"MetroAction’s MicroGrant has allowed
us to improve our child care so much.
We are now able to provide activities
that are age appropriate and easy for
the children to understand.”
Lindsay Kulenich
Director
The Sutton Playhouse
MetroAction is committed to improving the availability and quality of affordable child care in northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA). In 2003, MetroAction launched its child care initiative, which consists of a loan program and a MicroGrant program.
MetroAction understands that child care providers are different from the typical entrepreneur. Because of these differences, we have modified our lending criteria for our loan program to accommodate child care providers.
Our MicroGrant program has provided more than $12,000 in grants to 24 child care providers and has impacted 1,250 children across the region.
MetroAction's Child Care MicroGrant program is currently on hold. However, as part of MetroAction's commitment to improving the quality of affordable child care throughout northeastern Pennsylvania, MetroAction will award scholarships to their Small Business Institute program in March and October.
Child care providers located in MetroAction's service area are eligible for scholarships to attend the Small Business Institute (SBI). MetroAction is an approved PQAS certified organization which allows child care providers who attend SBI the opportunity to earn professional development credits recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.
SBI scholarship applications will be accepted starting February 1. Click here for application guidelines and instructions. Applications are due by March 5 at 4:00 PM.
For more information or for a scholarship application, contact us or click here.
Eligibility Criteria for a SBI Scholarship
- The organization must be located in Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Schuylkill, Wayne or Wyoming counties.
- .The organization must submit a completed application by the application deadline.
- .Applicants must be in good standing with the Department of Public Welfare and must not have any pending legal issues or complaints and must also be current with all of their taxes.
Use of Funds:
Small Business Institute Scholarship applications must describe how the child care center will utilize the business practices learned with measurable and actual methods. In addition, MetroAction is certified through the PA Department of Public Welfare's PA Keys program. Child care providers attending the Small Business Institute earn professional development credits.
Important Notes:
- Three (3) Small Business Institute (SBI) scholarships will be awarded.
- Applications will only be accepted during the following timeframe: February 1, 2010 through March 5, 2010.
- Application materials will NOT be returned to the applicant. Scholarship recipients must attend a Small Business Institute (SBI) program of their choice within six (6) months of receiving their scholarship. A complete schedule will be provided to all recipients.
Child Care MicroGrant Summary
MetroAction Child Care MicroGrants have directly impacted the quality of child care provided to more than 1300 children throughout northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA). From creating science centers and sick rooms to purchasing new curriculum and outdoor play equipment, these grants are providing better learning environments for our children.
Below is a summary of the projects that MetroAction’s MicroGrant program has supported.
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 |
|
2009 SBI Scholarship Recipients |
|
Wyoming Valley Montessori School |
Freckles and Frills Daycare Center |
Candy Apple Daycare Center |
|
2009 MicroGrant Projects |
|
Little Acres Learning Center |
The Good Shepherd |
Mountaintop Kids |
United Neighborhood Centers, Bellevue Center |
Daydreamers Child Care |
Wee Wons |
Kinder Kampus |
Robin’s Nest |
H.A.N.D.S of Wyoming County |
|
2008 MicroGrant Projects |
|
Angela’s Child Development |
Little Acres Play and Learning Center |
Children’s Palace |
Shining Stars |
Good Shepherd Child Care |
|
2007 MicroGrant Projects |
|
Ann Street School |
Sutton Playhouse |
Freckles and Frills, Inc. |
Tiny Treasures |
Keystone College’s Oppenheim Family Children’s Center |
Tobyhanna Kids Day Care |
Little People West |
United Neighborhood Centers Bellevue Center |
Stepping Stones Play and Learning Center |
Watson’s Day Care |
2006 MicroGrant Projects |
|
Angela’s Child Development |
Little People Day Care |
Children’s Palace |
Precious Ones Child Care |
Endless Mountains Learning Center |
|
