Question and Answer Session for ELOG Grant Proposals
Held 6:30-8:00 pmChild Care Options, Augusta, ME
Martha Naber and Rita Fullerton
In conversation (by phone) with questioner Rita heard that the space would be used for basketball, riding toys, and other child care activities during the day. She suggested to the provider that the proposal state how the funds would be used to benefit the children in the program. The grant funds are for quality improvements for sites caring for children birth to age 7.
The provider explained that she now must take the children with her upstairs to get items in the family frig. This creates safety issues. A frig, In the basement will make the food more accessible and reduce concerns for safety. This would be a quality improvement.
Make it as similar as you can to fit your business. If something is not part of your business indicate that the item is NOT APPLICABLE in the table of contents. When the reviewers are reading the proposals they will look for the same information from all.
It is included in the packet. (It was identified.) It should be filled out as presented. Answer all questions completely.
You must have the cost of all the materials. The grant is for children birth to age 7, so it is suggested that applicants gear purchases of equipment to fit these ages.
It is hard to say how the money will be divided as this is based on the number of successful applications that are received. We hope all applicants will get some money. It will depend on the quality of the applications submitted. They may have some which are outstanding so they may award more dollars to them. If you get a smaller amount than you need, you may want to purchase another item or get a loan or use other funds to purchase what you asked for.
You might want to write about other items you would want with lower price tags. Then if the amount is less than your needs for the top item you can make another purchase.
You may attach a document with your cover sheet. Also in your program description you have 3) program needs. This is where you could do this also.
Age 7. If there is a safety issue, or a need for the fence to meet certification regulations DHS may require the fence anyway. This would meet the grant criteria. You could write about your desire to be certified. As a Trust ME provider you can apply. If you need wired in fire alarms, this could be in your list also. You may want to request the fencing as your first choice, and the fire alarms as a second choice item. It was also suggested that the provider be sure to contact local code enforcement for the rules in the community regarding fire alarms. Be sure to include labor costs for any work being done.
If you can clip out the picture of the item(s) requested from a catalog and include the prices this will provide the needed information.
They should be from current families and include:
Length of time you have worked with them
What has their experience been like with you?
What do you offer to them as a family?
The service you provide to them as a childcare provider.
It can be very affirming to read these letters. If you have difficulty getting them due to the particular families you work with, you may want to ask former families.
As an agency, Southern Kennebec Child Development Corporation submits a form 1099 to the Internal Revenue Service for any payment over $600.00. It was recommended by the SKCDC accounting department that providers ask their accountants, or person doing their income tax return if what they may be awarded through this grant is reportable income.
A copy of the form distributed in the course was given to all who wanted one. It was suggested that the provider fill it out for several months as a Trust ME provider and then for several months as a certified provider. It will take a few months to build up a clientele. Rita has copies of the cash flow statement if others need them.
The others in attendance checked their notes and said food and supplies.
There are 2 meetings on July 16 and 23 to read the proposals. Decisions will be made by Aug. 1. They will go the ACCESS executive comm. on that day for approval. Successful grantees will be notified after Aug. 1.
You must have an original and two copies of your proposal to Child Care Options by 4 PM on July 15. If you need to make copies at the agency you may do so. It is suggested that you be sure to make a copy for your records as well.
The focus of these funds is up to age 7. Speak in your proposal to how it will be used for school age children up to age 7. Please don't feel that you don't qualify.
They can be used for other loans, low interest loans through Coastal Enterprise, other grants. This may be an opportunity to get some funds for your business.
You should include a copy of your certificate from DHS. If you are in the process of renewing your license include the card
you get, the copy of the visit, any documentation that says you are still licensed. You can include your quality certificate,
documentation of any other certifications you want to include that speaks to provision of quality services.
(Respite or child care)
20. Do you want a CDA certificate?
If you want to include it. You can speak to quality. You could add this to your resume'.
No, they may want to come to verify after the fact. Receipts will need to be presented to validate purchases. The project coordinator may want to capture photos of the items for the web site. ELOG/ACCESS can submit photos to the grantor to illustrate how quality was improved. You might be asked to do a short survey to measure the effectiveness of the grant money.
Yes, as there will be another round for $10,000 in the winter for the next class which completes the business course. If you do not get an award this time or you choose not to apply this round you may try later.
23.Make sure the packet is complete.
Include all the items requested. It is your words. They are not going to be nit picky as readers or correct your grammar. It is coming from the heart. A provider said that the readers must know that providers are not usually business majors. The training helped her look at her business as a business. Rita said it is the third largest business in Maine after Hannaford and BIW.
24. Will there be a reason attached to your proposal if it is not funded? You could try again using this as an educational experience.
Yes, you will get a letter. You may apply for an appeal if you do not get funded and believe that that you were treated unfairly.
25. A provider asked a particular question related to her situation. If they were going to do the labor, what should they ask for?
If the items had individual prices per piece, it was suggested that they could submit that and then if an award was made for
less than the total price, a certain portion of the total could be paid for with grant funds.