News from the RICCELFF
Welcome Spring!
(And Welcome to the Increased Momentum
Around Child Care and Early Learning Facilities!)
Spring is here! In what has maybe felt like the darkest of winters, we are happy to see not just the crocuses and daffodils bloom, the sun staying out just a bit longer, and children in child care settings getting outside for that fresh air, but also initiatives to support our child care community this year! One can't help but feel like better days are coming.

With the passage of the Early Childhood Care and Education Capital Bond here in Rhode Island, the introduction of the Child Care is Infrastructure Act at the federal level, as well as the close of the LISC-administered Child Care Provider Relief Fund, it is clear there is a growing movement to support the improvement and expansion of child care environments.

With additional funds potentially available to expand your program or make improvements, now is the best time to start planning - and we are here to help. At the LISC Child Care & Early Learning Facilities Fund, we seek to improve the quality and capacity of physical space in child care and early learning facilities across the State through local partnerships. Every child and early childhood educator deserves access to developmentally appropriate, high-performing early learning facilities. If you are thinking about improving, expanding, relocating, or opening a new center, please reach out using the request for technical assistance button below or visit www.riccelff.org to learn more.

Wishing you all continued health! We will keep you updated on all of the things that are happening at both the state and federal level with regard to child care facilities!
Child Care Stabilization Fund - Application Opens March 29th!
The Child Care Stabilization Fund is a grant opportunity for DHS-licensed providers to support their business operations and continue providing safe child care. The first window of applications will open on March 29, 2021. All licensed programs will need to submit an online grant application prior to award.

In early 2021, Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) was awarded federal funds through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) of 2021 by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). This federally funded grant will support the child care system's recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic with key focus on recommended categories of spending designed to stabilize the system.
Child Care Market Rate Survey
Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) is asking for your help with the 2021 Child Care Market Rate Survey. This survey asks questions about your program, children you serve, and gathers rates paid for services. Your participation in this survey is very important as the information you provide will help set CCAP reimbursement rates for the next three years! By completing the survey, you will have multiple chances to win a $50 gift card! The survey closes April 23, 2021.
Updated CDC Guidance for
Operating Child Care Programs
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a resource for child care providers, Guidance for Operating Child Care Programs during COVID-19. In addition to this new guide, the CDC has also released new Toolkits for Child Care Programs. These resources provide information to help child care professionals protect children, their families, and staff members; slow the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic; and keep children healthy and safe in their child care environment.
The Rhode Island Child Care and Early Learning Facilities Fund (RICCELFF) is an innovative public-private partnership dedicated to expanding access to quality child care and early education opportunities throughout Rhode Island. The RICCELFF provides the capital and technical expertise that child care and early learning centers need to improve the quality and capacity of their physical space. The RICCELFF provides a combination of training, technical assistance, grant funding and flexible, affordable financing for a wide range of indoor and outdoor projects including minor renovations or construction of new, state-of-the art facilities and playground spaces. Click here to learn more about what the RICCELFF can offer your program.
Building Solutions for Rhode Island’s Children