MADISON — The Department of Children and Families (DCF) has awarded roughly $850,000 in Community Innovation Grants (CIG) to eight organizations across the state to expand available early care and education opportunities for young children ages birth to five and their families.
The grants, which are funded from the state’s Preschool Development Grant — Birth to 5 (PDG B-5) awards, ranged in size from $50,000 to $150,000 and support innovative programs and partnerships that address areas of equity, access, affordability, quality, and workforce as highlighted in the state’s Birth to 5 Statewide Strategic Plan. The grants are also being utilized to develop stronger public-private partnerships that will serve as models for future community investments in other parts of the state.
“Having access to high-quality early care and education opportunities is critical for our communities to thrive,” said DCF Secretary Emilie Amundson. “These grants are a deliberate step to begin engaging community businesses and organizations to connect with their early care and education system to learn about their role in supporting a healthy local economy.”
Through local investment activities like the CIGs, the department is working to connect the dots across state and local programs to better serve all Wisconsin children and families. New opportunities for funding will be available in the coming year and beyond as the state continues its work to improve Wisconsin’s early childhood system. DCF encourages anyone who could be a stakeholder to apply.
The local organization to receive a grant in this first round of funding includes:
● United Way of Green County — ensuring the early care and education community and families are prepared to support the needs of all children. This is being accomplished by providing evidenced-based trauma-informed care training across local programs and by expanding access to infant and toddler mental health consultation. Additionally, United Way of Green County is helping bolster the early care and education workforce through free professional development opportunities and a mentorship program.
