Make Way for Kids Infant and Toddler Capacity Building Grants
Forecasted
Make Way for Kids Infant and Toddler Capacity Building Grants support Vermont child care providers in starting, expanding, or preserving care to increase access to infant and toddler spaces.
Funder: Vermont Department for Children and Families
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (Round 2) | May 2027 (Round 3) | September 2027 (Round 1)
Funding Amounts: Up to $12,000 for family child care homes; up to $45,000 for centers and other eligible applicants
Summary: Supports Vermont child care projects that create or preserve infant and toddler spaces, including start-ups, expansions, and extended-hour care.
Key Information: Programs must participate in CCFAP and accept eligible families; consultation with First Children’s Finance is required.
Description
Make Way for Kids supports Vermont projects that increase the supply of excellent child care, primarily for infants and toddlers. First Children’s Finance (FCF) administers the program in partnership with the Vermont Child Development Division (CDD) and Let’s Grow Kids, using funding from CDD within the Vermont Agency of Human Services, Department for Children and Families.
Projects should respond to local community needs. Supported approaches include starting new programs, expanding existing capacity, adding evening or weekend care for infants and toddlers, and maintaining classrooms or programs that might otherwise close. The program emphasizes equitable access, underserved communities, inclusive and culturally appropriate care, and services for children with specialized needs. FCF provides technical assistance during application development and throughout the grant period to support project sustainability.
