Care to Grow Childcare Grant Program
Shawnee Forward has been awarded a grant from the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness (OPSR) as a part of their Preschool Development Grant Birth-to-Five (PDG B-5) initiative to launch “Care to Grow: Childcare Support for Workforce Strength.” This innovative initiative will provide financial relief for working parents while helping local businesses retain talent and strengthen the workforce.
With childcare costs and availability remaining a major hurdle for employees and employers alike, Care to Grow aims to bridge the gap. Through the program, Shawnee Forward member businesses will be eligible for up to $5,000 annually per employee to assist with childcare expenses.
To learn more about the challenges of childcare, download the comprehensive Childcare Workforce Toolkit. It is designed to equip employers and employees with the essential resources they need to navigate childcare challenges effectively.
Care to grow grant program FAQs
Q: How much funding is available per employee?
A: Each eligible employee may receive up to $3,999 in childcare reimbursement through the Care to Grow grant program. Participating businesses are required to provide a 20% match, which amounts to $1,000, for a total of $4,999 in eligible support per employee.
Q: How do I apply for the program?
A: Employers can register their business by downloading and completing the Care to Grow Business Enrollment Application. Submit the completed form to Shawnee Forward via email at Daniel@shawneeforward.comor drop it off at 130 N Louisa, Shawnee, OK 74801.
Q: How many employees can my business enroll?
A: Due to limited funding, businesses may enroll up to 8 employeesduring the initial phase of the program. Shawnee Forward will review participation levels periodically and may consider allowing additional enrollments per business as funding allows.
Q: What childcare expenses are eligible for reimbursement?
A: Reimbursable expenses include payments made to licensed childcare facilities for services provided between February 1, 2025 and December 30, 2025.
Q: My child is only enrolled for part-time care. Is that eligible?
A: Yes! Childcare expenses from a licensed provider, including after-school care or summer care, are eligible for reimbursement if incurred during the approved period.
Q: Can I submit receipts from earlier this year?
A: Yes. Once your employer is enrolled in the program, you may submit childcare receipts for reimbursement (up to the maximum eligible amount) for expenses incurred as far back as February 1, 2025.
Q: Can I submit my childcare invoices for future childcare?
A: No. The Care to Grow program does not prepay for childcare expenses. It only reimburses employers after employees submit receipts for expenses already incurred.
Q: My employer doesn't want to enroll. Can I enroll individually?
A: Unfortunately, no. This program is structured to be administered through employers only. Individual enrollments are not allowed.
Q: How do I know if my employee may be impacted by the “benefits cliff” if they participate and accept funding through this program?
A: All employees are advised that this funding is considered taxable income and may affect eligibility for certain public assistance programs (known as the “benefits cliff”). Employees are strongly encouraged to consult with any agencies or providers of benefits they receive to understand how participation might impact their eligibility.