Infant and Toddler Expansion Grant (Fall 2026)

Infant and Toddler Expansion Grant

The Infant and Toddler Expansion Grant creates a powerful opportunity to increase access to high-quality, licensed child care for Guilford County’s youngest learners, ages 0 to 24 months. Through this initiative, the Guilford County Partnership for Children (GCPC) will award Expansion Grants to licensed child care facilities in Guilford County that are committed to adding infant and toddler slots. Priority will be given to programs with a 4- or 5-star rating from the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (NC DCDEE), with select 3-star programs working toward higher quality considered based on available funding. This locally driven investment brings a proven model from Buncombe County to Guilford County and strengthens the county’s early childhood learning infrastructure at a time of growing demand for infant care. This work is made possible through a grant from Women to Women, an initiative of the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, supporting GCPC’s broader mission to ensure every child enters school safe, healthy, and ready to succeed through strong partnerships and early learning access driven by data informed decisions. Licensed providers interested in expanding high-quality infant and toddler care are encouraged to complete the application below to learn more about eligibility, timelines, and next steps.
CENTER INFORMATION
Legal Business Name of Center:
Director Name (as listed with DCDEE):
Phone Number:
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Director Email Address:
example@example.com
Name of Person Authorized to Enter into Contracts/Agreements:
Title of Person Authorized to Enter into Contracts/Agreements:
Center's Physical Address:

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code
Center's Mailing Address:

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code
Division of Child Development (DCDEE) Facility License Number:
Federal Employee Identification Number or Social Security Number:
Current Licensing Star Rating:
If you are currently a 3-star, what plans are in place to achieve a 4- or 5-star license?
What is your current enrollment per age group? (required)*
Do you currently have a wait list?
If yes, please indicate the number of children on the wait list per age group. Enter “NA” for any age group without a wait list. (required)*
What is the typical wait time for a child on your wait list?
Do you have open slots available for new children?
If yes, please indicate the number of vacancies per age group. Enter “NA” for any age group without any vacancies. (required)*
If yes, please explain why your center has vacancies:
How many children currently receive childcare subsidy per age group? Enter “NA” for any age group that does not receive childcare subsidy. (required)*
How many classrooms do you currently have per age group? (required)*
How many teachers do you currently have per age group? (required)*
Do you currently have staff for an infant or toddler classroom?
Tell us about your staffing plan for the new infant or toddler classroom. Will you rely on existing staff, new hires, or both? If you plan to hire, briefly describe the role, any required qualifications, and how you plan to cover costs such as background checks and onboarding.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your staffing? (ex: The number of floaters or other staff you have)
PROJECT NARRATIVE AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
How will the funds requested be used?
Please download the budget worksheet using the link below, complete all applicable sections, and upload your completed worksheet upload section below. Be as specific as possible for each line item. Your total must not exceed $7,500.

To open the worksheet, right click and select 'open in new tab"

From there, folow the prompts below.

📎 Download Budget Worksheet
1. Select "File"
2. Select "Create Copy"
3. Select "Download a copy"
Need help? The worksheet includes an Example Tab that walks you through how to fill it in. You are also welcome to reach out to information@guilfordchildren.org with any questions.

Be sure to upload below once you have completed the form.
Budget Worksheet Upload

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Describe how your project will expand infant and toddler care spots, including any changes to staffing, enrollment, physical space, and any groundwork you have already completed that would support your success.
Walk us through your first steps if you received funding today. What would you tackle first, and when do you realistically expect to have new children enrolled and attending?
Describe how your project will expand infant/toddler care spots. Please include your plan and a description of any changes involving a) staffing, b) enrollment, c) physical space (including renovations, supplies, and materials), d) any groundwork you have already completed that would make this project successful, and e) a detailed timeline.
Describe your center’s long-term goals and how you plan to sustain additional slots if awarded the grant (this could include financial reserves, other funding, staffing patterns, or other relevant information):
Tell us about your experience with completing a project from beginning to end. What is your role in directing and/or supporting quality improvement at your center?
IMPACT
Please describe how your proposed project would impact the children, families, and educators you serve:
What supports do you provide to your educators? (Ex: educator training, professional development, mentorship programs, WAGE$, technical assistance) Please be specific about the programs used.
How many new infant slots do you anticipate adding within one year of receiving the grant?
How many new toddler slots do you anticipate adding within one year of receiving the grant?
How many new early childhood educator positions do you anticipate adding as a result of this expansion?
How do you plan to recruit families to fill the new infant and toddler slots you are creating?
Do you plan to include a Next Level Graphix marketing package as a line item in your grant budget?
What is your plan to retain the educators you bring on through this expansion? Please share any specific strategies, programs, or supports you plan to put in place.
Describe the number of infant/toddler spots you will be able to add within one (1) year of receiving the grant funding:
Grant amount requested (maximum: $7,500.00):
How did you learn about the Infant-Toddler Expansion Grant? Check all that apply.

Other
If you do not receive funding this round, could your proposed project benefit from receiving funding at a later round? (please explain):
CERTIFICATION AND SIGNATURE
Name of person completing form:
Title of person completing form:
By signing below, I certify that all the above reported information is accurate and complete and is subject to verification, audit, and monitoring by Guilford County Partnership for Children or its representatives.
Should be Empty: