The NW Kansas Cares for Kids is a pilot initiative for early childhood education that includes three assistance programs. The initiatives will not only attract and retain quality staff in childcare centers, but also provide tools to give children the skills to start school ready to learn.
Eligibility: The initiative is limited to licensed day care centers and qualified group daycares located in the 26-county area served by Innovation Center. Qualifying applicants must be:
Non-profit centers that meet the above criteria can apply for similar assistance through the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.
Application: Applications are accepted twice a year on October 25 and April 25. Please contact Dana Stanton at danajstanton@nwkeici.org or 785-874-5150 to receive an application packet. Assistance is available on request to help providers/facilities complete their application.
Longevity Bonuses: While charged with the care for our most precious assets childcare providers are historically low-wage earners. The Early Childhood Education Staff Support program provides financial recognition for early childhood staff; reduces costs associated with staff turnover and stabilizes the workforce. Fewer staff changes are also a quality factor for children attending the centers. The Staff Support assistance enables a full-time (at least 30 hours/week) staff member in good standing to earn a bonus for every six months he or she stays employed at the SAME center. Bonuses range from $250 to $800 every six months, based on longevity.
Discretionary Bonuses: The program also includes discretionary funds for center directors to use for additional merit bonuses for full or part-time staff members who exemplify excellence.
The amount of discretionary funds is calculated based on the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) staff at the center. For each FTE, $150 in discretionary funds are available annually, during this 5-year pilot.
The application includes a worksheet to calculate both the discretionary and longevity bonuses for the applying center. Staff Support Worksheet.
Early Childhood Education Montessori Kits: This grant covers the cost of a Montessori curriculum kit, which includes training videos and instructions for the teachers as well as time-tested, high-quality learning tools and manipulatives designed to last for many years. The application includes a worksheet to calculate how much is available for purchase of Montessori materials, based on the licensed capacity of the center. Montessori Budget Kit.
Literacy Grants: Shared reading between a child and a parent or caregiver provides stimulation for increased brain development, which contributes to later academic success and lifetime well-being.
This grant offers childcare centers up to $1,000 each year for up to 5 years to purchase high-quality children’s books to create or enhance the center’s library. All age-appropriate reading is valuable, but some children’s literature is particularly strong. To help with choosing books we have provided a list of suggested titles.
The NW Kansas Cares for Kids is a pilot initiative for early childhood education that includes three assistance programs. The initiatives will not only attract and retain quality staff in childcare centers, but also provide tools to give children the skills to start school ready to learn.
Eligibility: The initiative is limited to licensed day care centers and qualified group daycares located in the 26-county area served by Innovation Center. Qualifying applicants must be:
Non-profit centers that meet the above criteria can apply for similar assistance through the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.
Longevity Bonuses: While charged with the care for our most precious assets childcare providers are historically low-wage earners. The Early Childhood Education Staff Support program provides financial recognition for early childhood staff; reduces costs associated with staff turnover and stabilizes the workforce. Fewer staff changes are also a quality factor for children attending the centers. The Staff Support assistance enables a full-time (at least 30 hours/week) staff member in good standing to earn a bonus for every six months he or she stays employed at the SAME center. Bonuses range from $250 to $800 every six months, based on longevity.
Discretionary Bonuses: The program also includes discretionary funds for center directors to use for additional merit bonuses for full or part-time staff members who exemplify excellence.
The amount of discretionary funds is calculated based on the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) staff at the center. For each FTE, $150 in discretionary funds are available annually, during this 5-year pilot.
The application includes a worksheet to calculate both the discretionary and longevity bonuses for the applying center. Staff Support Worksheet.
Early Childhood Education Montessori Kits: This grant covers the cost of a Montessori curriculum kit, which includes training videos and instructions for the teachers as well as time-tested, high-quality learning tools and manipulatives designed to last for many years. The application includes a worksheet to calculate how much is available for purchase of Montessori materials, based on the licensed capacity of the center. Montessori Budget Kit.
Literacy Grants: Shared reading between a child and a parent or caregiver provides stimulation for increased brain development, which contributes to later academic success and lifetime well-being.
This grant offers childcare centers up to $1,000 each year for up to 5 years to purchase high-quality children’s books to create or enhance the center’s library. All age-appropriate reading is valuable, but some children’s literature is particularly strong. To help with choosing books we have provided a list of suggested titles.
