In partnership with the Tennessee Department of Human Services, ChildcareTennessee administers a variety of grants to support TDHS-licensed child care programs and early childhood education in Tennessee.
Programs can apply for items in three separate categories:
- Equipment
- Program enhancements and supplies
- Coaches and consultants
Support and Enhancement Grant
Support and Enhancement Grants allow any child care provider licensed with Tennessee Department of Human Services to apply for up to $4,000 to enhance equipment, programs, including supplies, and consultants and coaches.
Programs participating in the Child Care Certificate Program (CCCP) are eligible to apply for an additional $1,000.
Child care agencies in economically distressed counties identified in by the Governor’s office may apply for an additional $1,000. These counties are Lake, Hardeman, Perry, Clay, Bledsoe, Scott, Hancock and Cocke.
Safety Supplemental Grant
Licensed child care programs with the TDHS seeking to enhance safety and security in their programs can apply for up to $4,000. Programs can apply for consultants conducting building assessments or intruder training for staff, items related to building security, emergency preparedness kits and other related items.
Providers must have already applied and have been approved for the current Support and Enhancement Grant cycle.
Supplemental Grants
Licensed child care programs with TDHS may be eligible to apply for one-time $1,000 Supplemental Enhancement Grants. Providers must have applied and have been approved for the current Support and Enhancement Grant cycle, as well as meet other eligibility requirements.
Supplemental Enhancement Grants are available in five categories:
- Accreditation
- Infant/Toddler Specialization
- Preschool/Pre-K Specialization
- Remediation
- Tennessee Early Childhood Education Administrator Credential (TECPAC)
Applications will be by referral-only through the appropriate partner organization for each Supplemental Enhancement Grant.
Establishment Grant
New child care programs in good standing within the pre-licensing program with TDHS may apply for an Establishment Grant in any amount up to $1,000 per licensed slot, up to maximum of $100,000.
These applications are invitation-only after providers have completed all of the required steps with Pre-licensing and met other eligibility requirements.
Expansion Grant
Existing TDHS-licensed child care programs who have increased their licensed capacity and who participate in the Child Care Certificate Program (CCCP) may apply for an Expansion Grant in any amount up to $1,000 per licensed slot, up to maximum of $100,000.
These applications are invitation-only after providers have met eligibility requirements.
Learn More and Apply for Grants
This project is funded through a grant with the Tennessee Department of Human Services and Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
