Child Care Expansion and (E&A)Access Grants

Expansion and Access Grant Update Due February 29!

The Update for the Expansion and Access Grant: July-December 2023 is available now. It will close February 29, 2024 at 4:59 PM. As outlined in the grant terms and conditions, recipients must submit an update by the February 29th deadline for their expenses during this reporting period.

Please use the Child Care Expansion and Access Grants Reporting Job Aid for steps to complete the update. 

Unlicensed Providers, watch this video for additional instructions: Expansion and Access Grant Reporting Tutorial Video for Unlicensed Providers

For Expansion and Access Grant help, email [email protected] or call (919) 814-6300 or (800) 859-0829, Option 2.

Resources

• Child Care Expansion and Access Grants Reporting Job Aid
• Expansion and Access Grant Reporting Tutorial Video for Unlicensed Providers
• Expansion and Access Grant Reporting Tutorial Video
• Child Care Expansion and Access Grants Terms and Conditions
• Expansion and Access Grants Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Expansion and Access Grant April 13 Webinar
• Child Care Expansion and Access Grants Application – Job Aid
• About Child Care Licensing
• North Carolina Child Care Rules

About

The application for Expansion and Access Grants closed on June 12, 2023. Applications are no longer being accepted. 

The Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2021 (PDF) appropriated $20 million in nonrecurring funds to provide grants for child care facilities including NC Pre-K classrooms, child care centers and family child care homes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in child care deserts and low-performing and high-poverty districts. The Division awarded 200 one-time Early Care & Learning Expansion and Access Grants of up to $125,000 to assist with start-up costs associated with establishing a new licensed or regulated child care facility; quality improvements for existing licensed or regulated child care facilities that increase the classroom or facility's capacity or upgrade its star rating; or capital improvements or renovations to existing licensed or regulated child care facilities, including adding or upgrading outdoor play and learning environments, or increasing a facility's total capacity.