PDG Newsletter April 13, 2022

Project Growth Grant Applications Closed

The application period for Partner Up! and Dream Up! grant programs closed last week and we had an overwhelming response! Over the coming weeks, these applications will be reviewed and scored, then award notifications will go out at the end of the month.  

At this time, no decisions have been made regarding a second round of Partner Up! applications. However, more funds may be made available starting July 1, 2022 to fund additional awards for those who applied between February 28 – April 4.

Round 2 of Dream Up! grant applications open in fall 2022.

In the meantime, we encourage you to continue to use our Project Growth webpages, including these resources:

To get the latest news and announcements, sign up for email updates on Project Growth.

Still have questions? Email us at wipdg@wisconsin.gov.

Just Released Wisconsin Employer Perceptions of Early Care and Education: 2021 Comprehensive Research Findings

In the fall of 2021, DCF surveyed nearly 1,000 Wisconsin employers from every county in the state, across a wide range of industries. The goal was to better understand their perceptions about early care and education for children between birth and age 5, as well as what barriers businesses face in supporting employees’ child care needs. Gaining insight into their perspectives can help us connect Wisconsin business owners with the child care information and community-based resources they—and their employees—need to thrive.

Now you can download the comprehensive research findings or view our previously published snapshot document.

Featured Community Innovation Grant Awardee: Children’s Wisconsin – Black River Falls

Community Innovation Grants (CIG) were awarded in early 2021 to support young children, ages birth to 5, and their families in our communities. Awardees used the funds for early care and education (ECE) programs/projects that address the issues of equity, workforce, access, affordability, quality, kindergarten readiness, and local collaboration. We’ll continue featuring one awardee and their grant activities over the coming newsletters.

Children’s Wisconsin – Black River Falls

Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin – Black River Falls provides services and resources to families with children ages 0-5 in Jackson and Trempealeau Counties to improve the social and emotional health of children and the overall well-being of families.

Children’s Wisconsin – Black River Falls partnered with Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council to implement their community innovation project. Together, they used the grant funds to provide Family Navigators, education programs, and connection to referral sources by:

  • Hiring, training, and supporting 1.5 family resource specialists
  • Serving 174 families, including 348 children, through community outreach, providing resources and referrals, and Positive Parenting Program services
  • Holding six provider and community trainings around self-advocacy, educating providers and early care education on the topics of the Wisconsin Pyramid Model, Trauma Informed Care, Building Protective Factors, and cultural humility

Congratulations to Children’s Wisconsin – Black River Falls for completing their grant activities in 2021 and best wishes in sustaining your important community work into the future!

Announcing the Launch of Raising Wisconsin

Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) is thrilled to announce the official launch of Raising Wisconsin, a statewide initiative dedicated to advocating for transformational change in Wisconsin’s early care and education system and optimal child health and well-being.

Raising Wisconsin is powered by a multi-sector coalition, led by WECA, which brings together expertise and experiences from across the state to push this important effort forward. The initiative builds upon the efforts of the Wisconsin Infant Toddler Policy Project, which began in 2019 and is closely aligned to the Preschool Development Grant. Visit the Raising Wisconsin website to learn more.

New Funding Opportunity for ECE Workforce Apprenticeship Programs

On February 23, 2022, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced their Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) Grant Program which provides opportunities for workers to “learn while they earn” in priority, in-demand industries, including child care, Head Start and other early learning settings. Approximately $113 million in ABA grant funding is available to expand and strengthen the Registered Apprenticeship Programs through support for public and private partnerships designed to serve a range of industries and individuals. The funding opportunity closes April 25, 2022 and eligible applicants include nonprofits, labor organizations, public and state institutes of higher education, and county governments (for a complete list of eligibility requirements, see the FOA linked below). Learn more and apply for this program online.