Early Childhood Emergency Fund

The Early Childhood Emergency Fund supports all programs licensed by the EEC that have been forced to shut down or significantly alter normal operations due to unforeseen circumstances and require financial assistance to resume normal operations.

In recognition of the need for support for childcare program during times of crisis, the Department of Early Education and Care (“EEC”) is introducing the Early Childhood Emergency Fund Program. This program is designed to provide essential financial assistance to child care providers facing the challenge of reopening after having to shutdown or significantly alter normal operations due to unforeseen circumstances. The primary objective is to minimize disruptions in care, ensuring that children continue to have access to safe, nurturing, and high-quality child care environments. This program is funded through the Child Care Quality Fund.  

Eligibility

This policy applies to all programs licensed by the EEC that have been forced to shut down or significantly alter normal operations due to unforeseen circumstances and require financial assistance to resume normal operations. Applicants are not guaranteed funding and are subject to the availability of funds and the Emergency Fund Application Review and Approval Process.

To be eligible for financial assistance under this policy, child care programs must meet the following criteria:

• The center must have been forced to shut down or significantly alter normal operations due to an unanticipated emergency including but not limited to:
  • Flooding 
  • Fire
  • Heating
  • Broken Air conditioning
  • Sudden displacement or unplanned relocation
  • Natural disaster
  • Unanticipated Closure
• The program must currently be licensed with EEC. 
• The program must provide information on their financial situation and explain how the disaster has impacted their financial stability and access to care for families.
• The program must provide a detailed plan for reopening, which includes a timeline for reopening and the location where child care services will be provided.
• The program must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies related to child care services.  

How to apply

To apply programs should contact their licensor or their EEC regional office. Programs should be prepared with:

• A description of the emergency that caused the shutdown or significant alteration of normal operations and its impact on the program.
• The number of currently enrolled students.
• Current or anticipated financial support including but not limited to: private insurance, private donations, and any other financial or in-kind supports.
• Support needed to resume normal operation. 

What is the application approval process?

• The provider will submit a case in Lead for review when operations have been shutdown due to an emergency. 
• The licensor will assess the case and request the Emergency Fund Application be sent to the provider if they meet the eligibility criteria.
• Once the application is complete the Provider will send the completed application to the licensor or regional office by email. The Licensor will upload the completed application into the notes section in Lead.
• Licensor will submit the application to Supervisor/Regional Director.
• Supervisor/Regional Directors submits High Profile Form for Executive Team awareness.
• Applications will be reviewed by the Emergency Fund Committee, which will consist of the Deputy Commissioner for Field Operations, the Director of Child Care Business and Facilities, and a Regional Director. 
• The committee may request additional information from applicants as needed.  
• Once the application is approved by the Emergency Fund Committee, providers will be directed to complete one of the following steps based on form of assistance selected in the application:
  • Should a provider request assistance from EEC to replace durable and consumable goods they should be directed to WB.Mason and/or Kaplan websites to build a cart and submit a pdf of requested materials to Jose Mendez at [e-mail]. Providers should not pre-pay for materials.
  • Should a provider request that EEC reimburse them for contracted services needed to return to normal operation they will be contacted by an EEC Grants Administration staff person to initiate the grantee activation process.  Please be advised grantee activation may take up to 10 business days to complete.
• Once approved the Director Childcare Business Operations and Facilities will submit the order to be delivered to the provider’s address. 

What does the emergency fund cover?

The emergency fund covers contract services reimbursement and funds for supplies. 

• Contract Service Reimbursements: Certain services may be required to support a return to normal operation. These services may include but are not limited to: tree removal, plumbing, electrical work and general carpentry. 
• Supply Purchases: The funds can be used to purchase supplies to resume normal operation or to cover the cost of materials and supplies at transitional location or program. This includes, but is not limited to, items such as toys, books, art supplies, cleaning materials, and furniture.  
  • Supply purchases will be made by EEC through an approved state vendor and are subject to the discretion of the Emergency fund Committee.  

How can I support the fund?

To support the fund, you can purchase an Invest in Children license plate. You can purchase a special plate here.