Regional Child Care Health Consultative Services Grant

Funder: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)

The Regional Child Care Health Consultative Services RFA aims to establish a statewide network of Child Care Health Consultants (CCHC) to enhance the safety and health of child care environments across North Carolina. With a funding cycle of two years and up to $1.5 million available, the initiative seeks qualified applicants who can demonstrate expertise in managing state grants and providing technical assistance in early childhood education. The focus is on creating culturally inclusive practices and ensuring optimal health care for children.

NOTE: Eligible agencies and/or organizations interested in applying for this RFA are encouraged to notify DCDEE of their intent to apply. Agencies are not required to notify of their intent to respond to this RFA; this information is requested to assist DCDEE in planning. Responses to this notice of intent are not binding and will not impact the review and scoring of your RFA submission.
Purpose
The purpose of this request for applications is to establish a statewide network of Child Care Health Consultants (CCHC) to provide technical assistance and training for early educators with the goal of creating a safe and healthy child care environment. Child Care Health Consultants have been actively providing health consultation services for more than 25 years. In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) provided more resources to support child care health initiatives to ensure children grow and learn in safe and healthy environments. Through this Request for Applications, the Division is seeking an entity to create and execute a plan for a sustainable model of CCHC provisions across North Carolina.
Description
The successful applicant will propose a detailed plan, including a timeline and budget, to establish and manage a system of practice-based and culturally inclusive technical assistance, and trainings for creating safer and healthier child care environments.
Funding
This RFA will be for a 2-year funding cycle.  Approximately $1,500,000 will be available to support the 2-year funding cycle [$500,000 year one and $1,000,000 year 2]. One award will be funded through this announcement.
DCDEE will determine the actual funding amount based on the proposed execution of the project and the utilization of funds as outlined in the successful applicant’s proposal, pending funding availability.

Eligibility

This RFA is open to state agencies and universities, public and private nonprofit organizations with a current 501(c)(3) standing who can demonstrate their capacity to manage Federal/State grant funds and programs at an intensive level in collaboration with multiple partners through satisfactory audit reports; education, experience, and expertise of key personnel; and demonstrated support for the proposal from the applicant’s organization.Applicants must have successfully managed state/community initiatives and have demonstrated substantial expertise in evidence-based practices in providing professional development and technical assistance. Applicants must also exhibit knowledge of ECE systems, and expertise in developmentally and culturally appropriate practices for young children. Extensive knowledge and expertise in providing intensive coaching and consultation to the child care workforce is also required. Lastly, applicants must demonstrate and provide examples of their capacity to provide services to diverse populations, collaborate with vested stakeholders, and work effectively with various state and local agencies.