RFA – Increasing Access to Child Care for Families Experiencing Homelessness
DHHS Division/Office issuing this notice: Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE)
Date of this notice: January 31, 2020
RFA Title: Increasing Access to Child Care for Children Experiencing Homelessness
Purpose:
The goal of the Increasing Access to Child Care for Children Experiencing Homelessness initiative is to increase access to child care assistance for children and their families experiencing homelessness in North Carolina.
Description:
Research shows that homelessness can have a devastating impact on a child’s development. Children experiencing homelessness are at an increased risk for developing health issues, developmental delays, academic underachievement and mental health problems. Most homeless children do not receive the educational, medical, mental health, and/or special education services needed to thrive. The Administration for Children and Families, Early Childhood Homelessness in the United States: 50-State Profile, estimates the number of children under six experiencing homelessness in North Carolina is 26,198, but notes later in the report that the state estimates significantly underestimate the extent of the situation.
North Carolina recognizes the need and includes a goal related to young children and families having access to safe affordable housing in its Early Childhood Action Plan. This RFA uses Child Care and Development Block Grant funding to increase access to the Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program through activities such as 1) technical assistance and training to child care and homeless services providers, and 2) outreach to families experiencing homelessness and Continuum of Care/Balance of State Committees.
Funding Availability:
This RFA will be for a 3-year funding cycle: 2020-2021, 2021-2022 and 2022-2023. Approximately $350,000 will be available to support the first contract cycle. Funding for subsequent years will depend on contract compliance, program performance and availability of funds.
This RFA may fund multiple projects that address increasing access to child care for children experiencing homelessness. The funding period for the initial year will be July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021.
The Division of Child Development and Early Education will determine the actual funding amount based on the proposed execution of the initiative and the utilization of funds as outlined in the applications submitted for each approved project. Multiple awards may be made for this initiative, pending funding availability.
Eligibility:
This RFA is open to state agencies and universities, public and private non-profit organizations with a current 501(c)(3) standing and extensive knowledge and expertise identifying and serving children and their families experiencing homelessness.
How to Apply:
The Increasing Access to Child Care for Children Experiencing Homelessness RFA and required attachments will be posted to the DCDEE website: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New on February 7, 2020.
Intent to Apply:
Agencies that plan to submit an application should complete the Notice of Intent to apply found here: RFA-Increasing Access to Child Care for Children Experiencing Homelessness no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 28, 2020.
EMAIL your application to:
[email protected]
Deadline for Submission:
Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m., March 13, 2020.
How to Obtain Further Information:
For more information or to obtain a copy of the complete Request for Application please contact Candice Bailey ([email protected]).