We Make Connections

Our goal is to connect existing and start-up childcare providers with businesses needing or wishing to support childcare to partner with each other on grants.

These grants are through the new “Office of Childhood” led by DESE and four other state level organizations:

The Innovation Start-up Grants for child care providers are open now. Application deadline May 31, 2023.
See link  https://earlyconnections.mo.gov/innovation-start

Two new grant programs that opened March 1st for eligible childcare providers and businesses and/or community partners who want to work together to expand childcare in their local community:

• The innovation expansion grant for current programs working with a business or community partner to support increased access to childcare in their community. This will be open through June 2023. https://earlyconnections.mo.gov/innovation-expansion
• The workforce innovation grant for current programs working with a business or community partner to help restore full capacity by providing funding for teachers in child care programs.  This will be open through June 2023. https://earlyconnections.mo.gov/workforce-innovation