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Grant Application - FY2027 Alliance for Children Subsidized Child Care Assistance Application for Funding
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INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ashley Lantz, Human Services Agency - Social Services Department, Director, 704-296-4380
ACTION REQUESTED:
Authorize the County Manager to submit the associated grant application and make necessary assurances and certifications associated with the grant application as substantially consistent with this agenda item, which includes the authorization to execute documents related to award of the grant and budget funds as appropriate.
PRIOR BOARD ACTIONS:
None.
BACKGROUND:
The Union County Human Service Agency Department of Social Services seeks approval to apply for FY27 Smart Start grant funding to support our Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program. North Carolina boasts one of the highest rates of working mothers with young children in the nation, making the availability of quality child care essential for the State's economic development and stability. Many of Union County's working families are struggling financially to meet the needs of their families. The availability of affordable, quality, legal and safe child care offers them financial support and relief as well as increases their likelihood of being successful in their jobs. By providing subsidized child care assistance to children in Union County, pre-school aged children can get a high-quality early childhood education which increases their chances of being healthy and more socialized. Additionally, early education enhances a child's ability to learn therefore they are better prepared for academic success when it is time for them to enter kindergarten.
In FY25, a total of 679 unduplicated children were served through the Subsidized Child Care Program. 105 of those children were funded with Smart Start Funds. The target population we serve with Smart Start Funds is pre-school aged (birth through age 5) residents of Union County, who are placed in a 5 star Union County child care facility or a 5-star child care home that has completed an agreement through NC FAST. One of our goals is to reach out and provide childcare assistance to as many eligible Union County families possible so they can become more financially stable in conjunction with strengthening each child's health, emotional development and educational foundation.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
In FY26, we received a total of $1,080,000 Smart Start funds for Subsidized Child Care Assistance, including $155,000 for personnel and $925,000 for direct purchase of services. For FY27, we are requesting a total of $1,105,000 which includes $155,000 for personnel and $950,000 for direct purchase of services. No county funds are required. The FY2027 financial cost to Union County is an in-kind contribution of 19%, which is typically provided by the Human Services Agency through County personnel and use of office space. We will know the exact funding amount for which we are eligible when the RFP is released in January 2026.