American Recovery Act (ARA) Increasing Child Care Supply in North Carolina
American Recovery Act (ARA) Increasing Child Care Supply in North Carolina supports universities and community colleges with campus construction and renovation to expand child care in storm-affected counties.
Funder: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Due Dates: October 6, 2026, 1:30 p.m. (Pre-application conference) | October 6, 2026, 5:00 p.m. (Intent to Apply) | November 2, 2026, 5:00 p.m. (Application)
Funding Amounts: Award amounts determined by proposed project execution and fund use, pending availability; December 10, 2026–September 30, 2030
Summary: Supports campus child care construction and renovation to increase supply in North Carolina counties affected by Tropical Storms Helene and Debby.
Key Information: Limited to North Carolina universities and community colleges, with projects focused on eligible campuses serving disaster-affected counties.
Description
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, through its Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE), administers this disaster recovery opportunity using American Relief Act supplemental funds under Public Law 118-158. It supports construction of child care centers on North Carolina Community College System and University of North Carolina (UNC) System campuses, or renovation of existing campus buildings or child care centers, to expand supply in counties affected by Tropical Storms Helene and Debby.
The program responds to longstanding early care and education challenges worsened by the pandemic and recent disasters. Expanded campus child care is intended to support children’s development, parents’ ability to work, and business operations. Operational centers are also intended to provide local employment, access for staff, students and communities, and student experience through child care academies, apprenticeships, degree programs or high school CTE coursework.
