 |
 |
|
|
The intent of the Health and Safety grants are to assist child care providers in meeting the current State, local and Tribal health and safety standards in order to maintain or obtain licensure or registration. Only minor remodeling projects or items required to meet health and safety regulations will be considered, such as egress windows, smoke detection systems, safety railing, etc. Documentation of the need for compliance projects is required. Newly licensed facilities and those Group Family Day Cares and Child Care Centers with expansion plans may also submit a limited request for start-up equipment, such as cribs, mats, child-sized tables and chairs, etc.
Funds are extremely limited and are only available to licensed, registered or "in-process" providers, residing in South Dakota. Applications are available only through your regional licensing worker.
Funds under this grant may not be used for:
Limitations - For all projects, there is a maximum grant amount available, based on facility type, and need:
Time Limits - Projects that have already been completed at the time of the request are ineligible for funding.
No Guarantee of Award - Awards are contingent on available funds, and whether or not the request meets grant criteria. It is possible that only a portion of a grant request will be approved. Always keep in mind that an application submission does not guarantee an award.
Awards are "Reimbursed" - If awarded a grant, you will not receive the award money up front, but will be reimbursed after submission of required documentation of project completion. Billing information will be sent to you if you are awarded a grant.
Match Required - Grants are allocated on a 75/25 (state/grantee) matching-fund basis. The Department will reimburse up to 75 percent of the approved project cost after the grantee has submitted proof that the project is completed, or partially completed. Projects may receive a partial grant, rather than full request.
Minor Remodeling/Renovation - For projects involving minor renovation (installation of fence, etc.) labor costs will not be reimbursed to immediate family members or volunteer friends of the day care provider.
What to Expect - A decision will be made on your request within 90 days of the date the completed application is received by the state office. If you are approved for a grant, you will receive an award letter, and instructions on requesting reimbursement for your project.
Four-Year Contract - You will be required to sign a contract and agree to remain registered or licensed and to continue to provide child care at the same level as stated on your grant application for a period of at least 4 years. Failure to maintain your status as a provider before the contract ends will obligate you to repay all or a portion of the grant award.