learning spaces. Create safe, healthy, and engaging environments for young children's care and development.
🧸 Equipment & Materials
Age-appropriate toys, learning materials, furniture, technology, playground equipment, safety gear, kitchen appliances, cribs, cots, sanitization supplies, and curriculum resources. Equip classrooms with high-quality materials supporting developmental milestones and early learning standards.
⭐ Quality Improvement
Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) participation, accreditation (NAEYC, NAC), curriculum implementation, assessment systems, family engagement, health and nutrition programs, and inclusion supports. Achieve higher quality ratings and implement evidence-based early childhood practices.
👩🏫 Staff Development
Professional development, CDA credentialing, degree completion, coaching, mentoring, specialized training (trauma-informed care, dual language learners, special needs), retention bonuses, and salary supplements. Build a qualified, stable workforce through education and competitive compensation.
Who Can Apply for Daycare Grants?
Eligible Applicants
- Licensed daycare centers: State-licensed childcare facilities serving infants through preschool
- Family childcare homes: Licensed home-based providers caring for small groups
- Head Start/Early Head Start: Federally funded comprehensive early childhood programs
- Nonprofit organizations: 501(c)(3) early childhood education and care organizations
- School districts: Public schools operating preschool and pre-K programs
- Faith-based programs: Religious organizations providing licensed childcare services
Common Funding Priorities
- Serving low-income families and subsidized childcare
- Infant and toddler care (childcare desert communities)
- Quality rating improvement and accreditation pursuit
- Extended hours and non-traditional schedule care
- Inclusion of children with disabilities and special needs
- Rural and underserved area childcare expansion
- Staff education, credentialing, and wage improvements
- Health, nutrition, and family support services
Major Daycare Grant Programs
Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG)
Primary federal funding for childcare administered through state childcare offices. Supports quality improvement, facility improvements, equipment purchases, staff development, and program expansion. Prioritizes providers serving low-income families. Competitive grants and subgrants available through state-specific application processes.
Head Start & Early Head Start
Comprehensive federal program providing grants for direct service delivery to low-income children birth through age 5. Five-year grants support childcare, health services, nutrition, family engagement, and disabilities services. Expansion and replacement grants periodically available. Must meet comprehensive Head Start Performance Standards.
State Quality Improvement Grants
Every state administers quality improvement grants for childcare providers. Awards for QRIS participation, accreditation preparation, curriculum implementation, environment improvements, and staff professional development. Typical awards $1,000-$25,000. Check your state childcare resource and referral agency or childcare licensing office.
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
HUD funding supports community facilities including nonprofit daycare centers in low-to-moderate income areas. Funds facility construction, renovations, playground improvements, and equipment. Apply through your city or county community development department. Awards typically $25,000-$500,000 for capital projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can family childcare providers get grants?
Yes! Many grant programs specifically include family childcare homes. State quality improvement grants often prioritize home-based providers. Equipment and materials grants help furnish home-based programs. Professional development scholarships support CDA credentialing and training. Some states offer startup grants for new family childcare businesses. Check your state's childcare resource and referral network for family childcare-specific opportunities.
What grants fund playground equipment for daycares?
Multiple sources fund playgrounds: State quality improvement grants include outdoor learning environment funding. Kaboom! provides playground grants to communities serving low-income children. Local community foundations support childcare facility improvements. Some states have dedicated outdoor learning space grant programs. CDBG can fund nonprofit daycare playgrounds. Equipment grants typically $5,000-$75,000 depending on scope.
Are there grants for daycare staff salaries?
Some programs support compensation: State quality improvement systems may offer retention bonuses or salary supplements for credentialed teachers. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood scholarships include completion bonuses increasing wages. Some states piloted wage enhancement grants through CCDBG funds. Head Start and Early Head Start grants include competitive salaries. Foundation grants occasionally fund salary improvements as part of quality initiatives.
Do grants cover accreditation costs?
Yes. Many states offer accreditation support grants covering NAEYC, NAC, or state-specific accreditation fees, consultant costs, and related expenses. Quality improvement grants specifically fund accreditation pursuit. Awards typically $2,000-$10,000 including self-study, site visit fees, and program improvements needed to meet standards. Some grants also fund Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) participation and advancement.
Can grants fund infant and toddler care expansion?
Absolutely. Infant/toddler care is a high priority for funders addressing childcare shortages. CCDBG quality funds support infant/toddler capacity expansion. State childcare facilities funds help create or expand infant rooms. Some states offer startup bonuses for new infant/toddler slots. Equipment grants prioritize infant/toddler-appropriate materials. Capital grants can fund renovations creating appropriate infant spaces. Awards $5,000-$100,000+.
What about grants for childcare program startups?
Some resources exist for startups: A few states offer childcare startup grants through economic development or workforce programs. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) provide early childhood business loans, sometimes paired with grants. Local childcare resource and referral agencies may offer technical assistance and small startup grants. Some community foundations support new childcare businesses addressing local supply gaps. Typical startup support: $2,000-$25,000 plus business planning assistance.
Available Funding Opportunities
These grants support daycare providers and early childhood programs. Contact your state childcare office or Child Care Resource and Referral agency for state-specific grant opportunities.
Additional Resources
Your State Childcare Office
Primary source for state-administered childcare grants including quality improvement, facilities, professional development, and program expansion. Application cycles and priorities vary by state.
Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Network
Local and state CCR&R agencies provide technical assistance, training, and grant information to childcare providers. Many administer quality improvement grants and professional development scholarships.
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Leading accreditation body for early childhood programs. Accreditation opens access to many grant opportunities. NAEYC provides resources, professional development, and advocacy for the early childhood field.
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood
Scholarship program helping childcare providers and teachers attain higher education (CDA, AA, BA) with financial support and paid release time. Includes completion bonuses and wage increases. Available in most states.
Start with Your State Childcare Office
State childcare offices are your primary resource for grant information and technical assistance. Most states offer quality improvement grants, professional development scholarships, and facility improvement funding. Ask about Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) participation - advancing in your state's quality rating system often unlocks additional grant opportunities and higher childcare subsidy reimbursement rates. Contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency for personalized assistance.