Childcaring, Inc. is administering a grant program for the Wood County Child Care Task Force that aims to add more regulated child care places across the county.
The money is open to current providers who are ready to expand and to people who want to open a regulated family child care business. Organizers say adding programs should give local families more options and support the workforce behind the county economy.
Three levels of funding are listed: up to $10,000 for someone starting a licensed family child care program, up to $5,000 for a certified family provider moving to licensure, and up to $2,500 for a licensed family provider expanding to care for up to 12 children.
Grants can cover start-up and expansion costs such as remodeling, furniture, indoor and outdoor play equipment, fencing, safety gear including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers, licensing fees, and staff incentive pay for up to 20 percent of the request.
Childcaring Executive Director Kelly Borchardt said wider access to quality care depends on investing in the providers who deliver it, and that the grants are meant to lower the financial hurdles for providers ready to start or grow. The funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act through Wood County.
Applications are due by Oct. 31, 2026. Eligibility details and application materials are on Childcaring's website, and the agency can be reached at 715-841-9490 or [email protected].
