Otter Tail County, MN – 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.
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 knows that access to quality and affordable child care is needed for people to live and work in our 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.
General program guidelines:
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.
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.
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.