Child care grants for Otter Tail County providers – Otter Tail County, MN

Otter Tail County, MN – Grant Funds Available for Child Care Providers

Grant funds remain available for child care providers and centers through Otter Tail County’s Child Care Capacity Grant Program. Additionally, providers awarded funds previously are now eligible to apply for a second time to receive another grant award.

The program, launched in September 2022, is intended to support child care program needs for existing, new, and expanding providers in Otter Tail County. To date, more than $150,000 has been awarded to 25 child care providers and centers in Otter Tail County.

Background

This funding is possible thanks to a Child Care Economic Development Grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded to the County.

Otter Tail County recognizes the importance of access to quality and affordable child care for people to live and work in the region. In addition to keeping children safe and providing quality early childhood experiences, child care is a workforce need. According to a 2022 report from First Children’s Finance, there is a shortage of 1,035 child care slots in Otter Tail County. The Child Care Capacity Grant Program will help address this need by providing financial support to new providers who will add child care slots and existing providers who will retain the current supply of child care slots.

Program Guidelines

1. Eligibility:
• Child care centers, family providers, and multiple-provider pod models are eligible to apply for the Child Care Capacity Grant Program if they are located in Otter Tail County, provide full-time child care, and have a current active license in good standing or be in the process of completing licensure. Second-time applicants are now eligible to apply for additional grant funding. Visit ottertailcounty.gov/childcare-grant for the complete eligibility list.
2. Use of funds:
• Grant funds can be used to reimburse costs associated with training, equipment purchases, program needs, and facility improvements required by licensing and/or fire safety requirements.
3. Application process:
• Access full program guidelines and the application form at ottertailcounty.gov/childcare-grant. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until October 31, 2023, subject to the availability of funds.

More information about the Child Care Capacity Grant Program and other child care efforts can be found at ottertailcounty.gov/childcare.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.2: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education.
   • Indicator 4.2.1: Proportion of children under 5 years of age who are developmentally on track in health, learning, and psychosocial well-being, by sex.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
   • Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age group, and persons with disabilities.

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
   • Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

The article addresses or connects to the following SDGs:

1. SDG 4: Quality Education – The article highlights the importance of quality early childhood development and care, which aligns with Target 4.2 of ensuring access to quality early childhood education.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article emphasizes the need for child care as a workforce need, which relates to Target 8.5 of achieving full and productive employment and decent work for all.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The article mentions the shortage of child care slots in Otter Tail County, indicating an inequality in access to child care. This relates to Target 10.2 of promoting social and economic inclusion for all.

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets under these SDGs can be identified as follows:

1. Target 4.2: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education.
2. Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
3. Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

The article does not explicitly mention any indicators, but the following indicators can be implied based on the identified targets:

1. Indicator 4.2.1: Proportion of children under 5 years of age who are developmentally on track in health, learning, and psychosocial well-being, by sex.
2. Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age group, and persons with disabilities.
3. Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: ottertailcounty.gov

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