Child Care Program Grants

QRIS - Quality Improvement grants are available to early childhood programs licensed or approved by the North Dakota Health and Human Services to support investments in quality. 

This grant is available on an annual basis and measured by the program’s ability to attain and maintain a Step 2, Step 3, or Step 4 Quality Rating. 

QRIS - Quality Improvement grants may be used to purchase materials and supplies that will enhance the learning environment, to offset costs of curriculum and assessment use and to support professional development opportunities for program staff.

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Application Requirements

• Child care located in specific counties: Benson, Dunn, Kidder, McKenzie, McLean, Morton, Mountrail, Oliver, Renville, Rolette, Sioux, Stark, Towner, Williams, Walsh.
  • Newly licensed or
  • Expanding by 50% of existing licensed capacity
• Increasing infant and/or toddler space by adding eight infants or 10 toddlers to a space dedicated for that age.
• Application submitted within 60 days of new license being issued or expansion occurring.
• Program has a viable business plan.
• Actively working with a Child Care Aware start-up coordinator and health and safety specialist (minimum of 45 days at point of application).

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Resources

• SFN 1946 Grow Child Care Business Plan
• SFN 1950 Grow Child Care Budget Page and Narrative
• Scoring Rubric

Please connect with Child Care Aware of North Dakota here or call 1-800-997-8515; press option 3.

Inclusive Care Support grants are designed to help licensed or self-declared programs create and maintain an inclusive environment that supports children with disabilities or developmental delays to learn, grow, play and develop alongside their peers in an inclusive setting.

Application Requirements

• Any licensed or self-declared early childhood program which indicates that they are providing care for children with disabilities or developmental delays.
• Programs must work with an USpireND Inclusion Coach to be eligible for this grant.
  • On the USpireND Inclusion Support webpage, click on Inclusion Support Request Form to get started.

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The Child Care Facility Improvement grants are for facility improvements, minor renovations, related equipment and services, and costs related to meeting health, safety and licensing needs. This grant is not for learning materials such as toys or manipulatives.

Application Requirements

• Completed Facility Improvement Grant Worksheet
• Completed Grant Acknowledgement Form
• Item and Project Before Pictures

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Resources

• Facility Improvement Grant Worksheet
• Grant Acknowledgement Form 

Child care providers can apply for grants through the Growing Futures Registry.

Step 1: Make sure Registry account(s) are up to date. This includes your individual account and/or organization account (for business owners/directors).

• Important: If you don't have an account, create one.
• Instructions: How to Set up an Organization Account

Step 2: Log in to your Registry account and apply.

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Need assistance uploading documents to your Document Vault?  

Step by step directions:

1. Log in to your Growing Futures individual profile. 
   • Use the drop-down menu below your name (found at the top right) to access the organization profile.
2. Click Document Vault, then click on the Manage button.
3. Click the +File button.
4. Click on +Find files. 
   • Choose the file from your computer that you want to upload.
5. Choose File Type
   • Click the down arrow to the right of Select a File Type, then select General.
6. After you select General then click the green Save button at the bottom.
7. Your document will be successfully loaded when you see a green checkmark on the Document(s) Uploaded screen.
8. Click the Return button to return to your organization profile.
9. Your documents will now be displayed in your Document Vault.

View Directions with Pictures

Grant payments will be processed and paid within 30 days of the grant approval.

Grant payments are considered income by the IRS and you will receive a 1099-G from the State of North Dakota. Please consult your accountant or tax professional to understand more about your tax situation.